country profile
COUNTRY PROFILE
LEBANON
CULTURAL FEATURES
-Geography
- History
- Economy
Lebanon is part of the Middle East and is located on the Eastern shore of the Mediterranean sea. The neighboring countries consist of Syria and Israel.
After World War 1 France was given control over Lebanon and Syria, this having a major impact in the shaping of both countries. Till this day French along with English is one of the widely spoken and written dialects in Lebanon. After many years Lebanon finally became independent on the 26th of November, 1941. Another important moment in the Lebanese history was the civil war which broke out in 1975 and lasted till the 90's. The Muslim Lebanese groups allied with the Palestinians both fighting against the Christian groups (Maronite). During the civil war constantly allies shifted and the war concluded with nearly every party betraying each other. Neighboring countries such as Israel and Syria became involved in the civil war and joined or allied with different parties. The conclusion of the war was to divide the power in the country 50/50 between the Muslims and the Christians.
The Lebanese economy is one of the strongest in the Middle East also having the 54th richest GDP in the world. The currency in the country is the Lebanese pound
-Geography
- History
- Economy
Lebanon is part of the Middle East and is located on the Eastern shore of the Mediterranean sea. The neighboring countries consist of Syria and Israel.
After World War 1 France was given control over Lebanon and Syria, this having a major impact in the shaping of both countries. Till this day French along with English is one of the widely spoken and written dialects in Lebanon. After many years Lebanon finally became independent on the 26th of November, 1941. Another important moment in the Lebanese history was the civil war which broke out in 1975 and lasted till the 90's. The Muslim Lebanese groups allied with the Palestinians both fighting against the Christian groups (Maronite). During the civil war constantly allies shifted and the war concluded with nearly every party betraying each other. Neighboring countries such as Israel and Syria became involved in the civil war and joined or allied with different parties. The conclusion of the war was to divide the power in the country 50/50 between the Muslims and the Christians.
The Lebanese economy is one of the strongest in the Middle East also having the 54th richest GDP in the world. The currency in the country is the Lebanese pound
STEREOTYPE
With every culture there is stereotypes and for Lebanese people it is the same. One of the main and well-known stereotypes of Lebanese people is that they are terrorists with dark skin that cause a lot of trouble and are violent. This is also a common stereotype within most countries in the Middle East, this stereotype is not true. Another stereotype that is associated with Lebanese people is that most of the women get Botox and or plastic surgery. This stereotype is true many women in Lebanon like plastic surgery and choose to do it from young ages such as mid-twenties. The stereotype of all Lebanese wearing Birkenstocks is definitely false, it is a common footwear however not all people wear them. Another common stereotype is that Lebanese people are family based and this is true. In Lebanese culture family is very important and is priority over everything.
With every culture there is stereotypes and for Lebanese people it is the same. One of the main and well-known stereotypes of Lebanese people is that they are terrorists with dark skin that cause a lot of trouble and are violent. This is also a common stereotype within most countries in the Middle East, this stereotype is not true. Another stereotype that is associated with Lebanese people is that most of the women get Botox and or plastic surgery. This stereotype is true many women in Lebanon like plastic surgery and choose to do it from young ages such as mid-twenties. The stereotype of all Lebanese wearing Birkenstocks is definitely false, it is a common footwear however not all people wear them. Another common stereotype is that Lebanese people are family based and this is true. In Lebanese culture family is very important and is priority over everything.
HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS!
When travelling overseas an essential part in being a tourist is meeting new people. In Lebanon there are many opportunities to meet local people and make new friends. Some of these places include bars, restaurants, gyms, the internet, beaches and ski resorts. Examples of these places include:
Bars in Beirut- Jemayze, Dragonfly and sky Bar
Restaurants- Ramada plaza Beirut, Hard rock café Beirut and Radisson Blu Martinez hotel, Beirut.
