Lebanon in Perspective: Orientation Guide and Lebanese Cultural Orientation: Geography, History, Economy, Security, Palestinians, Israel, PLO, Hizballah, Druze, Bekaa Valley, Beirut, Sidon, Tyre

This is a professionally-formatted, free flowing ebook reproduction of unique, up-to-date guides produced by the Department of Defense that provide comprehensive information about all aspects of life in Lebanon, with a special emphasis on geography, history, the economy, society, security and military matters, religion, traditions, urban and rural life, ethnic groups, crime, the environment, government, holidays, gender issues and much more.

CHAPTER 1: GEOGRAPHY * Geographic Regions and Topographic Features * The Coastal Plain * Lebanon Mountains * Bekaa Valley and Anti-Lebanon Mountains * Climate * Bodies of Water * Cities * Tripoli * Sidon * Tyre * Zahle * Nabatiye * Natural Hazards * Environmental Concerns * CHAPTER 2: HISTORY * Introduction: First, the Phoenicians * Assyrians and Babylonians * Greeks and Romans * Maronites, Druze, and Shi'ites * Crusader States and the Mamluks * Ottoman Lebanon Until 1860 * Ottoman Era After 1860 * WWI and the French Mandate * The National Pact * Independence and Post-Independence * Calm and Upset: Shihabism, Palestinians * Beginning of the Civil War * Israel, the PLO, and Hizballah * The Taif Agreement and the Second Republic * The Cedar Revolution * Hizballah and Israel, Ongoing Crises * CHAPTER 3: ECONOMY * Agriculture * Industry and Manufacturing * Trade * Tourism * Banking and Currency * Investment * Transportation * Standard of Living * CHAPTER 4: SOCIETY * Introduction * Ethnic and Linguistic Groups * Religion * Gender and Family Issues * Traditional Clothing * Arts * Literature * Music * Sports and Recreation * CHAPTER 5: SECURITY * U.S.-Lebanese Relations * Relations With Neighboring Countries * Syria * Israel * Military * Terrorist Groups and Activities * Other Issues Affecting Stability * Special Tribunal for Lebanon * Syrian Unrest * Palestinian Refugee Camps * CHAPTER 1: PROFILE * Geography * Area * Geographic Divisions and Climate * Climate * Bodies of Water * Major Cities * Modern History * Independence and Civil War * Reconciliation and Reconstruction * Government * Media * Economy * Ethnic and Religious Groups * CHAPTER 2: RELIGION * Overview * Major Religions * Muslim Sects * Differences Between Sunnis and Shi'ites * Christian Sects * Druze * Religion and Government * Influence of Religion on Daily Life * Religious Holidays * Muslim Holidays * Christian Holidays * Places of Worship * Mosques * Churches * Behavior in Buildings of Worship * CHAPTER 3: TRADITIONS * Codes of Politeness * Gender Issues * Hospitality and Gift Giving * Eating Habits and Food * Dress Codes * Nonreligious Holidays * Dos and Don'ts * Chapter 3 Assessment * CHAPTER 4: URBAN LIFE * Introduction * Urbanization * Urban Economy and Work Issues * Healthcare * Education * Restaurants * Marketplaces and Street Vendors * Transportation * Bus * Cars * Taxis * Street Crime and Solicitations * CHAPTER 5: RURAL LIFE * Land Distribution * Rural Economy * Rural Transportation * Healthcare * Education * Village Life * Border Crossings and Checkpoints * Landmines * CHAPTER 6: FAMILY LIFE * Typical Household and Family Structure * Roles and Responsibilities Within the Family * Status of Women, Children, and Adolescents * Married Life and Divorce * Family Events and Rites of Passage * Naming Conventions