Culture by region
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[[Cultures]] of the world is the aggregate of regional variations in culture, both by [[nation]] and [[ethnic group]] and more broadly, by larger regional variations. Similarities in culture often occur in geographically nearby peoples. Both summaries of each region's major cultural characteristics as well as links to individual national or group cultures can be found here. See also: [[list of national cultures]].
==Africa==
{{main|Culture of Africa}}
The continent Africa was the birthplace of the [[hominin]] subfamily and the [[genus]] [[Homo (genus)|Homo]], including eight [[cheeses]], of which only [[Homo sapiens]] survive. Human culture in Africa is as old as the [[human race]], and includes [[Neolithic]] (10,000 BC) rock engravings, the [[glacial age]] [[petroglyph]]s (a carving or line drawing on rock, especially one made by prehistoric people) of early hunter-gatherers in the dry grasslands of [[North Africa]], the [[Nome (Egypt)|Nomes of Egypt]] (3100 BC), and [[ancient Egypt]].
Though of many varied origins, African culture, especially Sub-Saharan African culture has been shaped by European colonialism, and is differentiated from North Africa from its lesser influence by [[Arab]] and [[Islamic]] culture.
Africa is home to innumerable [[tribe]]s, [[ethnic]] and [[social group]]s, some representing very large populations consisting of millions of people, others are smaller groups of a few thousand.
Africa is a big continent and the food and drink of Africa reflect local influences, as also glimpses of [[colonial]] food traditions, including use of food products like [[capsicum|pepper]]s, [[peanut]]s and [[maize]] introduced by the colonizers. The African [[cuisine]] is a combination of traditional [[fruit]]s and [[vegetable]]s, [[milk]] and [[meat]] products. The African village diet is often milk, [[curd]]s and [[whey]]. Exotic game and fish are gathered from Africa's vast area.
===Overview===
Africa has a number of overlapping cultures. The most conventional distinction is that between sub-Saharan Africa and the northern countries from [[Egypt]] to [[Morocco]], who largely associate themselves with [[Arab]]ic culture. In this comparison, the nations to the south of the [[Sahara]] are considered to consist of many cultural areas, in particular that of the [[Bantu languages|Bantu]] language group.
Divisions may also be made between [[French Africa#Africa|French Africa]] and the rest of Africa, in particular the former British colonies of [[southern Africa|southern]] and [[East Africa]]. Another cultural fault-line is that between those Africans living traditional lifestyles and those who are essentially modern. The traditionalists are sometimes subdivided into [[pastoralism|pastoralists]] and [[agriculture|agriculturalists]].
[[African art]] reflects the diversity of African cultures. The oldest existing art from Africa are 6,000-year old carvings found in [[Niger]], while the [[Great Pyramid of Giza]] in [[Egypt]] was the world's tallest architectural accomplishment for 4,000 years until the creation of the [[Eiffel Tower]]. The Ethiopian complex of [[monolithic church]]es at [[Lalibela]], of which the [[Church of St. George, Lalibela|Church of St. George]] is representative, is regarded as another marvel of engineering.
The [[music of Africa]] is one of its most dynamic art forms. Egypt has long been a cultural focus of the Arab world, while remembrance of the rhythms of sub-Saharan Africa, in particular west Africa, was transmitted through the [[Atlantic slave trade]] to modern [[samba]], [[blues]], [[jazz]], [[reggae]], [[rap music|rap]], and [[rock and roll]]. Modern music of the continent includes the highly complex choral singing of southern Africa and the dance rhythms of [[soukous]], dominated by the [[music of the Democratic Republic of Congo]]. A recent development of the twenty first century is the emergence of [[African hip hop]]. In particular, a form from [[Senegal]] is blended with traditional [[mbalax]]. Recently in South Africa, a form of music related to [[house music]] known under the name [[Kwaito]] has developed, although the country has been home to its own form of [[South African jazz]] for some time, while [[Afrikaans]] music is completely distinct and composed mostly of traditional [[Boere musiek]], and forms of [[Folk music|folk]] and [[Rock and roll|rock]] music.
