Lebanon, located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, is perhaps best characterized as a mix of many elements. These includes cultures (Greek, Phoenician, Arab), languages (Arabic, French, English), and religions (Islam, Christianity, Druze). While these mixtures have created a vibrant society, there are also many challenges confronting the country. Perhaps the most well-known is the 2020 explosion in Beirut, which killed and injured many and caused massive economic damage. As with much in Lebanon, the roots of calamity can be traced back to corruption. Beyond corruption (or perhaps as a result) Lebanon has weathered multiple financial crises and is currently dealing with the economic fallout from the pandemic and regional instability (particularly from the Syrian Civil War).