Lebanese culture — Phoenician, Arab, French blend. 18 religious confessions. Beirut — Paris of the East. 7000-year heritage.
Language
Arabic official. French very widespread (35% speak). English third. Lebanese dialect — known across Arab world thanks to music and media.
Religious Plurality
18 Muslim and Christian religious confessions. Maronites, Sunnis, Shias, Druze, Orthodox. Religious coexistence — unique Lebanese tradition.
Music and Poetry
Fairuz — mother of Arabs, voice uniting Arabs. Wadih Al-Safi, Sabah, Majida El Roumi. Ziad Rahbani — musician and playwright. Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931) — most read Lebanese author worldwide after Shakespeare and Lao Tzu.
Cuisine
Tabbouleh, hummus, fattoush, baba ghanouj, kibbeh, shawarma, manakish. Lebanese cuisine UNESCO. Lebanese wine — oldest wine region in the world (7000 years). Chateau Musar, Kefraya.
Traditions
Lebanese wedding huge show 500-1000 guests. Christmas, New Year, Easter, Ramadan. Independence Day (November 22). Lebanese hospitality national pride.
Art and Architecture
Baalbek (UNESCO) — largest Roman temples in the world. Byblos (UNESCO) oldest continuously inhabited city. Tyre, Sidon, Anjar.
Modern Culture
Baalbek International Festival (1956). Beiteddine Festival. Byblos Festival. Lebanese cinema — Nadine Labaki (Capernaum 2018 Oscar nomination). Lebanese fashion — Elie Saab.