===Language===
The continent of Africa speaks hundreds of languages and if dialects spoken by various ethnic groups are also included, the number is much higher. All these languages and dialects do not have same importance: some are spoken by only few hundred persons, others are spoken by millions. Among the most prominent languages spoken are [[Arabic language|Arabic]], [[Swahili language|Swahili]] and [[Hausa language|Hausa]]. Very few countries of Africa use any single language and for this reason several official languages coexist, African and European.
The language of Africa present a unity of character as well as diversity, as is manifest in all the dimensions of Africa. Four prominent language families of Africa are:
*[[Afro-Asiatic languages|Afro-Asiatic]]
*[[Nilo-Saharan languages|Nilo-Saharan]]
*[[Niger-Kordofanian languages|Niger-Kordofanian]]
*[[Khoisan languages|Khoisan]]
*Chinese
*Indonesia
==Anglo America (United States and Canada)==
{{main|Culture areas of North America}}
Because of the economic dominance of the United States, the shared English language between the two countries, and the loose border (no visa is required to move between the countries), the culture of the United States and Canada is very similar. However, there are some notable differences. Among these is the fact that Canada has a large [[French (language)|French]]-speaking minority, while the second-most common language in the United States is [[Spanish (language)|Spanish]]. In addition, Canada uses the [[metric system]]; the U.S. does not. Canadian spelling is usually more similar to [[British English|British]] spelling, although the speech of Canadians is somewhat akin to that of [[American English|Americans]].
A unique feature of the relationship between the two countries is how the U.S.-based [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA), [[National Hockey League]] (NHL), and [[Major League Baseball|Major League Baseball's]] [[American League]] (AL) all have at least one Canadian team (several in the case of the NHL) in addition to their American franchises, in contrast to how sports leagues from virtually all other countries are limited to the country they are based in.
===Canada===
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| [[Image:RCMP officer Expo 67.jpg|thumb|200px|The [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]] are the federal and national police force of Canada and an international icon. Seen here at [[Expo 67]].]]
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:''Main articles: [[Culture of Canada]], [[National symbols of Canada]], [[Sport in Canada]]''
Canadian culture has historically been heavily influenced by [[English people|English]], [[French people|French]], [[Irish people|Irish]], [[Scottish people|Scottish]] and [[Aboriginal peoples in Canada|Aboriginal]] cultures and traditions, and over time has been greatly influenced by American culture due to its proximity and the interchange of [[human capital]]. Many forms of American media and entertainment are popular, if not dominant in Canada; conversely, many Canadian cultural products and entertainers are successful in the US and worldwide. Many cultural products are now marketed toward a unified "North American" market, or a global market generally.
The creation and preservation of more distinctly Canadian culture has been partly influenced by federal government programs, laws and institutions such as the [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] (CBC), the [[National Film Board of Canada]] (NFB), and the [[Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission]] (CRTC).
[[Image:Wawadit'la(Mungo Martin House) a Kwakwaka'wakw big house.jpg|thumb|left|250px|A [[Kwakwaka'wakw]] [[totem pole]] and traditional "big house" in [[Victoria, British Columbia|Victoria, BC]].]]
Canadian culture has also been greatly influenced by more recent immigration of people from all over the world. Many Canadians value [[multiculturalism]], indeed some see Canadian culture as being inherently multicultural.<ref name="bickerton">{{cite book |author=Bickerton, James & Gagnon, Alain-G & Gagnon, Alain (Eds). |title=Canadian Politics |publisher=Broadview Press |edition=4th edition |location=Orchard Park, NY |id=ISBN 1-55111-595-6 |year=2004}}</ref> Multicultural heritage is enshrined in [[Section Twenty-seven of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms|Section 27 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms]].
[[National symbols of Canada|National symbols]] are influenced by natural, historical, and [[First Nations]] sources. Particularly, the use of the [[maple leaf]], as a Canadian symbol, dates back to the early 18th century and is depicted on its [[Flag of Canada|current]] and [[Red Ensign|previous]] flags, the [[penny (Canadian coin)|penny]], and on the [[Coat of Arms of Canada|coat of arms]].
===United States===
{{main|Culture of the United States}}
[[Image:Motherhood and apple pie.jpg|thumb|176px|right|American cultural icons, such as [[apple pie]], [[baseball]], and the [[Flag of the United States|American flag]].]]
