Aitaroun

Aitaroun (or Aytaroun, Arabic: عيترون) is a Lebanese village located in the caza of Bint-Jbeil at 33.1156° North, 35.4722° East. It is on the northern border of Israel and 125 km from Beirut.

Population

Aitaroun is considered one of the larger villages in southern Lebanon with a total population estimated at 20,000 (2002). However, the actual number of residents is now considered to be significantly higher. The non-resident population is divided between emigrants and internal migrants distributed throughout Lebanon. Approximately 45% of the population is under the age of 30 and the average family size is 6-7 members.

Economy

Most families depend on agriculture as their primary source of income. During the 22 year Israeli occupation (1978 to 2000), the village received a significant cash flow from forced (as well as hired) enlistment in the Israeli funded South Lebanon Army and through work in Israel.

Housing and infrastructure

There are around 1,300 homes in the village. An electrical network was established in 1964 and access to telecommunications is fully restored since 2006. In 2005 a telephone exchange was installed in the village offering connectivity to Lebanon's telephone network. Mobile communications and internet connectivity where also fully restored.