As the relative proportion of the various sects is politically sensitive, Lebanon has not collected officialcensus data on ethnic background since 1932 under theFrench Mandate. It is therefore difficult to have an exact demographic analysis of Lebanese society.[81]The largest concentration of people withLebanese ancestry may be inBrazil, having an estimated population of 5.8 to 7 million. However, it may be an exaggeration given that an official survey conducted by theBrazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) showed that less than 1 million Brazilians claimed any Middle-Eastern origin.[8] The Lebanese have always traveled the world, many of them settling permanently within the last two centuries.
Estimated to have lost their status as the majority in Lebanon itself, with their reduction in numbers largely as a result of theiremigration, Christians still remain one of the principal religious groups in the country.[82] Descendants of LebaneseChristians make up the majority of Lebanese people worldwide, appearing principally inthe diaspora.[83]
The Lebanese identity is rooted in a shared history and culture. Their rich cultural heritage includesfood,music,literature, and art, which is also shaped by the country's location at the crossroads of the Eastern Mediterranean. This has allowed it to be a meeting point for different cultures and traditions.[84][85][86]
Lebanon's religious diversity is also a significant component of the national identity. The country is home to a plurality of religious communities, includingMuslims,Christians,Druze, andJews.[87] Each community has its own distinct religious practices, traditions, and customs, which have been passed down through generations.[88][89][90]
However, the identity has also been shaped by a long history of political and social conflict. The country has experienced a series ofcivil wars, foreigninvasions, political crises, and economic problems, which has deepened divisions between different communities and eroded trust in the government and institutions.[91][92][93]
Lebanon has managed to maintain a sense of national unity and identity. In the face of political and social challenges, the Lebanese people are known for their resilience and their ability to come together in times of crisis which has helped to strengthen their sense of national identity.[94][95]
Among LebaneseMaronites, Aramaic still remains theliturgical language of the Maronite Church, although in anEastern Aramaic form (theSyriac language,[96] in which early Christianity was disseminated throughout the Middle East), is distinct from the spoken Aramaic of Lebanon, which was aWestern Aramaic language. Some Lebanese Christians identify themselves as Lebanese rather than Arab, seeking to draw on "thePhoenician past to try to forge an identity separate from the prevailingArab culture".[97]
The conquest of Lebanon during the Arab and Islamic conquests was linked to the conquest ofBilād Al-Shām as a whole, or what is known as the Levant, being an integral part of it, the Arab Muslims swiftly took it from theByzantine Empire during the era ofCaliph Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, who ordered the division of the Levant when he conquered it, into fourAjnad, including theJund Dimashq which includesMount Lebanon with its corresponding western coastal plains and the eastern interior plains.[98]Arabization andIslamization of the Levant began in the 7th century, and it took several centuries for Islam, the Arab identity, and language to spread; the Arabs of the caliphate did not attempt to spread their language or religion in the early periods of the conquest, and formed an isolated aristocracy. The Arabs of the caliphate accommodated many new tribes in isolated areas to avoid conflict with the locals; caliphUthman ordered his governor,Muawiyah I, to settle the new tribes away from the original population.[99] Syrians who belonged toMonophysitic denominations welcomed the peninsular Arabs as liberators.[100]
TheAbbasids in the eighth and ninth century sought to integrate the peoples under their authority, and the Arabization of the administration was one of the tools.[101] Arabization gained momentum with the increasing numbers of Muslim converts; the ascendancy of Arabic as the formal language of the state prompted the cultural and linguistic assimilation of Syrian converts.[102] Those who remainedChristian also became Arabized; it was probably during the Abbasid period in the ninth century that Christians adopted Arabic as their first language; the first translation of the gospels into Arabic took place in this century. Many historians, such asClaude Cahen and Bernard Hamilton, proposed that the Arabization of Christians was completed before theFirst Crusade. By the thirteenth century, Arabic language achieved dominance in the region and its speakers became Arabs thereof.[103]
The total Lebanese population is estimated at 8 to 18 million. Of these, the vast majority, or 4[2][3][4]- 14[6] million, constitute part of theLebanese diaspora (residing outside of Lebanon), with approximately 4.7 million citizens residing in Lebanon itself.[80]
Lebanon
There are approximately 4.7 million Lebanese citizens in Lebanon.[80]
Lebanon is also a home to various ethnic minorities found refuge in the country over the centuries. Prominent ethnic minorities in the country include theArmenians, theKurds, theTurks, theAssyrians, theIranians and some European ethnicities (Greeks,Italians,French).
