Religion: Muslim 61.1%, Christian 33.7%, Druze 5.2% (2018 est.)
Timeline
1918 – After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, France gains control of the area that comprises modern-day Lebanon.
November 1943 – Lebanon proclaims independence.
1948-1975 – A large number of Palestinian refugees settle in Lebanon after the creation of Israel in May 1948. The frequent clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters unsettle the country. Also at times, the Lebanese army fights battles against the Palestinians, causing further unrest.
July-October 1958 – US forces help to control civil unrest.
1975 – Civil war breaks out.
1976 – At the invitation of the Lebanese government, Syria sends troops, called the Arab Deterrent Force, to help end the civil war.