World Cultures Name:___________________________

Unit I Europe Block:_______

Exploring a European Country Research Activity
Instructions: Using the Worldmark Encyclopedia of Cultures and Daily Life (found through the library database Gale
Virtual Reference Library; username and password is colonials), research a European nation of interest to you and
complete the items below thoughtfully and completely. Be prepared to share what youve learned with your peers.
1. To what extent was this country ruled by others? Use evidence to support your answer.
The country was ruled over by Alexander the Great in 356 B.C. After that is was conquered by the Romans.
2. Which 20
th
century events had the greatest influence on this country? Choose two events and explain their impact.
One event is that there were many bankruptcies which caused people to not have homes and lose their jobs. A second
event would be the loss in the Greco-Turkish war in 1897 which cause much trouble for the people.
3. Identify the following:
Topic Details
Well known cities, regions, or
landforms
Sparta and Athens are well know cities. Mt Olympus is a very well known
mountain.

Relative size (size in relationship to
another place)
Greece is a small country. California is 3.21 times as big as Greece.
Description of natural environment Two thirds of the region about is covered with mountains and hilly terrain.

Population size There are 11.03 million people living in Greece.
Degree of diversity
(1=homogenous; 10=very diverse)
with explanation
I would say 7 because Greece is a country of diverse cultures and people who are
proud to be a part of that culture, but is still somewhat homogeneous.

Languages/Alphabets The language is modern Greek that most speak.


4. How does folklore influence the peoples worldview or actions? Explain your answer using specific details.
People in Greece do not believe in predetermined fate. They believe that a persons fate is determined at birth. They use
Greek Mythology as a way of looking at our world. Each different God and Goddess represents different aspects of life.
5. What religion(s) is practiced in this country, and how does it impact the people?
The Eastern Orthodox Christian Church is the most prominent religion in Greece. Most people pray to a specific Saint
during troubles. Pilgrimages are made to shrines and are considered very holy.
6. Are rites of passage in this country similar to or different from rites of passage in the U.S.? Explain your answer
using specific pieces of evidence.
There are similarities and differences to this topic for both countries. In Greece sacraments are received but not
celebrated. In Roman Catholicism confirmation and Holy Communion are preformed.
7. What tips on interpersonal behavior might you give to an American who is about to travel to this country? Provide
at least three. 1. Make sure you are friendly and outgoing. 2. Dont be surprised if someone acts physical with you it
is a part of their culture. 3. Try the varieties of food while traveling the country.
8. Is the standard of living in this country better, worse, or about the same as that of the U.S.? Justify your answer
with at least three pieces of evidence. The standard of living is about the same. Consumer prices are 3.13% lower
than the US. Restaurant prices in Greece are 12% higher in Greece, and groceries are about 25% lower prices than
the US.


9. Is family important in this country? Why or why not? Use specific details in your response.
Yes, Men and women almost always live in their homes until marriage and some still live with their parents with
their spouse. Honor and respect is very important in Greece.



10. Does this country have distinctive traditional clothing? Explain your answer citing specific details.
No. The common person wears clothes similar to that of which we wear in America.

11. How has globalization impacted food and diet in this country? Explain your answer using specific facts.
It has not really affected food and diet in Greece. They eat their traditional food. Some traditional foods are feta cheese
lamb and a lot of herbs.

12. How might your educational experience in this country differ from the schooling you receive in the U.S.?
Education is compulsory for 9 years until the age of 15. After 9 years the student can choose either 3 more years of high
school or technical school programs. All children are required to go to school until the age of 18 by the law. This would
be much different than our education experience.

13. What cultural influences or accomplishments is this country best known for? List and describe at least three.
Philosophical teachings of Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle are very famous. Greek literature is also very famous. Lastely,
sculptures from Greece can be seen all over the Globe.

14. Summarize the overall economy of this country in 2-3 sentences.
Greece is not a very industrialized country. The economy has increased in international trade and tourism.

15. How do people of this country spend their leisure time? List at least five activities. Would you want to live there?
Watching television is very common.
Sports such as soccer are popular.
People take part in traditional entertainment such as watching folk dancers.
People gather in local coffee shops to hang out with family and friends.
People also take part in arts and crafts.
Yes, I would like to experience its traditional culture.
16. List (in order of significance) what you feel are the three biggest problems that this country needs to resolve.
1. Debt problem
2. Overpopulation
3. Illegal immigration

17. Are all people treated equally in this country? Why or why not? Explain your answer using specific evidence.
Yes. Greece is very similar to America in equality. The equality of the sexes is established. Same sex
marriage is not yet legal, but is in debate.