Global Experience Newsletter

Lebanon is bounded on the north and east by Syria, on the west by the Mediterranean, and on the south by Israel. Lebanon consists of two mountain chains, the Lebanon and the ane-Lebanon; a narrow coastal strip, where all the major cities lie and a fertile plain, the Bekaa valley, which lies between two mountain chains provides most of the local agricultural produce.

The capital, Beirut, was chosen for its ideal location on the Mediterranean and acts as the heart of Lebanon's banking industry, tourism, and trade. The port of Beirut is the busiest and most important in the country.

Around ninety five per cent of the population is Arab, 4 per cent is Armenian and other ethnic backgrounds comprise the remaining 1 percent. Many Christian Lebanese do not identify themselves as Arab but rather as descendents of the ancient Canaanites and prefer to be called Phoenicians.

Article 11 of Lebanon's Constitution states that "Arabic is the official national language". A law determines the cases in which the French language may be used". The majority of Lebanese people speak Arabic and either French or English fluently. Moreover, Lebanese people of Armenian or Greek descent also speak Armenian or Greek fluently. Also, in use is Kurdish spoken by some of the Kurdish minorities in Lebanon and Syriac by the Syriac minorities. Other languages spoken in Lebanon are Circassian, Tigrinya, Sinhala, Turkish, Azerbaijani, Polish, Russian and Romanian and Turkmen.

Greetings in Lebanon are an interesting mix of both the French and Muslim/Arab cultures. A warm and welcoming smile accompanied by a handshake while saying "Marhaba" is a greeting that can be given without causing offense. You will see the greeting of close friends with three kisses on the cheek, alternating cheeks in the French style. Take time when greeting a person and be sure to ask about their family, health, etc. If man, is greeting Muslim women you may find that some wish not to shake hands; it is best to see if a hand is extended or not first.

Gifts are part and parcel of the culture and are not only for birthdays and special occasions. Gifts may be given to someone who has provided a favour, to someone returning from a trip overseas, or simply out of want. The cost of the gift is not nearly as important as what it represents - friendship. If you are invited to a Lebanese home, it is customary to bring flowers. If invited for a meal, you may bring sweets or pastries. If visiting a Muslim family, it is a good idea to say that the gift is for the host rather than the hostess. Gifts of alcohol are welcome in many circles. Muslims though generally do not drink alcohol. A small gift such a sweet for the children is always a nice touch. Gifts may be given with the right hand or both hands. It is best not to offer a gift with the left hand.

Lebanese cuisine is Mediterranean. Pita bread is a staple. The Lebanese enjoy hummus (a chick pea dip), fool (a fava bean dip) and other bean dishes. Rice is nearly a staple and pasta is very popular. Salted yogurt is common in many dishes. Red meat and chicken are common but are usually eaten as part of a dish. Pork is less popular since it is forbidden under Islamic Law.

Eating in Lebanon is tied to family; people almost never eat alone. The Lebanese consider eating out a social and almost aesthetic expectations. Hence, restaurants usually have a pleasant view, of which Lebanon's geography affords many.

Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, is the occassion for large meals at sundown. Soup, fatteh (a chic pea and yogurt dish) and karbooj (a nut-rich pastry) are especially eaten during Ramadan. During lent, Christians eat meatless dishes and at Barbara (Hallowen) they eat a variety of wheat based dishes.

All Christians and most Muslims who live in the cities wear European style clothes. In poorer Muslim towns and in some Muslim areas in the main cities, one may still find the Muslim chador (the veil traditional Muslim women wear). In the countryside, women sometimes wear traditional colourful skirts and men wear a traditional serwal (baggy trousers).

Education is very important in Lebanon. Many parents prefer to place their children in the more expensive religious private schools, where they may receive moral guidance. Children are encouraged to learn and to be quiet. Parents are usually strict and demand great devotion. Lebanese children grow up with deep respect for their parents.