North Governorate

North Governorate (الشمال, Aš Šamāl) is one of the governorates of Lebanon and one of the two governorates of North Lebanon. Its capital is Tripoli. Ramzi Nohra has been its governor since May 2, 2014. The population of North Governorate is 731,251.

Historical Overview
The North Governorate, rich in historical significance, has been a pivotal region throughout Lebanon's history. From ancient civilizations to Ottoman rule and French mandate, the area has witnessed numerous cultural and political shifts. Landmarks like the Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles in Tripoli and the Qadisha Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, underscore the governorate's historical richness.

Economic Activities
The North Governorate's economy is diverse, encompassing agriculture, tourism, traditional crafts, and small industries. The region is renowned for its olive oil, citrus fruits, and textiles. Tourism, driven by attractions such as the Cedars of God and historical sites in Tripoli, plays a significant role in the local economy.

Cultural Significance
The governorate is home to several higher education institutions, including the University of Balamand in Koura and the Lebanese University faculties spread across the region. These institutions are pivotal in promoting educational and cultural development.

Major Educational Institutions
The governorate is a melting pot of religious and cultural traditions, hosting numerous festivals like the Ehdeniyat International Festival. It has produced prominent figures in literature, arts, and politics, reflecting its rich cultural heritage.

Conservation Efforts
Environmental conservation is a priority, with initiatives focused on preserving the unique biodiversity of areas like the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve. Efforts include reforestation projects and the protection of endangered species.



Districts
North Governorate is divided into districts, or aqdya. The districts are listed below (capitals in parentheses):


 * Batroun (Batroun)
 * Bsharri (Bsharri)
 * Koura (Amioun)
 * Miniyeh-Danniyeh District (Miniyeh)
 * Tripoli (Tripoli)
 * Zgharta (Zgharta / Ehden)

A law was passed in 2003 by former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri to separate Akkar District from North Governorate and form a new governorate, Akkar Governorate. Implementation of Akkar Governorate began in 2014 with the appointment of its first governor. Top attractions in North Governorate include places such as the Cedars of God, Qadisha Valley, Gibran Museum, Citadel Saint Gilles, Phoenician Wall, Deir Qozhaya, Khan Al-Khayyatin, Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, Ixsir, St. Stephan's Cathedral, Tannourine Cedar Forest Nature Reserve and Baatara Pothole.

Religion in North Governorate
Sunnis make up the overwhelming majority in the city of Tripoli and the Minyeh and Danniyeh districts with some presence in Zgharta and the Koura districts, Alawites are present only in a small part in the city of Tripoli, while Christians make up the overwhelming majority in Zgharta, Batroun, Bsharri and Koura districts (91% based on registered voters). According to the 2018 general election, 52.9% of the electorate was Sunni, while 44% was Christian, mainly Maronites and Orthodox; a very small percentage was Alawite or Shia Muslim. This however does not include the population under 18 years nor non-nationals (including both Syrians and Palestinians).

Top attractions in North Governorate include places such as

Electoral Constituencies and Confessional Distribution
The North governorate is divided into two separate electoral constituencies: North II (Tripoli-Minnieh-Danniyeh) and North III (Batroun-Zghorta-Koura-Bsharri).

North II's seats are distributed as follows:


 * 8 Sunni Muslims (5 in Tripoli, 1 in Minnieh, 2 in Dennieh)
 * 1 Alawite Muslim (in Tripoli)
 * 1 Maronite Christian (in Tripoli)
 * 1 Orthodox Christian (in Tripoli)

North III's seats are distributed as follows:


 * 7 Maronite (2 in Batroun, 2 in Bsharri, 3 in Zgharta)
 * 3 Orthodox (all in Koura district)