EUROPEAN CULTURE LANGUAGE / RELIGION

LANGUAGE Many Europeans are bilingual or multilingual The native language in Europe is the Indo-European language. This includes the Germanic, Romance, and Slavic languages Germanic: German and English. English is spoken in more parts of the world that any other language.

LANGUAGE Romance: French and Italian. Based on Latin. Germanic and Romance languages use the same alphabet Slavic: Russian Slavic Languages are based on ancient Greek letters.

LITERACY RATE Ability to Read and Write. Standard of living is often determined by education and income. European Countries have high literacy rates close to 100% Example: France and Germany. Place great emphasis on education and have many universities. Kindergarten started in Germany.

Literacy rate does not always help with standard of living. Russia has a high emphasis on education but their economy has struggled since the break up of the Soviet Union. High Unemployment rate LITERACY RATE

RELIGIONS Three major religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are examples of monotheism: belief in one supreme god.

JUDAISM Religion and culture of the Jewish people. First religion to worship only one God. Founded by Abraham around 2000 BC Holy book is the Torah, contains oral and written laws of the Jews. Followers today are known as Jews.

JUDAISM Worship in Synagogues and Temples Believe that a messiah will take them to the promised land. Descendants of Abraham and believe that they own the land of Canaan. Framework for Christianity and Islam.

JUDAISM Most European Jews now live in France, United Kingdom, Russia, and other countries formerly part of the Soviet Union. Over the centuries, the Jewish people were conquered and forced to leave their homeland many times. Diaspora: Scattering of the Jews

CHRISTIANITY Religion based on the teaching of Jesus Christ: love of God and neighbor, regard for justice, belief that Jesus is the son of God Religious Text is the Bible: old and new testament Dominant religion in Western and Eastern Europe Worship in churches and chapels

CHRISTIANITY Two major divisions: Catholic and Protestant Most Christians in Europe are Catholic and concentrated in the southern region in countries like France, Spain, and Italy. Protestants are located in northern countries like Germany and the United Kingdom. Eastern European practice Eastern Orthodoxy Christianity

ISLAM Religious faith of Muslims Founded by prophet Muhammad to spread word of Allah Muslims are migrating to Western Europe: France, Germany, United Kingdom Fastest growing religion in Europe Koran is their holy book

ISLAM Five pillars of faith: Prayer Give to charity Fasting Trip to Mecca Belief in Allah