Cultural+Analysis


 * (so side note... wiki doesn't really let you edit the format as much as word does... but at least all the info is here... we'll just have to edit it later)

I figured we can get it all in here and then transfer it to Word to do formatting... i just wanted to actually get something down in writing so can be editted and such**


 * II. Relevant History**

Lebanon is located in the Middle East with Syria bordering Lebanon on the north and east, the south by Palestine, and the west by the Mediterranean Sea (Embassy of Lebanon). Lebanon expands for 10,400 sq km with 10,230 sq km being land and the remaining 170 sq km with water. For a size comparison, Lebanon is 0.7 times the size of Connecticut (World Fact Book). Lebanon enjoys a Mediterranean climate which receives sunshine for 300 days of the year (Embassy of Lebanon). Because of the Mediterranean climate, agriculture accounts for 5.1% of Lebanon’s gross domestic product (GDP). Some of the agriculture products produced by Lebanon include citrus, grapes, tomatoes, apples, vegetables, potatoes, olives, tobacco, sheep, and goats. The natural resources available in Lebanon include limestone, iron ore, sale, water-surplus state in a water-deficit region, and arable land (World Fact Book). Because of the differences in elevation between the fertile valley of El Beqaa and the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges, the coastline enjoys mild winters while the mountains are snowy in the winter. Summers are hot along the coast and mild in the mountains (World Fact Book).
 * III. Geographical Setting**
 * A. Location**
 * B. Climate**
 * C. Topography **

Family is very important to the people of Lebanon. Family status defines access to education and achieving prominence and wealth. Each member of the family remains loyal to their family and conforms with accepted standards of behavior so not to bring disgrace to the family honor. Among both the Christians and Muslims of Lebanon, family loyalty ranked first in order of importance; followed by religion, nationality, ethnic group, and political party (Lebanon’s Culture).
 * IV. Social Institutions**
 * A. ****Family**
 * 1. Nuclear Family **

It is not uncommon for a family in Lebanon to have a three-generation extended family. It is considered to be traditional. This three-generation family includes a man, his wife or wives, their unmarried children, their married sons, and the sons’ wives and children.
 * 2. Extended Family**

Families extend their loyalty to the family to employment. In 1960, almost 25% of the deputies in the Chamber of Deputies “inherited” their seats in the chamber. Wealthy family members are also expected to share with their families that are not as prosperous (Lebanon’s Culture).

Premarital and extramarital sexual relations are a big disgrace for families in Lebanon and highly frowned upon. If improper conduct towards an unmarried woman occurs, it damages her honor to her family and often the father and brothers will seek “redress” which can result in killing the woman and man involved, or driving the man out of the village (Lebanon’s Culture).
 * 3. Dynamics of the Family**
 * a. **** Parental Roles **
 * b.** **Marriage and Courtship**

Men may have up to four wives, but most men marry just two wives due to the economic burden to have such a large family. Typically the man has children with the first wife and then the second wife is much younger. It also isn’t uncommon for there to be a marriage between first cousins. Marrying one’s cousin allowed for the property to be kept within the family and the female to continue to be around those whom she was raised around (Lebanon’s Culture). The role of women in Lebanon is starting to change. Traditionally, women were the homemaker and mother in the house. Since the 1970s, women have begun to enter the workforce, have equal civil rights, and attend college. This change in women’s roles is due to the lack of manpower due to heavy migration to Persian Gulf countries (Lebanon’s Culture).
 * 4. Female Roles**

In 1983, nearly 41% of students attending the American University of Beirut were women (Lebanon’s Culture). Lebanon has 7 major universities and specialized colleges. Many schools teach in Arabic, French, and English since there are three different main languages spoken in Lebanon. Lebanon wanted to revive the Old Arab traditions. Many of the degrees offered in the universities in Lebanon include law, medicine, arts, and science. More focus is also spent on elementary and secondary schools, both public and private, to lay a foundation for the universities (Embassy of Lebanon).
 * B. Education**
 * 1. The Role of Education in Society**
 * a. **** Primary Education **
 * b. **** Secondary Education **
 * c.** **Higher Education**

