ABSTRACT
This chapter seeks to sketch the origins of the community divisions of Lebanon and to outline some of the consequences. Many states are composed of groups of people recognized as distinctive on grounds other than those of class or colour. Middle Eastern states are no exception. Further subdivision is based upon specific patterns of belief and practice. Nowhere in the Middle East is the fragmentation of society into communities more developed than in Lebanon where 17 groups are officially recognized. The mountain slopes above about 1,600m are characterized by huge cirque-like features lying at the head of deep valleys and ravines which cut to the coast and offer considerable obstruction to north-south communication. Anti-Lebanon consists of a series of mountain ranges which form a considerable barrier to east-west communication for much of their length. South of the Zebdani depression rises whaleback of Mount Hermon. Its oval-shaped summit is topped by three small peaks which are snow covered except at midsummer.
