Cultural GeographyWG.3c, 10b-cCultural Characteristics Cultural characteristics are parts of a groups everyday life. They are the ideas and themes which the group will teach to all members. These same characteristics can also link or divide a region.Examples of cultural characteristics would be language, religion, and ethnic heritageExamples of cultural characteristics Language Arabic unites the Arab world Spanish unites the Hispanic worldBrazil is the only South American nation which does not speak Spanish. It speaks Portuguese.Canada is a bilingual nation. French and English is its official language.Examples of cultural characteristics Switzerland has multiple languages but very little conflict between the groups English is now considered the world language and is used for most business transactions around the worldExamples of cultural characteristics Ethnic Heritage In Yugoslavia, many ethnic groups were made into one country (Serbs, Croats, Bosnians, Albanians). When strong leadership died out, the different groups fought a very bloody civil war and now they all have separate countriesExamples of cultural characteristics In the countries of Rwanda and Burundi in Africa, Two ethnic groups are dominate, the Tutsis and the Hutus. The Hutus are dominate in one and they persecute the Tutsis, and the Tutsis are dominate in the otherand they persecute the Hutus. It has led to almost constant war between the groups.Examples of cultural characteristicsThe United States and Switzerland have peacefully merged multiple ethnic groups in their countries. Korea and Japan have primarily one ethnic groupOn the island of Cyprus, the Greeks and the Turks try to gain controlExamples of cultural characteristics Religion can be both a unifying force. There are five major religions in the world today-Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. They have millions of followers all believing the same thing.Examples of cultural characteristics Religion can also be a dividing force around the world. Hindus and Muslims fight in India (Hindu) and Pakistan (Muslim)There are conflicts between Catholics and Protestants (two forms of Christianity) in Northern IrelandJews, Christians and Muslims all claim Jerusalem as their religions holy site. They are constantly fighting over the landSpatial divisions Spatial divisions are how we divide the livable space found on the earth by establishing social, economic, and political control. You can be a member of more than one spatial group. Spatial divisions can also cause conflicts or cooperationSpatial divisions Examples of Spatial Divisions- Countries Economic alliances European Union (EU) Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)Examples of Spatial Divisions- Economic Alliances cont.North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Association of Southeast Asian NationsSpatial divisions Examples of Spatial Divisions Political alliances North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Commonwealth of Nations Organization of American States (OAS)Examples of Spatial Divisions Political alliances cont. League of Arab States African Union (AU)Spatial divisions Reasons for spatial divisions differences in culture, language, or religion keeping of historical boundaries imperial conquest and control economic similarities and differencesReasons for spatial division conflicts Boundary and territorial disputes-Syria/Israel, Western Sahara/Morocco, China/Taiwan, India/Pakistan, Iraq/KuwaitReasons for spatial division conflicts Cultural differences (language and religion)- Indonesia, Canada (Quebec), Ireland, Sudan Nationalism-(the belief that your nation is superior to all others)Reasons for spatial division conflicts Economic differences- fertile land, access to fresh water, access to the coast, fishing rights, natural resources, different economic philosophiesReasons for spatial division conflictsEthnic differences-Balkans (Europe), Cyprus (Europe), Rwanda and Burundi (Africa), Kashmir (India)Examples of CooperationHumanitarian-Red Cross, Red Crescent Economic Alliances- NAFTA, Law of the Sea, multinational corporations, OPECExamples of CooperationCultural Alliances-French speaking world, Commonwealth of NationsMilitary Alliances-NATO Problem-solving Alliances- United Nations (UN), Antarctica TreatyExamples of Cooperation Programs to promote international understanding- Peace Corps Foreign Aid Alliances for environmental preservation