C. Political system 1. Political structure Lebanon is a democratic republic with a parliamentary system of government which includes a President, a Prime Minister, and a cabinet chosen by elections. The government is based on the constitutional principle of separation between the executive, judicial, and legislative branches. (embassy) 2. Political parties There are three different categories for political parties in Lebanon; 14 March Coalition, Change and Reform Alliance Bloc, and Hizballah and Amal Alliance. Each category has sub-parties with different leaders. 14 March Coalition has seven sub-parties including the Democratic Gathering Bloc, Democratic Left, Democratic Renewal Movement, Future Movement Bloc, Kataeb Party, Lebanese Forces, and Tripoli Independent Bloc. The Change and Reform Alliance Bloc has four sub-parties which are the Free Patriotic Movement, Metn Bloc, Popular Bloc, and Tashnaq. The final category, Hizballah and Amal Alliance, is composed of the following six parties; Development and Resistance Bloc, Hizballah Party, Loyalty to the Resistance, Nasserite Popular Movement, Syrian Ba’th Party, and Syrian Social Nationalist Party. (road warrior) 3. Stability of government Lebanon has maintained their independence since November 22, 1943. (embassy) However, due to Lebanon’s history of being a place of refuge for many minorities, there is much social unrest. The government does not have full control in all areas of the country. (warrior) 4. Special taxes Consumption tax in Lebanon is a Value Added Tax which is 10% but there are some products which are exempt from the tax. There is no special expatriate tax regime. Corporate income taxes are 15% on income from profits. Other corporate taxes include a municipal tax, professional tax, stamp duty on contracts and bills, forming, propagation or transformation of companies, tax on advertising, and registration tax on real estate (interex). Lebanon has signed double taxation conventions with numerous countries including Algeria, Armenia, Bahrain, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Gabon, Iran, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Malta, Morocco, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Sudan, Sultanate of Oman, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, and Yemen (finance.gov). 5. Role of local government There are eight administrative divisions of the government. The governorates are Aakar, Baalbek-Hermel, Beqaa, Beyrouth, Liban-Nord, Liban-Sud, Mont-Liban, and Nabatiye. (cia)

D. Legal system 1. Organization of the judiciary system The judiciary system of Lebanon is composed of three parts. First is the Four Courts of Cassation, three of which are for civil and commercial cases and the fourth is for criminal cases. Then there is the Constitutional Council which rules in respect to the constitutionality of laws. The final part of the judiciary systems is the Supreme Council which hears cases involving charges against the president or prime minister as they arise. Also, there is no judicial review of legislative acts. (warrior) 2. Code, common, socialist, or Islamic-law country? Lebanon has a legal system that is a conglomerate of four different systems. There is an influence of Ottoman law, canon law, Napoleonic code, and civil law. (warrior) 3. Participation in patents, trademarks, and other conventions There is a national office for the protection of intellectual property rights in Lebanon and the nation is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) as well as a signatory to the Paris convention for the Protection of Intellectual Property. Patents have a validity of 20 years from the date of payment of the registration fee, trademarks are valid for 15 years and can be renewed indefinitely, designs are valid for 25 years with one renewal period for 25 years, copyrights last up to 50 years after the author’s death, and industrial models last 25 years with one renewal chance for another 25 years (interex).

E. Social organizations 1. Group behavior Lebanese culture is very family oriented. Family ties are still strong and relevant in personal, political, financial, and business relationships. Power and leadership in the political field are gained through family support and business practices favor hiring family or working with family relations over outsiders. Trust in all aspects of life is very important, therefore maintaining close family ties for everything helps minimize risk (ghazi). 2. Social classes While there is no actual structure for social classes, money is the strongest determinant for classes. Wealth and status are often found between different religion and family lines (every culture). 3. Race, ethnicity, and subcultures There are two primary ethnic groups in Lebanon. The Arab population is composes 95% while 4% are Armenian and 1% is composed of other miscellaneous ethnicities. Many Christian Lebanese do not consider themselves to be of Arab descent, instead they refer to themselves as Phoenicians (descendants of the Canaanites) (road warrior).

F. Business customs and practices 1. Business Ethic and Framework The majority of Lebanese business is conducted through the use of personal acquaintances and mutual trust. New businesses can best enter the market by using acquaintances to establish business partners and contacts. Lebanon has a free-market orientation and most Lebanese are seen as skillful entrepreneurs. Many of their multilingual business professionals and academics are seeking new opportunities and business partners. (road) 2. Decision Making Overall in Lebanon, most decisions are made very slowly and direct criticism is often avoided with preference to hints or suggestions for changes in order to compromise. Depending on the intensity of personal relationships business decisions may be easier to make or they may be more difficult. Since most businesses are still small family-operated entities, the decisions usually fall upon the owner or manager while in larger enterprises the decisions are made following company structure and operations. (road) 3. Meetings Punctuality for meetings varies. Arriving on time, before, or even after a specified meeting time are all existent in Lebanese culture. Outsiders are recommended to arrive on time to be safe, but it is important to realize that relationships and social formalities are more important than timed schedules. All forms of meetings usually being with inquiries into health, family, and other polite, personal, non-business matters. Smoking is acceptable during meetings, and the smoker should be sure to offer a cigarette before taking one themselves. Gifts are often exchanged as a sign of respect, generosity, and courtesy towards the beginning of a meeting. They should always be accepted graciously. Business cards on the other hand are exchanged at the end of a meeting. Another general rule for the Lebanese is to stand upon the arrival of an elder, senior company member, or a woman. Maintain eye contact and make sure feet are kept on the floor or at minimum make sure the bottom of a shoe is not pointed directly at someone which would be considered offensive (road). 4. Women Unlike other Middle Eastern or Persian Gulf Islamic countries, Lebanon has a different perspective when it comes to women in the workplace. Legal rights for women exists making it easier for women to pursue university educations and careers in the fields of law, business, and others professions. Foreign women that hold high ranking positions in business are generally well respected and treated fairly as long as they behave in a highly professional manner (road)

