Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon with a population of approximately 2.1 million people in its metropolitan area. Although having something of a reputation as a city destroyed by civil war and terrorist interventions, Beirut is now trying to put the past behind it and recapture something of the glamour it possessed before 1975, when it was described as the "Paris of the Middle East". The city has undertaken an aggressive rebuilding policy, much of which was spurred on by the pivotal role and leadership of the former Lebanese prime minister, Rafik Hariri. The city has since regained its status as a tourist, cultural and intellectual centre of the Middle East, as well as the center for commerce, fashion and media. Visit the amazing beach clubs and party on Monot Street. Shop in the multiple city shopping centers, including Monoprix, ABC (pronounced 'Ah-Beh-Seh'), and Dune. Downtown Beirut is a network of cafes, restaurants, higher-end fashion outlets, and the crown of Beirut's 'resurrection'.  Walk along al-Manara/Rausche, the beachside boardwalk that overlooks the Mediterranean. Hamra and Ashrafiyeh are both extremely busy shopping districts, and are both crucial to any visit of Beirut.