|
Location
Situated in the Akkar caza in the mohafaza of the North, Bebnine is 20 km. away
from Tripoli, 110 km. from the capital and has an altitude of 100 m.
Surface
The area is estimated at 680 hectares.
Population
The registered population is approximated at 12,000 people, with 8,000 residents
distributed among almost 1,200 households.
Number of Voters
In the year 2000, voters were in the region of 7,300 people, mostly belonging to
the Sunnite sect (99.4%) with about 0.4% divided among other sects.
Main Families
The following are some of the main families making up the voter base of the
town:
El-Masri: 488 voters
Rifai: 425 voters
Kassar: 370 voters
Sebsebi: 300 voters
Hajj: 225 voters
Khaled: 190 voters
Merhebi: 162 voters
Daher: 24 voters
Local Societies
A municipal council chaired by Adnan Rifai is composed of 18 members, while the
town has six mayors.
Educational Institutions
There are nine educational institutions, four of which are public, four that are
private and one that is a subsidized private school. The total number of
students is estimated at 3,500 pupils.
Clubs and Associations
There is one club and six associations, including the Fishing Cooperative.
Economic Activity
The towns economy is largely based on the existence of approximately 400 small
industrial and commercial businesses (Trade and Smithery). However, the fishing
trade and ship manufacturing constitute the main professions of 70% of
residents. In addition, 15% of the population is employed in agricultural
activities, while the remaining residents work in the public or private sectors,
or are self-employed.
Special Features
The town is mainly characterized by the boom in population figures, with a
growth rate of 207% from 1965 to the present, primarily due to the high birth
rate and low emigration. Residents numbered 3,900 in 1965, as compared to 12,000
people today. These figures contrast with the national average growth rate which
ranges between 1.5% - 1.7% annually. These figures also counter the general
perception that predominantly Shiite towns have the highest birth rates in the
country.
Table 1 shows the evolution of population growth rates in several areas between
the years 1965-2000.
|
