Halba, Lebanon

Halba (Arabic: حلبا) is the capital of Akkar Governorate in northern Lebanon, close to the border with Syria. It is located at around 34°33′2″N 36°4′41″E. Its population is divided between Sunni Muslim, Greek Orthodox Christians, Maronites, and followers of other religions.^[1]

Halba حلبا
Town
Halba
Halba at night (2014)
Halba Location within Lebanon
Coordinates: 34°33′2″N 36°4′41″E
Country	Lebanon
Governorate	Akkar Governorate
District	Akkar District
Elevation	167 m (548 ft)
Population  (2013)
• Total	4,730 eligible voters
Time zone	UTC+2 (EET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+3 (EEST)
Dialing code	+961

History

In 1838, Eli Smith noted the village, whose inhabitants were Greek Orthodox, located west of esh-Sheikh Mohammed.^[2]

In 1856 it was named Halba on Kiepert's map of Palestine/Lebanon published that year.^[3]

Halba is home to Sada Akkar Newspaper, the only privately owned news agency in Akkar District. Halba is also home to a Lebanese Red Cross First Aid Center.^[4] Today, the town has expanded from a village and has a majority Sunni Muslim population.

Demographics

In 2014, Muslims made up 61.49% and Christians made up 38.27% of registered voters in Halba. 60.76% of the voters were Sunni Muslims, 26.46% were Greek Orthodox and 8.50% were Maronite Catholics.^[5]