People

Like other Arab countries the usual lifestyle of the Lebanese is centered on family, socializing, and hospitality. Western influences, mostly French and American, gave the country a cosmopolitan look mainly in cities. Outside cities, mostly in the mountains, people retain old customs and traditions. The people despite being ethnically and religiously diverse along with the long history are friendly. The Lebanese people are familiar with foreigners’ ways of life and culture. In Beirut, the capitol, sleeveless tops, miniskirts, and shorts  are acceptable to everyone. In the rest of Lebanon people dress more in traditional clothing and modest dress is recommended. This dress is especially necessary when visiting mosques or other religious places.

Education

Lebanon has one of the most educated and technically prepared people in the Middle East. According to data from a statistics in 2001, 95% of Lebanese the age 15 and over were literate. Primary grade levels are free and required for 5 years. School attendance is almost completely affecting to children in the primary school age. Beirut, the capitol, alone has 6 universities, The American University of Beirut, The Jesuit-sponsored Saint Joseph University, the government-supported Lebanese University, The Lebanese American University, The Beirut Arab University, and The American Hagazian College. Lebanon also has more than 100 technical, vocational, and other specialized schools and colleges throughout the rest of the country.

The Arts

Lebanon has reached a high level of cultural achievement in the arts. Most of this is from a popular form of poetry called zajal. In this form of poetry  the poets enter into an entertaining, quick-witted dialogue of improvised verse. The national dance, eh dabke, is performed throughout Lebanon by dancers wearing a traditional Lebanese mountain costume. The theme of this dance is to portray village life. Some local crafts include glass making, weaving, embroidery, and brass and copper work.

Media

Local Lebanese radio stations air programs in English and French as well as in Arabic. There are more than 10 TV stations throughout Lebanon that broadcast in English, French, and Arabic at different times of the day every day. There are no local or countrywide daily newspapers that are in English, however, load an assortment of American daily stories. Also English magazines such as Time, Newsweek, and the Economist are published and sold throughout Lebanon. Also the local English-language magazine Monday Morning is published weekly and is a weekly review of local news and social events of different areas of Lebanon. They also publish a French-language newspaper, the L’Orient le Jour.

Food and Drink

While most Middle Eastern food varies little, when traditional Arabic food meets the Mediterranean coast the food gets interesting. Lebanese food combines the sophisticated European cuisine with the exiting use of eastern spices. Lebanon’s contributions have been the influence of modern Arabic food. Lebanese dishes provide the framework for exotic dishes known as Arabic. Traditional Lebanese dishes are simple. They are based on grains, pulses, vegetables, and fruit. In many cases the same ingredients are used over and over, just in different ways. Yoghurt, cheese, cucumber, aubergines, chickpeas, nuts, tomatoes, burghal and sesame are blended in many assortments and medleys. Parsley and mint are used in large quantities, as well as lemons, onions, and garlic. Many pastries are filled with vegetables and the vegetables are loaded with meats. Meat may be made into bite-sized nuggets and cooked over charcoal. The dish presentation is always artistic, even the most basic dish may be beautifully embellished. A typical Lebanese meal starts with mezze or appetizers. This can be a complex spread of up to fifty hor o’derves or a simple salad and bowl of nuts. It always considered a social event when family and/or friends gather for a conversation with a table of appetizers before dinner. A meat (particularly lamb), chicken, or fish dish comes after served with a side of rice and salad. There are two main types of bread, the flat pita pocket that is found throughout the Middle East and marcook- thin bread cooked in a domed dish over an open fire.