American culture has been a [[melting pot]] of different cultures around the world, which have formed a unified culture centered on the [[American Dream]], a faith, held by many in the United States, that, through hard work, courage, and self-determination, regardless of social class, a person can [[social mobility|gain a better life]].<ref>Boritt, Gabor S. ''Lincoln and the Economics of the American Dream''. Page 1. December 1994. University of Illinois Press. ISBN 0-252-06445-3.</ref> This belief is rooted in the belief that the country is a "[[city upon a hill]], a light unto the nations,"<ref>[[Ronald Reagan]]. [http://www.reagan.utexas.edu/archives/speeches/1989/011489a.htm "Final Radio Address to the Nation"]. January 14, 1989. ''URL accessed June 3, 2006.''</ref> which were values held by many early European settlers and maintained by subsequent generations.
[[Cuisine of the United States|American cuisine]], embraces native American ingredients like [[Turkey (bird)|turkey]], [[potatoes]], [[corn]], and [[Squash (fruit)|squash]] which have become integral parts of American culture. Such popular icons as [[apple pie]]s, [[pizza]], and [[hamburger]]s are all derived from European dishes. [[Burritos]] and [[taco]]s have their origins in Mexico. However, many of the food items now enjoyed worldwide either originated in the United States or were substantially altered by American chefs.
[[Music of the United States|Music in the United States]] also traces to the country's melting-pot population through a diverse array of styles. [[Rock and roll]], [[hip hop music|hip hop]], [[country music|country]], [[rhythm and blues|blues]], and [[jazz]] are among the country's most internationally renowned [[genre]]s. Since the late 19th century, popular recorded music from the United States has become increasingly known across the world, such that some forms of American [[popular music]] are heard almost everywhere.<ref>Provine, Rob with Okon Hwang and Andy Kershaw. "Our Life Is Precisely a Song" in the ''Rough Guide to World Music, Volume 2'', pg. 167. ISBN 1-85828-636-0.</ref>
<!-- Unsourced image removed: [[Image:Mickey-06.gif|76px|thumb|Mickey Mouse has become an American icon.]] -->
However, not all American culture is derived from some other form found elsewhere in the world. For example, the birth of [[Cinema of the United States|cinema]], as well as its radical development, can largely be traced back to the United States. In 1878, the first recorded instance of sequential photographs capturing and reproducing motion was [[Eadweard Muybridge]]'s series of a [[:Image:The Horse in Motion.jpg|running horse]], which the British-born photographer produced in [[Palo Alto, California|Palo Alto]], California, using a row of still cameras. Since then, the American film industry, centered in Hollywood, California, has had a profound effect on cinema across the world. Other areas of development include the [[American comic book|comic book]] and [[Disney]]'s [[animated cartoon|animated film]]s, which saw widespread popularity and influence, especially in Japanese [[anime]] and [[manga]] and [[Chinese animation]] and [[manhua]].
[[Image:2006 Pro Bowl tackle.jpg|176px|thumb|left|[[Pro Bowl]], 2006. [[American Football|Football]] is the most popular [[spectator sport]] in the United States.<ref>Maccambridge, Michael. ''America's Game : The Epic Story of How Pro Football Captured a Nation''. October 26, 2004. Random House. ISBN 0-375-50454-0</ref>]]
[[Sports in the United States|Sport]]s are a national pastime, and playing sports, especially [[American Football|football]], [[baseball]], and [[basketball]], is very popular at the [[high school|high-school]] level. Professional sports in the U.S. is big business, with most of the world's most highly paid athletes.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/2004/06/23/04athletesland.html "The Best-Paid Athletes"]. June 24, 2004. Forbes.com. ''Accessed May 2, 2006.''</ref> The "Big Four" sports are baseball, football, ice hockey, and basketball. Another popular sport is [[auto racing]], especially [[NASCAR]]. [[Lacrosse]], originally played by some of the indigenous tribes, is a visible sport and growing. [[Soccer]] (called ''football'' elsewhere) is a popular participatory sport, especially among children; but it does not have a large following as a [[spectator sport]], in contrast to its much greater popularity in other countries. The United States is among the most influential regions in shaping three popular [[Boardsport|board-based recreational sports]]—[[surfboarding]], [[skateboarding]], and [[snowboarding]]—which have many competitions and a large, dedicated subculture. Eight [[Olympic Games|Olympiads]] have taken place in the [[United States at the Olympics|United States]]. The country generally fares very well in them, especially the [[Summer Olympic Games|Summer Olympics]]: for instance, in the [[2004 Summer Olympics|2004 Olympics]], the U.S. topped the [[2004 Summer Olympics medal count|medals table]], with a record 103 medals (35 gold, 39 silver, and 29 bronze).<ref>[http://abc.net.au/olympics/2004/results/medaltally.htm Medal Tally]. ABC News. ''Accessed May 3, 2006''.</ref> Baseball is popularly termed "the national pastime"; since the early 1990s, [[American Football|football]] has largely been considered the most popular sport in America.