TheLebanese diaspora consists of approximately 4[2][3][4]- 14[6] million, both Lebanese-born living abroad and those born-abroad of Lebanese descent. The majority of the Lebanese in the diaspora are Christians,[106] disproportionately so in theAmericas where the vast majority reside. An estimate figure show that they represent about 75% of the Lebanese in total. Lebanese abroad are considered "rich, educated and influential"[107] and over the course of time immigration has yielded Lebanese "commercial networks" throughout the world.[108]
The largest number of Lebanese is to be found inBrazil,[109] where according to the Brazilian and Lebanese governments claim, there are 7 million Brazilians of Lebanese descent.[9][10][11] These figures, however, may be an exaggeration given that, according to a 2008 survey conducted byIBGE, in 2008, covering only the states of Amazonas, Paraíba, São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, Mato Grosso and Distrito Federal, 0.9% of white Brazilian respondents said they had family origins in theMiddle East[8]
Large numbers also reside elsewhere in North America, most notably in theUnited States (489,702)[110] and inCanada, the people of full or partial Lebanese descent are between 190,275 (by ancestry,2011 Census)[111] to 250,000 based on estimates.[25] In the rest of the Americas, significant communities are found inArgentina,[13]Mexico (400,000);[112]Chile,[113]Colombia[114] andVenezuela, with almost every otherLatin American country having at least a small presence.
Until recently, Lebanon provided no automatic right toLebanese citizenship for emigrants who lost their citizenship upon acquiring the citizenship of their host country, nor for the descendants ofemigrants born abroad. This situation disproportionately affected Christians. In 2008, the Maronite Institution of Emigrants called for the establishment of an avenue by which emigrants who lost their citizenship may regain it, or their overseas-born descendants (if they so wish) may acquire it.[120]
On November 24, 2015, the Lebanese authorities enacted Law #41, “Reacquiring the Lebanese Citizenship”. Under this law, members of the Lebanese diaspora can apply to reacquire the Lebanese citizenship, it specifies that applications must be submitted before November 25, 2025.[121]
In 2017, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Emigrants launched an initiative called "The Lebanese Nationality Program" or "Lebanity",[121] for people of Lebanese heritage around the world to apply for Lebanese Nationality, allowing them to benefit from their business, financial, consular, personal, social and political rights as Lebanese, wherever they are. In particular, this initiative is relevant for the large Lebanese communities in different countries all over the world.[122]
Applications are reviewed by a committee within the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities of Lebanon. If an application is denied, the applicant can appeal the decision within one month from the date they are officially notified, using the address specified in their application.
To be eligible, applicants must have their names, or the names of their paternal ancestors or male relatives on their father’s side, listed in the 1921–1924 census records (either residents or immigrants registers) and/or the 1932 immigrants registers, which are maintained by the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities.[121]
Lebanese residents as a percentage of country's total population
There are also very small numbers of other religions such asJudaism,Mormons,Baháʼí Faith.[80] While Jews have been present in Lebanon since ancient times,[134] their numbers had dwindled during the Muslim era.[135] By the 2000s the Jewish quarter of Beirut,Wadi Abu Jamil, was virtually abandoned, and there were only around 40 Jews left in Beirut.[136] Many well-established Lebanese Jewish diaspora communities exists, such as inBrazil,France,Switzerland,Canada and theUnited States.[137]
With thediaspora included, the Christians are an absolute majority. Lebanon has a population ofMhallamis also known asMardinli), most of whom migrated from northeastSyria and southeastTurkey are estimated to be between 75,000 and 100,000 and considered to be part of theSunni population. These have in recent years been grantedLebanese citizenship and, coupled with severalcivil wars between Islamic extremists and theLebanese military that have caused many Christians to flee the country, have re-tipped the demographic balance in favour of the Muslims and the Sunnis in particular.[138] In addition, many thousands of ArabBedouins in theBekaa and in theWadi Khaled region, who are entirely Sunnis, were grantedLebanese citizenship. Lebanon also has aJewish population, estimated at less than 100.
French is a common non-nativelanguage in Lebanon, with about 50% of the population being Francophone. A law determines the cases in which the French language is to be used within government,[146] and is often used as aprestige language for business, diplomacy and education. Almost 40% of Lebanese are consideredfrancophone, and another 15% "partial francophone," and 70% of Lebanon's secondary schools use French as a second language of instruction.[147][148] The use of Arabic by Lebanon's educated youth is declining, as they usually prefer to speak in French and, to a lesser extent, English.[143][149] It is also a reaction to the negativity associated with Arabic since theSeptember 11 attacks.[150] In 1997, the Lebanese government committed to a policy oftrilingualism in education, including French and English alongside the official Arabic language in the curriculum.[150]L'Orient-Le Jour is a Lebanese French-language newspaper.[151]
Syriac Aramaic is also spoken as a first language in some Lebanese communities such asSyriac Catholics,Syriac Orthodox andAssyrian Lebanese. Syriac remained both the sole vernacular language of the Maronites until the 14th century when the Mamluks conquered North Lebanon.[152] It is It still used in liturgies by the Maronite church.
