GENERAL OVERVIEW
North Lebanon, which previously constituted one governorate with seven districts was effectively split into two governorates in 2014, following an earlier administrative decision. Tripoli and five surrounding districts (T5) maintained the denomination of North Governorate, while the district of Akkar became a governorate with the same name. While certain institutions and positions were divided (e.g. the post of the governor), others remain joint for the two governorates (e.g. the North Lebanon Water Establishments).
Akkar covers 788 km2 of territory and is one of the most deprived rural regions in Lebanon and shares 100 km of borders with Syria. Akkar is divided into six main areas: Al-Sahel, Middle and Higher Dreib,
Joume, Shaffat and Qaita. Its capital Halba, lies 30 km away from Tripoli. There are at least 27 border villages with Syria, with three official crossing points (El Aarida, El Aaboudieh and Boqaiaa).
POPULATION OVERVIEW
Akkar has a population of 252,917 scattered across 283 villages and towns. The population is primarily Sunni with a minority of Christians and Alawites. Wadi Khaled hosted the first displaced Syrians who entered Lebanon in 2011, but as the crisis developed, refugees began to settle all over Akkar.
The majority of Syrian refugees in Akkar come from Homs, Idlieb, Aleppo, and Hama. As of 7 August, there are 109,270 refugees registered in Akkar.