A reed-roofed town set among the eastern foothills of Mount Sannine.

Zahlé was founded about 300 years ago in an area whose human habitation dates back some five millennia.

[1] The Zahlé district is one of the most diverse regions in Lebanon.

As of 2022, the religious make-up of the District's 183,425 voters were roughly 30% Sunni, 17% Greek Catholic, 17% Shia, 16% Maronite Catholics, 9% Greek Orthodox, and 11% others.

[2] The area is also home to a modest Armenian Orthodox and Catholic population, who have historically resided near the Anjar area of the district.