West Asian nation-state Lebanon, formally known as the Republic of Lebanon,[b] is located. Its borders are to the north and east with Syria, to the south with Israel, and to the west with the Mediterranean Sea; Cyprus is located not too far from the nation’s shoreline. Due to its strategic location at the meeting point of the Arabian hinterlands and the Mediterranean Basin, Lebanon has a rich history and a distinct cultural identity characterized by religious pluralism.Situated in the Eastern Mediterranean’s Levant region, the nation is home to nearly five million people and spans 10,452 square kilometers. Beirut is the largest and capital city of Lebanon, followed by Tripoli and Jounieh. Arabic is the official language of the country, but French is also recognized in official settings; Lebanese Arabic is the vernacular; nevertheless, French and English are more commonly used in daily life, with Modern Standard Arabic being reserved for news and official issuesLebanon is a small, multicultural nation. It borders Syria, Israel, and the Mediterranean Sea. At its widest point, it is about 160 km long and 56 km wide. The predominant culture is fundamentally conservative and exhibits a great deal of respect for traditions, drawing on many Arab customs. Social norms and expectations continue to be profoundly influenced by long-standing Islamic and Christian traditions. Nonetheless, a lot of customs and ways of life are also influenced by Europe. This is caused in part by the coastline’s closeness to Europe, which serves as an important hub for trade between the East and the West, as well as by French occupation during the 20th century. In the end, Lebanon’s modern society is incredibly diverse. It’s typical to see both contemporary European styles and traditional Lebanese clothing in city avenues. Because of this, Lebanese people are accustomed to a variety of lifestyles and frequently have little trouble adjusting to new cultures.
Compared to many Western societies, Lebanon is a more collective society. People frequently believe that they belong to “groups.” These organizations frequently require a high level of loyalty and reflect or define the members of the group. For instance, even when they clash, the interests of the group typically take precedence over those of the individual. In addition, members of the group anticipate being treated better than non-members. An individual receives protection, unity, and a sense of belonging in exchange for their loyalty. According to a study by the American University in Beirut, most Lebanese people believe their collectivist loyalty is most powerful for their household. Their allegiances to their political party come last, followed by their religion, Lebanon as a whole, and their ethnic group.
Class divides the Lebanese social hierarchy. Wealth determines a large portion of status disparities, which typically follow familial or religious lines. People who are wealthy can usually be identified by the opulent items and attire they flaunt. In general, people from different social classes get along well. But there is a distinct social divide between the lowest class of people in society—beggars—and the rest of the population. Whatever their social standing, younger people are expected to treat elders with the utmost respect according to the cultural concept of “filial piety.”