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.

Greece was ruled by others for a large amount of time. The Greek civilization was expanded through the conquest
of Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.) before Greece was conquered by the Romans in 146 B.C. Also, during the 6
th

to 8
th
century B.C., the city-state Greece was a democracy.

2. Which 20
th
century events had the greatest influence on this country? Choose two events and explain their impact.
World War II: This war around the globe affected Greece. The great impact on Greece caused it to have important allies
today.
Birth Rates: Birth rates had declined since the early twentieth century. The proportion of elderly people is the highest in
Europe at over 20 percent.

3. Identify the following:
Topic Details
Well known cities, regions, or
landforms
Cities: Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Larissa
Regions: Athens, Crete, Saronic Gulf Islands
Landforms: Greek Isles, Pindus Mountains
Relative size (size in relationship to
another place)
Greece is very small compared to the U.S. It is about the size of an average sized
state in the United States.
Description of natural environment 2/3 of Greece is covered by hill and mountains. 85% of fresh water fish are in
the ocean/seas surrounding Greece. There are about 3,000 islands.

Population size 11 Million
Degree of diversity
(1=homogenous; 10=very diverse)
with explanation

10, Greece is very diverse. There are a variety of ecosystems, species,
multicultural people, etc.


Languages/Alphabets The language of Modern Greek.



4. How does folklore influence the peoples worldview or actions? Explain your answer using specific details.

Folklore influences the peoples worldview and actions because its something all people can relate to or be
entertained by, or it can just be something people like to believe in that may inspire them. Ancient Greeks thought
each persons fate was already determined. Also, Greek mythology was a huge belief. Multiple gods were honored
at festivals and events.

5. What religion(s) is practiced in this country, and how does it impact the people?

Most people of Greece are Christians. The Eastern Orthodox Christian Church plays a central role in Greek life.
Their religion is a big part of their daily life; worshiping, attending church, etc.

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.

Greece is a modern, industrialized country with a Christian tradition. Many of the rites of passage that younger
people undergo are religious rituals, like baptisms, Communion, and marriage.

7. What tips on interpersonal behavior might you give to an American who is about to travel to this country? Provide
at least three.

Greece is known for their lively, outgoing nature. It is a common form of entertainment to hang out with friends
and family in private houses, coffee shops, waterfront taverns, and village squares, with people gesturing
energetically in conversation. It is a popular vacation spot, and is well known.

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 in Greece is about the same as the U.S. Prices in Greece are generally lower than the U.S. except
for restaurants and hotels.

9. Is family important in this country? Why or why not? Use specific details in your response.

Yes, family is very important in Greece because they believe its important to care for one another. The average Greek
man is married at the age of 28 and the average Greek women is married at the age of 26. When their children grown
up, it is normal for them to live with their parents until they get married.



10. Does this country have distinctive traditional clothing? Explain your answer citing specific details.
The traditional 19th-century outfit was a tunic, vest, and pleated kilt-like skirt. Now this is usually only worn by folk
dancers at festivals. The 21
st
century now in Greece does not have any specific clothing trends/traditions.

11. How has globalization impacted food and diet in this country? Explain your answer using specific facts.

Globalization impacts food and diet in Greece. Greece is poplar for using olive oil, lamb, wine, pita and other cuisine
in their meals. This has become part of their culture and there has become very famous snacks and recipes people
enjoy all over the world.


12. How might your educational experience in this country differ from the schooling you receive in the U.S.?

The education in Greece is not as great as schooling in the United States. 20.6% of Greeks are high school
graduates. 7% of Greeks are illiterate. On the other hand, in the U.S about 80% are high school graduates. Around
14% of the U.S. are illiterate.


13. What cultural influences or accomplishments is this country best known for? List and describe at least three.
The best know Greek influences/accomplishments are contributing to the western civilization, the Persian wars, and
theater. Ancient Greece is known for these influential events.

14. Summarize the overall economy of this country in 2-3 sentences.
Economy in Greece is 43
rd
or 50
th
largest in the world. It is the 13
th
largest in the European Union.

15. How do people of this country spend their leisure time? List at least five activities. Would you want to live there?
I would defiantly want to live in Greece. People of Greece spend their leisure time eating, spending time with friends &
family, and enjoying the scenic view and beaches.

16. List (in order of significance) what you feel are the three biggest problems that this country needs to resolve.
Number of people graduating high school, their debt crisis, and a little more equality of genders.

17. Are all people treated equally in this country? Why or why not? Explain your answer using specific evidence.

Yes, I think all people are treated equally in Greece. I think so because the people who are citizens there are part of the
European Convention on Human Rights.