TheLebanese diaspora who live worldwide has introduced new ingredients, spices and culinary practices into Lebanese cuisine, keeping the cuisine innovative and renowned both beyond and within its borders.[156][157] Chef and writerTara Khattar describes her style of cookery as 'progressive Lebanese cuisine'.[158]
Literature
In literature,Kahlil Gibran is the third best-selling poet of all time, behindShakespeare andLaozi.[159] He is particularly known for his bookThe Prophet (1923), which has been translated into over twenty different languages.[160]Ameen Rihani was a major figure in the mahjar literary movement developed by Arab emigrants in North America, and an early theorist ofArab nationalism.Mikhail Naimy is widely recognized as among the most important figures in modern Arabic letters and among the most important spiritual writers of the 20th century. Several contemporary Lebanese writers have also achieved international success; includingElias Khoury,Amin Maalouf,Hanan al-Shaykh, andGeorges Schéhadé.
Family
Family life is very important in the Lebanese culture. Family functioning is associated with the values ofcollectivism in the Lebanese society. One person's family functioning is indicative of their individual status and identity.[161] The average household size in Lebanon ranges between 3.9 and 4.9.[162]Child-rearing practices are characterized by abundant protection imposed on children by parents. Unlike Western societies, parental control does not stop at the age of 18; instead, it continues for as long as the child lives in the parents' residence or until the child marries.
Though Lebanon is a secular country, family matters such as marriage, divorce and inheritance are still handled by the religious authorities representing a person's faith. Calls for civil marriage are unanimously rejected by the religious authorities but civil marriages held in another country are recognized by Lebanese civil authorities.
Music
Music is famous in Lebanese society.[163] While traditional folk music remains popular in Lebanon, modern music reconciling traditional styles, pop, andfusion are rapidly advancing in popularity.[164] Radio stations feature a variety of genres and languages, including traditional, classical Arabic and Armenian[165][166] Prominent traditional musicians includeFairuz, an icon during thecivil war,Sabah Melhem Barakat,Wadih El Safi,Majida El Roumi, andNajwa Karam who built an international audience for the genre.[163]Marcel Khalife, a musician who blends classical Arab music with modern sounds, boasts immense[167] popularity for his politically charged lyrics.[163][164] Distinguished pop artists includeNancy Ajram,Haifa Wehbe,Fadl Shaker,Elissa, andMika.[163]
According to theWorld Intellectual Property Organization, Lebanon's music industry is growing and could attain leading status in the region.[168] Lebanese performers are celebrated throughout the Arab World,[169] and with the notable exception ofEgypt enjoy increasing regional popularity.[168] Rising demand for Arabic music outside Western Asia has provided Lebanese artists with a small but significant global audience. However, widespread piracy continues to inhibit the music industry's growth.[168]
A Druze family of the Lebanon, late 1800sChristian men fromMount Lebanon, late 1800sMetouali (Shia) Woman of theBeqaa Valley, 1970's
In a 2011 genetic study by Haber et al. which analyzed the male-line Y-chromosome genetics of the different religious groups of Lebanon, revealed no large genetic differentiation between theMaronites,Greek Orthodox Christians,Greek Catholic Christians,Sunni Muslims,Shia Muslims, andDruze of the country in regards to the more frequent haplogroups. Major differences between Lebanese groups were found among the less frequent haplogroups.[170]
Canaanite origins
In a 2017 study by Haber et al., the authors concluded that modern-day Lebanese individuals "derive most of their ancestry from aCanaanite-related population". This finding "implies substantial genetic continuity in the Levant since at least the Bronze Age." Additionally, the researchers identifiedEurasian ancestry in modern Lebanese genomes that was absent in Bronze Age populations. They estimated Eurasian ancestry appeared in the Levant approximately 3,750–2,170 years ago.[171]
One study by the International Institute of Anthropology inParis,France, confirmed similarities in the Y-haplotype frequencies in Lebanese,Palestinian, andSephardic Jewish men, identifying them as "three Near-Eastern populations sharing a common geographic origin."[173] The study surveyed one Y-specific DNApolymorphism (p49/Taq I) in 54 Lebanese and 69 Palestinian males, and compared with the results found in 693Jews from three distinct Jewish ethnic groups; Mizrahim, Sephardim, and Ashkenazim.
