1. Ethnic Groups of Europe
d. Describe the various ethnic and religious groups in Europe and the influence of geography on those groups and their major customs and traditions.

2. Europe—Ethnicity vs. Nationality
Because of modernity, globalization and urbanization, the ethnic groups of Europe are not as distinct as in other parts of the world from “mainstream culture”.
Many people in Europe’s ethnicity and nationality are the same—ex. French, German
Immigration is also shaping culture in places
Influx of Africans to France, Turks to Germany, Indians to the UK etc.

3. Basques Where: Pyrenees Mountains in Spain and France
Religion: Roman Catholic
Language: Basque, isolated
Culture:
May be oldest ethnic group in Europe
Folklore , oral storytelling and improvisation
Running of the bulls in Pamplona
Tight knit communities
Known for their excellent cuisine, seafood
Agriculture—Mediterranean crops
Woodcarving and stone engraving

4. Basque

5. Belgium Where: Southern region called Wallonia
Flemish
Walloons
Where: Northern region called Flanders
Religion: traditionally Catholic
Language: Flemish (Dutch)
Culture:
Larger families than Walloons
Rural areas still dress in traditional dark-colored farmers clothing
Lacemaking, glassblowing, pottery
Where: Southern region called Wallonia
Religion: traditionally Catholic
Language: French
Culture:
Folk art-puppet and marionette theaters
Soccer, bicycling, pigeon racing
Urban dwellers

6. Belgium

7. Sami Where: Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia
Religion: Animism and Lutheran
Language: Sami and country of residence
Culture:
Have held on to their traditional culture longer than most in Europe
Reindeer herders
Live in Sami tents call lavvo
Some still wear traditional bright colored clothing
Storytelling
Homeland has been threatened by mining and logging companies

8. Sami

9. Roma Where: dispersed throughout Europe and world
Language: Romani dialects, language of host country
Religion: Hinduism with Christianity, Islam, host country religion
Culture:
Originated in India (10th century) then migrated throughout Europe
Persecuted in most countries, became nomadic, Gypsies
Language include many idiomatic expression and proverbs
“What do you have in your head?”
Girls are not allowed to date and are always chaperoned outside the home. Teenagers enter adulthood when they marry.
Live with large extended family, unmarried adults are suspicious.

10. Roma

11. Russian Where: Russia (80% of Russian population) Language: Russian
Religion: Russian Orthodox (religion was not tolerated during Soviet rule)
Culture:
St. Nicholas tradition started here and spread to other peoples
Fairy tales have sad and happy endings
Patronymic- father’s first name forms the root of the child’s middle name
Birth rates have been low since the 1970s because of economic uncertainty
Caviar
Classical Russian literature is an important part of Russian culture
Soccer and hockey popular

12. Russian