The Lebanese Culture
There is no doubt that the culture and customs distinguish Lebanon from other areas of the world, being the primary source of it's beauty. Most people in Lebanon are fluent in Arabic, and surprisingly most people also know English. However, the accuracy of their English is a little bit low because Arabic and English aren't easily translated and they typically have an accent that can make pronouncing words difficult. People also adorn their body with intricate henna designs-- a plant native to the middle east that creates a temporary, brown tattoo when it's crushed into a paste. Although more developed cities follow modern clothing trends, a few villages still wear traditional clothing including colorful scarves with shimmery threaded patterns. The food is also a very important part of their culture; family as well as friends bond over cooking and sharing their best dishes with one another. Dancing is more than moving to music, it's a celebration to the Lebanese. Weddings and family gatherings typically include dancing with linked arms in a circle. The music is incredibly unique, including instruments such as ouds, qanuns, and the violin. Songs usually sound upbeat and lively in order for people to be able to dance cheerfully to them. The primary religion that is adopted by most of Lebanon is Christianity or more specifically, Maronite Catholic. The masses aren't much different from a typical Roman Catholic mass accept that it is in Arabic, the readers must ask the priest for permission to read the passage, and they give a "kiss of peace" by sliding hands with the person to their right before receiving communion. The combination of these customs, along with several others, make the Lebanese culture fascinating and very beautiful.
The People of Lebanon
Many people think that Lebanon is mostly desert land, on the contrary, most of Lebanon is bustling city. Most people live in an apartment in the more developed cities like Beirut. The major industry is manufacturing of concrete as well as clothic/ fabric production. Unlike the United States of America, adolesence don't usually work until the age of eighteen or older. The military are common inhabitors of the streets but they don't usually engage in regular activity much like the street police in England. Healthcare is very well organized and there are several free hospitals throughout the country. Attending concerts or theatrical productions is a very popular way to spend an evening. Engineering and medicine are the most popular professions, and they are the most advanced fields of work. Most men are expected to work and if women do work, they usually choose traditionally female jobs. Family is a highly valued-- respect and spending time with family is stressed for the Lebanese.
Challenges Facing Lebanon
Currently, the greatest problem facing Lebanon is not having enough resources to support the population with the addition of Syrain Refugees. Since Lebanon welcomed Syrians into the country with open arms, 1.4 million people have fled Syria and now make up 1/4 of the Lebanon's population. The United Nations has provided support, though limited, in order to try and compensate for the rapid influx of people in an already financially weak nation.
One of the many things citizens of the United States of America often take for granted is access to electricity 24/7. In Lebanon, a struggle they face is generating 24 hours of electricity. Because there are not enough power plants to generate electricity, they are only able to have about 14 hours of electricity a day. Many people rely on generators as their source of electricty and end up paying not one, but two power bills.
In addition, the Middle East in general has become a war zone that seems to never be at peace. Surrounding Lebanon, conflict involving ISIS has been a primary source of panic and terror. Neighboring countries, Saudi-Arabia and Iran are also currently at war with eachother and Lebanon is doing everything it can to ensure the fighting does not permeate through it's border.
One of the many things citizens of the United States of America often take for granted is access to electricity 24/7. In Lebanon, a struggle they face is generating 24 hours of electricity. Because there are not enough power plants to generate electricity, they are only able to have about 14 hours of electricity a day. Many people rely on generators as their source of electricty and end up paying not one, but two power bills.
In addition, the Middle East in general has become a war zone that seems to never be at peace. Surrounding Lebanon, conflict involving ISIS has been a primary source of panic and terror. Neighboring countries, Saudi-Arabia and Iran are also currently at war with eachother and Lebanon is doing everything it can to ensure the fighting does not permeate through it's border.
Works Cited
Arwiche, Frank D. “Lebanon.” Countries and Their Cultures, www.everyculture.com. Accessed 7 December 2018.
Boutros, Christina. “6 Serious Challenges the Middle East Is Facing This Year.”GLOBAL YOUNG VOICES, 2016, www.globalyoungvoices.com. Accessed 7 December 2018.
Uzman, Jacob. “A Country in Crisis? Challenges Facing Lebanon's New Government.”Nations & States, 19 Dec. 2016, nationsandstates.com. Accessed 7 December 2018.
Younes, Rafic, et al. “Electricity of Lebanon: Problems and Recommendations.”Research Gate, May 2012, www.researchgate.net. Accessed 7 December 2018.
Boutros, Christina. “6 Serious Challenges the Middle East Is Facing This Year.”GLOBAL YOUNG VOICES, 2016, www.globalyoungvoices.com. Accessed 7 December 2018.
Uzman, Jacob. “A Country in Crisis? Challenges Facing Lebanon's New Government.”Nations & States, 19 Dec. 2016, nationsandstates.com. Accessed 7 December 2018.
Younes, Rafic, et al. “Electricity of Lebanon: Problems and Recommendations.”Research Gate, May 2012, www.researchgate.net. Accessed 7 December 2018.
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