Zgharta, Lebanon

Capital City

Living in Zgharta means grappling with a heavy bureaucracy and a population of around 50,000 spread across five sectors. The city's history is intertwined with its neighbor Ehden, as most residents decamp to the mountain town each summer to escape the hot, dry conditions. While Zgharta was home to two former Lebanese presidents, its political power is dominated by a few influential families. For those undeterred by the administrative headaches and seeking an agricultural hub with ties to the Maronite Church, Zgharta could be a suitable choice.