Ski resorts- Faraya, Cedars and Mzaar (1 hour away from Beirut)
Batroun Harbor (Beirut) - It is a public space and one of the most beautiful harbors in Lebanon and hosts a series of events in the summer (June- September)
When travelling to Lebanon it is probably the best to visit Beirut as it is one of the most fascinating and vibrant cities. It is often referred to as the “Paris of the Middle East”, and is very modern whilst maintaining important history and well-known sites. In Beirut there are many cafes, historical sites and luxury hotels.
Due to the civil wars between 1975-1990 and the Israeli conflict in 2006, there is a lot of damaged infrastructure in the country. So many of the roads are either damaged or non-existent hence, the importance of public transport. Within the country there are buses, ferries, Taxis, trains and of course an airport. Public transport is a great way to meet new people and to find out about must see sites or attractions within the country. Remember to be polite when meeting someone new and learn the etiquette's and greetings used in Lebanon.
When travelling overseas an essential part in being a tourist is meeting new people. In Lebanon there are many opportunities to meet local people and make new friends. Some of these places include bars, restaurants, gyms, the internet, beaches and ski resorts. Examples of these places include:
Bars in Beirut- Jemayze, Dragonfly and sky Bar
Restaurants- Ramada plaza Beirut, Hard rock café Beirut and Radisson Blu Martinez hotel, Beirut.
Ski resorts- Faraya, Cedars and Mzaar (1 hour away from Beirut)
Batroun Harbor (Beirut) - It is a public space and one of the most beautiful harbors in Lebanon and hosts a series of events in the summer (June- September)
When travelling to Lebanon it is probably the best to visit Beirut as it is one of the most fascinating and vibrant cities. It is often referred to as the “Paris of the Middle East”, and is very modern whilst maintaining important history and well-known sites. In Beirut there are many cafes, historical sites and luxury hotels.
Due to the civil wars between 1975-1990 and the Israeli conflict in 2006, there is a lot of damaged infrastructure in the country. So many of the roads are either damaged or non-existent hence, the importance of public transport. Within the country there are buses, ferries, Taxis, trains and of course an airport. Public transport is a great way to meet new people and to find out about must see sites or attractions within the country. Remember to be polite when meeting someone new and learn the etiquette's and greetings used in Lebanon.
CULTURE VULTURE
Surprisingly many people in Lebanon speak English as it is one of the preferred second languages along with French. When visiting Lebanon it is very important that the etiquettes and greetings are followed along with the customs and norms, as many actions or words can be offensive. Lebanese people are known to be very hospitable and welcoming to some culture they are perceived as touchy-feely or direct and straight to the point. Within the culture it is seen as an honor to have a visitor in your home. Therefore, tourists should not find it weird when invited to Lebanese homes for eating. When invited over someone’s home coffee and tea are served it is seen as insulting to decline or reject the offer and is often taken as an insult.
Greeting are very important within the Lebanese community and in order to not offend or insult anyone it is usually helpful to understand the Lebanese tradition. When greeting someone it is okay to speak in English but preferred if you attempt to at least say “Marhaba” (hello), which shows you are attempting to communicate with them. It is important to never rush the conversation as it is seen as rude and inconsiderate, take the time to talk about their family, heath etc. Greetings with close friends tends to be three kisses on the cheek as it is in the French style. When communicating the Lebanese are very touchy feely and conversations consist of direct eye contact with a fair bit of physical contact. It is important to know that Lebanese people try to avoid embarrassing other people and try not to lose their tempers or get really angry in public. This means that they expect similar behaviors from others. If their honor has been challenged they tend to use several hand gestures (sweeping ones) and raise their voices.
In Lebanon there is also etiquette for gift giving and dinning. When giving gifts it is common to do so even if not a special occasion. The cost of the gift does not matter as the
saying “it’s the thought that matter” comes into use. If invited to a Lebanese home it is usually nice to bring flowers, a present or a dish. When giving a gift it is important not to give it in your left hand as it is offensive, give the gift with your right hand or both hands. Lastly in Lebanese culture dinning etiquette is important. Remember to dress well, greet elders first and avoid sensitive topics such as war, politics and religion. When sitting down table manners are crucial such as fork in the left hand and knife in the right. Trying all of the food is also expected.