{{see also|Arts and entertainment in the United States|Media of the United States|Dance of the United States|Architecture of the United States|Holidays of the United States|Lists of Americans}}
==Asia==
{{main|Culture of Asia}}
:''For discussion of the area sometimes termed [[southwest Asia]], see [[Middle East]].''
Culturally, there has been little unity or common history for many of the cultures and peoples of Asia.
[[Asian art]], [[Asian music|music]], and [[Asian cuisine|cuisine]], as well as [[literature]], are important parts of Asian culture. [[Eastern philosophy]] and religion also plays a major role, with [[Buddhism]], [[Hinduism]], [[Taoism]], [[Confucianism]], [[Islam]], and [[Christianity]] all playing major roles. One of the most complex parts of Asian culture is the relationship between traditional cultures and the [[Western world]].
===Languages and literature===
Asia is home to several [[language family|language families]] and many [[language isolate]]s. Most Asian countries have more than one language that is natively spoken. For instance, according to [[Ethnologue]], more than 600 languages are spoken in [[Indonesia]], and more than 100 are spoken in the [[Philippines]]. But [[Korea]] is home to only one language.
====Haiku====
[[Japanese literature#Early-Modern Literature|Early-Modern Japanese literature]] (17th–19th centuries) developed comparable innovations such as [[haiku]], a form of [[Japanese poetry]] that evolved from the ancient ''[[hokku]]'' ([[Japanese language]]: 発句) mode. Haiku consists of three lines: the first and third lines each have five ''morae'' (the rough [[phonology|phonological]] equivalent of [[syllable]]s), while the second has seven. Original haiku masters included such figures as [[Edo period]] poet [[Matsuo Bashō]] (松尾芭蕉); others influenced by Bashō include [[Kobayashi Issa]] and [[Masaoka Shiki]].
===Mythology, philosophy and religion===
====Philosophy====
{{main|Eastern philosophy}}
Asian philosophical traditions originated in India and China and cover a large spectrum of philosophical thoughts and writings. [[Indian philosophy]] includes [[Hindu philosophy]] and [[Buddhist philosophy]]. They include elements of nonmaterial pursuits, whereas another school of thought from India, [[Cārvāka]], preached the enjoyment of material world.
[[Taoism]] was founded by Chinese philosopher [[Lao Zi]], who lived 605-520 B.C. [[Buddhism]] was founded by [[Siddhartha Gautama]], who lived 563-483 B.C.
During the 20th century, in the two most populous countries of Asia, two dramatically different political philosophies took shape. [[Gandhi]] gave a new meaning to [[Ahimsa]], and redefined the concepts of [[nonviolence]] and [[nonresistance]]. During the same period, [[Mao Zedong]]’s [[Communism|communist]] [[Maoism|philosophy]] was crystallized.
====Religions====
A large majority of people in the world who practice a religious faith practice one founded in Asia.
Religions founded in Asia and with a majority of their contemporary adherents in Asia include:
*[[Hinduism]]: [[India]], [[Nepal]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[Bali]].
*[[Buddhism]]: [[Bhutan]], [[Cambodia]], [[China]], [[Japan]], [[Korea]], [[Laos]], [[Malaysia]], [[Mongolia]], [[Myanmar]], [[Singapore]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Thailand]], [[Vietnam]], parts of northern, eastern, and western [[India]], and parts of central and eastern [[Russia]] ([[Siberia]]).
