Time Zone |
America/New_York |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC-5 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC-4 |
Time Zone |
Asia/Beirut |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+2 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+3 |
Foster is a town in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States, located in the west-central part of the state. Being one of the most sparsely populated towns in Rhode Island, Foster is known for its serene countryside and natural beauty. With an area of approximately 140 square kilometers and a 2020 population of approximately 4,600, the town retains a strong rural New England character.
Foster was founded in 1781 and takes its name from Theodore Foster, an early settler in the area. The terrain is predominantly hilly and forested, with several nature preserves, including portions of the famous George Washington Managed Forest. Scattered throughout the town are farms, historic buildings, and winding country roads, presenting a typical 18th and 19th century New England countryside.
The economy is based on agriculture and small businesses, and the area is known for its production of maple syrup, cider, and crafts. Residents live at a leisurely pace, and community activities revolve around historic preservation societies and agricultural shows. Although Foster does not have a major commercial center, it is only a 40-minute drive from the capital city of Providence, offering a combination of rural tranquility and urban convenience.
Visitors can explore the Foster Historical Society Museum, hike the Primitive Forest Trail, or attend the Fall Harvest Festival. Its well-preserved stone walls, old churches and seasonal farmers' markets offer an immersive experience of the rural Northeastern United States.
Jbeil, also known as Byblos, is a historic city on the Mediterranean coast of Lebanon, about 40 kilometers north of the capital Beirut. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Jbeil dates back to 7000 BC and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city is known as an important port for the ancient Phoenician civilization and was once the center of the Egyptian papyrus trade, with the word "Byblos" deriving from the Greek word for "papyrus". Archaeological sites including Phoenician temples, a Roman theater, a Crusader castle and the Ottoman-era Old Town attract visitors to explore its layers of history.
Today, Jubail blends old-world charm with modern life, and with its picturesque fishing ports, traditional bazaars and waterfront restaurants, it is an important cultural destination in Lebanon. Its economy is based on tourism, handicrafts and fishing, and its mild climate makes it suitable for year-round visits.