Surprisingly many people in Lebanon speak English as it is one of the preferred second languages along with French. When visiting Lebanon it is very important that the etiquettes and greetings are followed along with the customs and norms, as many actions or words can be offensive. Lebanese people are known to be very hospitable and welcoming to some culture they are perceived as touchy-feely or direct and straight to the point. Within the culture it is seen as an honor to have a visitor in your home. Therefore, tourists should not find it weird when invited to Lebanese homes for eating. When invited over someone’s home coffee and tea are served it is seen as insulting to decline or reject the offer and is often taken as an insult.
Greeting are very important within the Lebanese community and in order to not offend or insult anyone it is usually helpful to understand the Lebanese tradition. When greeting someone it is okay to speak in English but preferred if you attempt to at least say “Marhaba” (hello), which shows you are attempting to communicate with them. It is important to never rush the conversation as it is seen as rude and inconsiderate, take the time to talk about their family, heath etc. Greetings with close friends tends to be three kisses on the cheek as it is in the French style. When communicating the Lebanese are very touchy feely and conversations consist of direct eye contact with a fair bit of physical contact. It is important to know that Lebanese people try to avoid embarrassing other people and try not to lose their tempers or get really angry in public. This means that they expect similar behaviors from others. If their honor has been challenged they tend to use several hand gestures (sweeping ones) and raise their voices.
In Lebanon there is also etiquette for gift giving and dinning. When giving gifts it is common to do so even if not a special occasion. The cost of the gift does not matter as the
saying “it’s the thought that matter” comes into use. If invited to a Lebanese home it is usually nice to bring flowers, a present or a dish. When giving a gift it is important not to give it in your left hand as it is offensive, give the gift with your right hand or both hands. Lastly in Lebanese culture dinning etiquette is important. Remember to dress well, greet elders first and avoid sensitive topics such as war, politics and religion. When sitting down table manners are crucial such as fork in the left hand and knife in the right. Trying all of the food is also expected.
UP FOR THE CHALLENGE!
Visiting Lebanon has its positives and negatives, of course it is a beautiful foreign oasis. However there are also some negatives such as the language barrier. As mentioned before many Lebanese people speak English as second language, but there still are some people that do not speak English. It is hard to communicate with people with the language barrier, to overcome this it is useful to try and learn some basic greetings; Marhaba (hello), Kefick (how are you? Female) and kefeck (how are you? Male). It is also essential to know your way around and that can be difficult when visiting a foreign place. This can be overcome by sticking to guides and using map or even asking for directions.
On the other hand there are rewarding aspects to travelling to a foreign place, one of the main being expanding your knowledge and experience. Travelling abroad can give you experiences that cannot be gained within Australian borders. Experiences include dealing with new cultures, meeting new people, visiting new places and independence. Lebanon has very unique places to visit and is definitely the “Paris of the Middle East”.
Visiting Lebanon has its positives and negatives, of course it is a beautiful foreign oasis. However there are also some negatives such as the language barrier. As mentioned before many Lebanese people speak English as second language, but there still are some people that do not speak English. It is hard to communicate with people with the language barrier, to overcome this it is useful to try and learn some basic greetings; Marhaba (hello), Kefick (how are you? Female) and kefeck (how are you? Male). It is also essential to know your way around and that can be difficult when visiting a foreign place. This can be overcome by sticking to guides and using map or even asking for directions.
On the other hand there are rewarding aspects to travelling to a foreign place, one of the main being expanding your knowledge and experience. Travelling abroad can give you experiences that cannot be gained within Australian borders. Experiences include dealing with new cultures, meeting new people, visiting new places and independence. Lebanon has very unique places to visit and is definitely the “Paris of the Middle East”.