*[[Islam]]: [[Central Asia|Central]], [[South Asia|South]], and [[Southwest Asia]], [[Pakistan]], [[Malaysia]], [[Philippines]] [[Brunei]] and [[Indonesia]].
Religions founded in Asia that have the majority of their contemporary adherents in other regions include:
*[[Christianity]] ([[Lebanon]], [[Syria]], [[Palestinian territories|Palestine]], [[Armenia]], [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]], [[South Korea]], [[Singapore]], [[Malaysia]], [[Indonesia]], [[East Timor]], [[Pakistan]], [[India]] and the [[Philippines]])
*[[Judaism]] (slightly fewer than half of its adherents reside in Asia; [[Israel]], [[Iran]], [[India]], [[Syria]].)
===Food & drink===
[[Image:Unidentified thai food.jpg|thumb|left|Thai seafood curry]]
In many parts of Asia, [[rice]] is a staple food, and it is mostly served [[steam]]ed or as a [[porridge]] known as [[congee]]. [[China]] is the world largest producer and consumer of rice. In [[India]], people often eat food with their hands, and many [[spice]]s are used in every dish. Most spices originated around India or neighboring countries such as [[Sri Lanka]].[[Image:Durian.png|thumb|[[Durian]]]] Durians are a common fruit in [[Southeast Asia]], which, [[Alfred Russel Wallace]], attested to its delicious flavor as worth the entire cost of his trip there.
===East Asia===
East Asia is usually thought to consist of [[China]], [[Japan]], [[Korea]], but may also include [[Mongolia]] and [[Indochina]]. <!-- If the term "China" is used as a cultural identity, it already includes the area controlled by both the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China (Taiwan). -->. The dominant influence [[history of East Asia|historically]] has been China, though in modern times, cultural exchange has flowed more bidirectionally. Major characteristics of this region include shared [[Chinese language|Chinese]]-derived language characteristics, as well as shared religion, especially [[Buddhism]]. There is also a shared social and moral philosophy derived from [[Confucianism]].
The [[Chinese character|Chinese writing]] is generally agreed to be the unifying principle. It was historically used throughout the region, and is still used to a large extent in most countries of the region. In most cases, the meaning of the characters remain unchanged, but the pronunciation differs between regions. Even within China, for example, a [[Cantonese people|Cantonese]] person and a person from [[Mandarin (linguistics)|northern China]] probably cannot hold a converstaion, but they can certainly understand each other by passing notes. The Chinese writing system is the oldest continuous writing system in the world (but by no means primitive).
Apart from the unifying influence of [[Confucianism]], [[Buddhism]], and [[Chinese characters]], there is much diversity between the regions.
===South Asia (Indian Subcontinent)===
The nations of [[India]], [[Pakistan]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Bhutan]], [[Nepal]] and [[Sri Lanka]] share an ethnic background and all have similar cultures. This is largely due to the fact that before the 1947 Partition, India included both Pakistan and Bangladesh in its borders. The reason they were separated was due to varying religious composition in various Indian states.
The Indus Valley Civilization began on the Indus River (Now in Pakistan) by a people known as the [[Dravidians]]. In time, however, [[Aryans]] invaded the South Asian subcontinent from the north, forcing the Dravidians to the South of India. The Aryans also invaded the island of Sri Lanka and set up the Kingdom of [[Sinhalese people|Sinhala]]. The people eventually mingled to form a common culture.
The 4 major World Religions founded in India ([[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]], [[Jainism]] and [[Sikhism]]) are spread throughout the subcontinent. While 80% of Indians are Hindus and Nepal is a Hindu State, Sri Lanka has a majority of Buddhists. South Asian culture was influenced somewhat by the arrival of [[Islam]], which based itself in the North-West of India (now in Pakistan), near the borders of Afghanistan.
==Europe==
{{main|Culture of Europe}}
The '''Culture of Europe''' might better be described as a series of overlapping cultures of [[Europe]]. Whether it be a question of [[Western world|West]] as opposed to [[Eastern world|East]]; [[Catholicism]] and [[Protestantism]] as opposed to [[Eastern Orthodoxy]]; [[Christianity]] as opposed to [[Islam]]; many have claimed to identify cultural ''faultlines'' across the continent.