^"Minorities in Côte d'Ivoire".Minority Rights. 2018.Archived from the original on 9 January 2024. Retrieved23 December 2021.Lebanese in Côte d'Ivoire are one of the largest Lebanese communities outside Lebanon, though their exact numbers are unknown, with estimates ranging from tens of thousands to as high as 300.000
^González Hernández, Julio Amable (11 August 2012)."Registro de Inmigrantes de El Líbano".Cápsulas Genealógicas en Areíto (in Spanish). Santo Domingo: Instituto Dominicano de Genealogía.Archived from the original on 16 August 2021. Retrieved15 August 2014.Se calcula que en República Dominicana existen unos 80,000 descendientes de esos inmigrantes que una vez dejaron sus tierras para buscar una vida mejor.
^"Les Libanais d'Uruguay"(PDF). Archived fromthe original(PDF) on 16 May 2013. Retrieved25 January 2009.En Uruguay, ils sont actuellement quelque 70 000 habitants d'origine libanaise.
^قالصاحب معجم البلدان 1/38; «وأما الجند فيجيء في قولهم: جند قنسرين، وجند فلسطين، وجند حمص، وجند دمشق، وجند الأردن. فهي خمسة أجناد، وكلها بالشام. ولم يبلغني أنهم استعملوا ذلك في غير أرض الشام
^al-Hassan, Ahmad Y. (2001). "Factors Behind the Rise of Islamic Science". In al-Hassan, Ahmad Y.; Ahmed, Maqbul; Iskandar, Albert Z. (eds.).The Different Aspects of Islamic Culture. Vol. 4:Science and Technology in Islam. Part 1: The exact and Natural Sciences. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. p. 59.ISBN978-9-231-03830-3.
^"The biggest enchilada". The Telegraph. 8 July 2007.Archived from the original on 12 January 2022. Retrieved28 February 2015.The Mexican-Lebanese community now numbers around 400,000 but punches way above its weight in commerce...
^Hassan, Waïl (2017).The Oxford Handbook of Arab Novelistic Traditions. Oxford University Press. p. 592.ISBN978-0199349807.
^Jonas, Margaret (2011).The Templar Spirit: The Esoteric Inspiration, Rituals and Beliefs of the Knights Templar. Temple Lodge Publishing. p. 83.ISBN9781906999254.[Druze] often they are not regarded as being Muslim at all, nor do all the Druze consider themselves as Muslim
^Yazbeck Haddad, Yvonne (2014).The Oxford Handbook of American Islam. Oxford University Press. p. 142.ISBN9780199862634.
^Parfitt, Tudor (2000).Israel and Ishmael: Studies in Muslim-Jewish Relations. p. 87.
^Kirsten Schulze. "Lebanon."Encyclopedia of Jews in the Islamic World. Executive EditorNorman A. Stillman. Brill Online, 2013.
^Acocella, Joan (31 December 2007)."Prophet Motive".The New Yorker.Archived from the original on 16 March 2019. Retrieved14 April 2019 – via www.newyorker.com.
^Kazarian, Shahe S. "Family Functioning, Cultural Orientation, and Psychological Well-Being Among University Students in Lebanon." The Journal of Social Psychology 145.2 (2005): 141–54.
^abcdCarter, Terry; Dunston Lara (15 July 2008)."Arts".Lonely Planet Syria & Lebanon.Lonely Planet. Thomas Amelia (3 ed.). Lonely Planet. pp. 254–255.ISBN978-1-74104-609-0. Retrieved19 September 2009.
^abSheehan, Sean; Latif Zawiah (30 August 2007)."Arts".Lebanon. Cultures of the World (2 ed.). Marshall Cavendish Children's Books. p. 105.ISBN978-0-7614-2081-1. Retrieved19 September 2009.
^McKenzie, Robert.Comparing Media from Around the World, Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2006, p. 372ISBN0-205-40242-9
^One source says "cult following", other says "folk hero"
^abcWorld Intellectual Property Organization (2003)."Copyright Industries in Lebanon".Performance of copyright industries in selected Arab countries: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia. World Intellectual Property Organization. pp. 148–152.ISBN978-92-805-1316-5. Retrieved19 September 2009.
^Lucotte, Gérard; Mercier, Géraldine (1 January 2003). "Y-chromosome DNA haplotypes in Jews: comparisons with Lebanese and Palestinians".Genet. Test.7 (1):67–71.doi:10.1089/109065703321560976.PMID12820706.
1 TheLebanese people has the most religious diversity of all peoples in theMiddle East, comprising 18 recognized religious sects recognized by theConstitution of Lebanon. 2 Under the terms of theConstitution of Lebanon, the Druze community is designated as a part of the Lebanese Muslim community.
1 TheLebanese people has the most religious diversity of all peoples in theMiddle East, comprising 18 recognized religious sects recognized by theConstitution of Lebanon. 2 Under the terms of theConstitution of Lebanon, the Druze community is designated as a part of the Lebanese Muslim community.