Europe Culture Honors World Geography

Culture Irish/British Ireland & G. Britain share many cultural features Cultural Similarities of British/Irish Culture: – Social life is often centered around local eateries (1) Pubs – Popular sports include soccer, rugby, cricket (2) – English is the main language (3) Some Irish speak Gaelic

Culture Irish/British continued Ireland/Britain differ --- How? – Both countries are democracies but, Ireland is a republic w/ a President & G. Britain is a constitutional monarchy (1) Constitutional monarchy: king/queen is a head of state, but a parliament led by a prime minister serves as the lawmaking branch of gov’t – Religious differences (2) Majority of Ireland is Catholic Majority of G. Britain/United Kingdom is Protestant

London, England Largest city & capital of the United Kingdom A cultural & financial center of Europe Visitors can see historic buildings like: – Buckingham Palace – Big Ben Heathrow Airport is one of the world’s busiest travel centers – Ties London to cities around the world

French Culture France has a strong cultural identity unified by language & religion Majority religion is Roman Catholic French gov’t spends money to promote French culture & language

France vs the U.S. In the past, France/U.S. have long, friendly relationship Some French people worry that the American culture has too much influence – Believe traditional French culture has been ruined by American fast food, media, slang

Paris, France Considered to be a primate city – Primate city: one that ranks 1 st & dominates a country in terms of population & economy – Reason Paris is a primate city: Paris is the center of banking, business, communications, education, gov’t & transportation Paris is the center of the fashion world Major tourism industry

Culture/Benelux Countries Benelux Countries include: – The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg Dutch & Flemish (dialect of Dutch) are the main languages Brussels, Belgium – Europe’s most cosmopolitan city Cosmopolitan city: one that is characterized by many foreign influences Antwerp, Belgium --- major diamond industry Belgium chocolate popular

Spanish Culture Main religion: Roman Catholic Main feature of many Spanish towns is a plaza – Serve as social gathering places Most Spanish speak Castilian Spanish – Castilian Spanish is derived from a region around Madrid Moorish influences can be seen in Spain – Moors were a group of Islamic people from North Africa that occupied Spain for about 800 years – Seen in architecture

Italian Culture Main religion: Roman Catholic Birthplace of the Renaissance: – French word meaning “rebirth – Describes the renewed interest in learning that spread throughout Europe from the 1300’s-1500’s Time period was important b/c: it had the development of a specific style of architecture, painting, sculpture, music, literature, etc.