Europe has been a cradle for many cultural innovations and movements, often at odds with each other such as [[proselytism|Christian proselytism]] and [[Humanism]], that have consequently been spread across the globe. The [[Renaissance]] of classical ideas influenced the development of art and [[European literature|literature]] far beyond the confines of the continent.
Though European cultures have many varied origins, Europe has been in recent times undergoing a purposeful move towards a unified economy and political system, mainly through [[NATO]] and the [[European Union]]. The idea of a unified Europe and the loss of local uniqueness has resulted in backlash, with the European constitution rejected in France and the Netherlands.
===Global influence===
European culture also has a broad influence beyond the continent of Europe due to the legacy of [[colonialism]]. In this broader sense it is sometimes referred to as ''[[Western world|Western Civilization]]''. Nearly all of [[the Americas]] were ruled by European powers at one time or another, and some parts of the New World, such as [[French Guiana]], still are. The vast majority of the population of the Americas speak European languages, specifically [[Spanish language|Spanish]], [[English language|English]], [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]], and [[French language|French]]. Additionally the cultures of the European colonial powers ([[Spain]], [[British Empire|Britain]], [[Portugal]], [[Russia]] and [[France]]) exert a strong influence.
The legacy of colonialism has spread European culture elsewhere in the world. Europe profoundly influenced on the cultures of [[Culture of Africa|Africa]], [[Culture of India|India]], [[Culture of Israel|Israel]], [[Culture of Australia|Australia]], and other places colonised or settled by Europeans.
===Religion===
{{main|Religion in Europe}}
Christianity was the dominant feature in shaping European culture for at least the last 1700 years. Modern philosophical thought has very much been influenced by Christian philosophers such as St. Thomas Aquinas and Erasmus. But now millions of Europeans profess no religion or are atheist or agnostic.
The most popular religions of Europe are:
*'''[[Roman Catholicism]]'''
*'''[[Protestantism]]'''
*'''[[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox Christianity]]''':
*'''[[Islam]]'''
==Latin America==
{{main|Latin American culture}}
The rich mosaic of Latin American cultural expressions is the product of many diverse influences:
*[[Native]] cultures of the peoples that inhabited the continents prior to the arrival of the Europeans.
*[[European culture|European]] cultures, brought mainly by the [[Spain|Spanish]], the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] and the [[French people|French]]. This can be seen in any expression of the region's rich artistic traditions, including painting, literature and music, and in the realms of science and politics. The most enduring European colonial influence was language. Italian and British influence has been important as well.
*[[African]] cultures, whose presence derives from a long history of [[New World]] [[slavery]]. Peoples of African descent have influenced the ethno-scapes of Latin America and the Caribbean. This is manifest for instance in dance and religion, especially in countries such as Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Cuba.
*The United States, particularly via [[mass culture]] such as cinema and TV.
===Language===
[[Image:Map-Romance Latin America.png|200px|right|thumb|Romance languages in Latin America: '''<font color="00B927">Green</font>'''-Spanish; '''<font color="#0000FF">Blue</font>'''-French; '''<font color="#FF8400">Orange</font>'''-Portuguese]]
[[Spanish language|Spanish]] is the predominant language in the majority of the countries. [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] is spoken primarily in Brazil, where it is both the official and the national language. [[French language|French]] is also spoken in smaller countries, in the [[Caribbean]], and [[French Guiana]].
{{seealso|Amerindian languages}}
Several nations, especially in the [[Caribbean]], have their own [[Creole languages]], derived from European languages and various African tongues. [[Native American languages]] are spoken in many Latin American nations, mainly [[Peru]], [[Ecuador]], [[Guatemala]], [[Bolivia]], [[Paraguay]], and [[Mexico]]. [[Nahuatl]] is only one of the 62 native languages spoken by indigenous people in Mexico, which are officially recognised by the government as "national languages", along with Spanish. [[Guaraní language|Guarani]] is, along with Spanish, the official language of Paraguay, and is spoken by a majority of the population.
Other European languages spoken include the [[Italian language|Italian]] in Brazil and [[Argentina]], the [[German language|German]] in southern [[Brazil]], southern [[Chile]] and [[Argentina]], and the [[Welsh language|Welsh]] in southern Argentina.
