Zahla

views updated

ZAHLA

The capital of Lebanon's Biqa valley and the center of its economic activity.

Under the mandate, Zahla (also Zahleh) was a small town growing silkworms for export to France; it has developed into a major economic hub for the Biqa Valley, with a population of 55,000 (2002). The city's geographic location makes it an important station for commercial trucks coming into or leaving Lebanon. Zahla's main economic activity centers around the farming and poultry industries.

see also biqa valley.

george e. irani

More From encyclopedia.com