A. Religion and other belief systems 1. Orthodox doctrines and structures 2. Relationship with the people Lebanon has a diverse culture; therefore each different religion maintains their own authority over its followers, and tries not to affect others. There are no civil laws determined by religion so personal codes vary from person to person. Marriage is strictly a religious ceremony, and has no legal status. (road) 3. Membership of each religion Muslim 59.7% (Shia, Sunni, Druze, Isma’ilite, Alawite or Nusayri), Christian 39% (Maronite Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Melkite Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Syrian Catholic, Armenian Catholic, Syrian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Chaldean, Assyrian, Copt, Protestant), other 1.3% (note 17 religious sects recognized) (cia)
 * V. Religion and aesthetics**

B. Aesthetics 1. Visual arts Painting is a popular form of art, often influenced by French techniques but altered with an oriental touch. Along the coast traditional pottery is still popular and local crafts are still crafted and sold to tourists (every culture). 2. Performing Arts Popular international festivals provide an array of artistic attractions for everyone. Oriental and Western music mix with symphonies, opera, and pop singers. Foreign and local dance troupes perform as well as classical and modern ballets. Many of these festivals are held in open air at historical sites for an ultimate culture experience (everyculture). 3. Literature Lebanon has a history of poets and novelists. Many write in Arabic as well as French and occasionally English. Oral literature is still preserved in villages (every culture).

1. ** Meat & Vegetable Consumption Rates: ** Meat consumption is 2002 was 63.1 compared to 1961 which was at 22.4. The calories per person per day from vegetables are 2829. Lebanon is ranked 8th in food production. 2. ** Typical Meals: ** Lebanese cuisine is Mediterranean: Pita bread, rice is a staple food, hummus, bean dishes, and pasta, salted yogurt, red meat, and chicken 3. ** Malnutrition Rates: ** Boys and girls under the age of 5 is under 10% although the boys percentage is larger than the girls. 4. ** Foods Available: ** Oranges, apples, other fruits, variety of beans and vegetables, cereal, root crops, pulses (dry harvest: peas, beans, etc.) Meat all kinds 1. ** Types of Housing Available: ** Most of Lebanon’s population lives in the main cities of Beirut, Tripoli, and Sidon which are densely populated. Cities in Lebanon suffer from a lack of space. Most people live in apartments. 3. ** Do most people live in one family dwelling or with other families ** : Last available info for the 1980-88 total housing units # was 820,000 with 33 per dwelling. Housing needs until 2000 estimated 400,000 units. 1. ** National Dress: ** All Christians and Muslims who live in the cities wear European style clothes. In poorer Muslim towns and in some Muslim areas in the main cities, you can still find the Muslim chador (veil for women). In the countryside women sometimes wear traditional color skirts and men wear traditional baggy trousers. 2. ** Types of clothing worn at work ** : For men the standard business attire is a suit. Women may wear dresses, skirts or slacks and blouses. Again, while there is no dress code, urban professional Lebanese women dress modestly but well. Formal attire may be required for special events. Some Muslim women will wear very modest clothing and a head covering at work. Bring lightweight clothes for the summer months. 1. ** Types available and in demand: ** The arts, literature (oral and written), traditional pottery, performance arts, football (aka soccer), basketball, weightlifting, skiing, windsurfing, kayaking E. ** Social Security: ** Lebanon does a social insurance system. It’s lump-sum benefits only. It covers employees in industry, commerce, and agriculture. They have certain qualifying conditions. EX: old age benefit, disability benefits, and survivor benefits all followed by specific rules F. ** Healthcare: ** Healthcare is highly developed in Lebanon. Very little belief of traditional medicine remains. Lebanon has more doctors than it actually needs A. ** Official Languages: ** Arabic is the official language, followed by French as the second. There is also English, Armenian, and Turkish speakers. Accents are a much higher indicator of social status than they are in the United States. B. ** Spoken versus written languages: ** Classical Arabic-is a written language. Also officially spoken language. Modern Armenian publishing industry, government publication appears in French. C. ** Dialects: ** Changes from region to region, the dialect of the Druzes is regarded as most distinctive.
 * VI: Living Conditions **
 * A. **** Diet & Nutrition **
 * B. **** Housing **
 * 2. **** Do most people own or rent: **
 * C. **** Clothing **
 * D. **** Recreation, Sports, and other leisure activities: **
 * 2. **** Percentage of income spent on such activities: **
 * VII: Lanuage **