===Religion===
The primary religion throughout Latin America is [[Catholicism|Roman Catholicism]]. Latin America, and in particular Brazil, are active in developing the quasi-socialist Roman Catholic movement known as [[Liberation Theology]]. Practitioners of the [[Protestant]], [[Pentecostal]], [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]], [[Mormon]], [[Buddhism|Buddhist]], [[Jew]]ish, [[Islam]]ic, [[Hinduism|Hindu]], [[Bahá'í Faith|Bahá'í]], and indigenous denominations and religions exist. Various [[Afro-Latin American]] traditions, such as [[Santería]], and [[Macumba]], a tribal- voodoo religion are also practiced. [[Evangelicalism]] in particular is increasing in popularity. <ref name="evangelical"> {{cite web |title=Education and Religious Freedom in Latin America |author=Paul Sigmund |publisher=Princeton University |url=http://www.iarf.net/REBooklet/LatinAmerica.htm |date=Last accessed 05-21-06}} </ref>
===Visual art===
{{main|Latin American art}}
Beyond the rich tradition of indigenous art, the development of Latin American visual art owed much to the influence of Spanish, Portuguese and French Baroque painting, which in turn often followed the trends of the Italian Masters. In general, this artistic Eurocentrism began to fade in the early twentieth century, as Latin-Americans began to acknowledge the uniqueness of their condition and started to follow their own path.
An important artistic movement generated in Latin America is ''[[Mural]]ismo'' represented by [[Diego Rivera]], [[David Alfaro Siqueiros]], [[José Clemente Orozco]] and [[Rufino Tamayo]] in Mexico and [[Santiago Martinez Delgado]] and [[Pedro Nel Gómez]] in Colombia. Some impressive ''Muralista'' works can be found also in a number of cities in the USA.
Mexican painter [[Frida Kahlo]] remains by far the most known and famous Latin American artist.. Kahlo's work commands the highest selling price of all Latin American paintings.
===Literature===
{{main|Latin American literature}}
What really put Latin American literature on the global map was no doubt the literary [[Latin American Boom|boom]] of the 1960s and 1970s, distinguished by daring and experimental novels (such as [[Julio Cortázar]]'s ''[[Hopscotch (Julio Cortázar novel)|Rayuela]]'' (1963)) that were frequently published in Spain and quickly translated into English. The Boom's defining novel was [[Gabriel García Márquez]]'s [[One Hundred Years of Solitude|Cien años de soledad]] (1967), which led to the association of Latin American literature with [[magic realism]], though other important writers of the period such as [[Mario Vargas Llosa]] and [[Carlos Fuentes]] do not fit so easily within this framework. Arguably, the Boom's culmination was [[Augusto Roa Bastos]]'s monumental ''[[Yo, el supremo]]'' (1974). In the wake of the Boom, influential precursors such as [[Juan Rulfo]], [[Alejo Carpentier]], and above all [[Jorge Luis Borges]] were also rediscovered.
Contemporary literature in the region is vibrant and varied, ranging from the best-selling [[Paulo Coelho]] and [[Isabel Allende]] to the more avant-garde and critically acclaimed work of writers such as [[Diamela Eltit]], [[Ricardo Piglia]], or [[Roberto Bolaño]]. There has also been considerable attention paid to the genre of [[Testimony#Testimony in literature|testimonio]], texts produced in collaboration with [[Subaltern (postcolonialism)|subaltern]] subjects such as [[Rigoberta Menchú]]. Finally, a new breed of chroniclers is represented by the more journalistic [[Carlos Monsiváis]] and [[Pedro Lemebel]].
The region boasts five [[Nobel Prize in Literature|Nobel Prizewinners]]: in addition to the Colombian García Márquez (1982), also the Chilean poet [[Gabriela Mistral]] (1945), the Guatemalan novelist [[Miguel Ángel Asturias]] (1967), the Chilean poet [[Pablo Neruda]] (1971), and the Mexican poet and essayist [[Octavio Paz]] (1990).
===Music===
{{main|Latin American music}}
One of the main characteristics of Latin American music is its diversity, from the lively rhythms of Central America and the Caribbean to the more austere sounds of southern South America. Another feature of Latin American music is its original blending of the variety of styles that arrived in The Americas and became influential, from the early Spanish and European Baroque to the different beats of the African rhythms.
