Ras el-Matn or (Ras el-Metn) or (Ra's al-Matn) () is a Lebanese town and municipality in the Baabda District of Mount Lebanon Governorate stretching over 1300 hectares (13 km² - 5 mi²). The town has a population of nearly 11,000 inhabitants who are Druze and Eastern Orthodox Christians. Etymology The name literally translates "top" (ras) of "the mountain" (el-matn). It describes the town's location as being perched on top of the shoulder of Mount Lebanon. It is well known for the abundance of pine trees there. Location Ras el-Matn is a town in Lebanon located on the western steep slopes of Mount Lebanon, in the upper Matn (al-Matn al-A'la) section at varying elevation between 800 and 1000 m above sea level. It's known for its panoramic views and pine trees and its location giving a view to the western sections of el-Matn and the Mediterranean Sea. From its heights one can look out across the valley to the towns of Dhour Chweir, Baabdat, Broumana and Beit Mery The town is 29 kilometers (18.0206 mi) away from the Lebanese capital city Beirut. All roads leading to the town traverse unspoiled landscape of pine-clad hills and rivers, such as the Jaramani river along the Monteverdi road. There are several possible routes to Ras el Matn: Beirut - Mkalles - Mansouriyeh - Monteverdi - Qortada - Ras el-Matn Beirut - Joumhour - Araya - Abadieh - Rouweiset Ballout - Mzaira - Deir Khona - Ras el-Matn Beirut - Aley - Bhamdoun - Baalishmeih - Chbeniyeh - Hamana - Deir el-Harf - Ras el-Matn Population The town has a population of nearly 10,000 inhabitants who are Druze and Eastern Orthodox Christians. This villages is notable for its sense of civic pride. Baabda - Louayzeh counted 4846 residents (estimation). In the municipal Lebanese elections of 2004, it accounted 7149 registered voters of which 4279 actual voters. Ras el-Matn has two schools, one public school and one private school. 391 students are schooled in the public institution, and 68 are schooled in the private one. Heritage Ras el-Matn is the birthplace of Lebanese writer Anis Freiha and the scholar ‘Ajaj Nuwayhid. Ras el-Matn is home to many great athletes, and the schools participate in Basketball and Football leagues. The most notable building inside the town is the historical Serail of the Lam'iyin princess built in 1775. The huge building later served as a high school. Although