Includes bibliographical references (page 142) and index.

Lebanon today -- Geography. Four regions -- Rivers -- Climate -- Plants -- Animals -- Largest cities -- History. Early inhabitants -- The Phoenicians -- The Roman Empire -- Muslim conquest -- Christian crusaders -- The Ottoman Empire -- The French mandate and independence -- Civil war -- The Taif agreement -- Government. Political system -- Hezbollah -- Regional tensions -- Civil rights -- Economy. Before the civil war -- After the civil war -- The Syrian civil war -- Natural resources -- Agriculture -- Industry -- Development -- Trade -- The banking industry -- Environment. Air quality -- Quarrying -- Pesticide use -- Water pollution -- Unregulated development -- A polluted water table -- Conservation -- Environmental treaties -- Al Chouf Cedar Reserve -- Palm Islands Reserve -- Tyre Beach Reserve -- Lebanese. Ethnicity -- Confessionalism -- Arabs -- Druze -- Maronite Christians -- Palestinian refugees -- Militias -- Lebanese around the world -- Lifestyle. Recovery -- Remaining scars -- Economic divisions -- Youth -- Women's status -- Cosmetics -- Clothing -- Life in the country -- Loyalty to family -- Education -- Religion. Islam -- Shiism -- Druze -- Sunni Muslims -- Catholics -- Maronites -- Language. Arabic -- The St. Saviour monastery -- A political statement -- Body language -- Arts. Ancient art -- Traditional instruments -- Contemporary music -- Folk dance -- Traditional art -- Movies and theater -- Literature -- Leisure. Family life -- Going out -- Nightlife -- Sports -- Leisure activities -- Festivals. Religious festivals -- Christian festivals -- Independence day -- The Baalbeck festival -- Food. Famous dishes -- Meals -- Beverages -- Restaurants -- Kitchens -- Map of Lebanon -- About the economy -- About the culture -- Timeline -- Glossary.