Hispano-Caribbean music, such as [[salsa music|salsa]], [[Merengue music|merengue]], [[bachata]], etc., are styles of music that have been strongly influenced by African rhythms and melodies. <ref> {{cite web |author=Dr. Christopher Washburne |publisher=University of Salsa |title=Clave: The African Roots of Salsa |date=Last accessed 05-23-06 |url=http://www.planetsalsa.com/university_of_salsa/clave/clave_roots.htm}} </ref> <ref> {{cite web |publisher=Caravan Music |title=Guide to Latin Music |url=http://www.caravanmusic.com/GuideLatinMusic.htm |date=Last accessed 05-23-06}} </ref>
Arguably, the main contribution to music entered through folklore, where the true soul of the Latin American and Caribbean countries is expressed. Musicians such as [[Atahualpa Yupanqui]], [[Violeta Parra]], [[Victor Jara]], [[Mercedes Sosa]], [[Jorge Negrete]], [[Caetano Veloso]], and others gave magnificent examples of the heights that this soul can reach.
[[Latin pop]], including many forms of [[Rock (music)|rock]], is popular in Latin America today (see [[Spanish language rock and roll]]). <ref> {{cite news |author=The Baltimore Sun |publisher=The Michigan Daily |title=Latin music returns to America with wave of new pop starlets |url=http://www.pub.umich.edu/daily/1999/sep/09-28-99/arts/arts6.html |date=Last accessed 05-23-06}} </ref>
===Cuisine===
{{main|Latin American cuisine}}
'''Latin American cuisine''' is a phrase that refers to typical foods, beverages, and cooking styles common to many of the countries and cultures in [[Latin America]].
Some items typical of Latin American cuisine include [[maize]]-based dishes ([[tortilla]]s, [[tamale]]s, [[pupusa]]s) and various [[Salsa (sauce)|salsas]] and other condiments ([[guacamole]], [[pico de gallo]], [[Mole (sauce)|mole]]).
Beverages include [[Mate (beverage)|mate]], [[horchata]], [[atole]] and [[aguas frescas]].
Desserts include [[dulce de leche]] and [[flan]].
==Middle East and North Africa==
Perhaps the defining characteristic of the [[Middle East]] and [[North Africa]] is [[Islam]] and variations of the [[Arabic language]], though this region is also home to [[Israel]] and [[Judaism]], and significant [[Christian]] minorities. Further, several groups who are adherents to Islam may not consider themselves [[Arab]]. In the [[Western world]], the Middle East is generally thought of as a predominantly [[Islamic]], [[Arabic]]-speaking community. However, the area encompasses many distinct [[Cultural group|cultural]] and [[ethnic group]]s, including the [[Arabs]], [[Armenians]], [[Assyrian people|Assyrians]], [[Azeris]], [[Berbers]], [[Druze]], [[Egyptians]], [[Greeks]], [[Jew]]s, [[Kurdish people|Kurd]]s, [[Maronites]], [[Persians]] and [[Turkish peoples|Turks]]. The main language groups include: [[Arabic language|Arabic]], [[Armenian language|Armenian]], [[Assyrian Neo-Aramaic|Assyrian]] (also known as [[Aramaic language|Aramaic]] and [[Syriac language|Syriac]]), [[Azerbaijani language|Azeri]], [[Egyptian Arabic]] (Masri), [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]], [[Persian language|Persian]], [[Kurdish language|Kurdish]] and [[Turkish language|Turkish]].
===Religion===
The Middle East is the birthplace and [[Spirituality|spiritual]] center of [[Judaism]], [[Christianity]], and [[Islam]].
They are [[Abrahamic religions]] are derived to some extent from [[Judaism]] as practiced in ancient kingdoms of Israel and Judah prior to the [[Babylonian captivity of Judah|Babylonian Exile]], at the beginning of the [[1st millennium BCE]]. Many believe that Judaism in Biblical Israel was renovated and reformed to some extent in the 6th century BCE by [[Ezra]] and other priests returning to Israel from the exile. [[Samaritanism]] separated from [[Judaism]] in the next few centuries.
[[Christianity]] originated in [[Judea]], at the end of the 1st century, as a radically reformed branch of [[Judaism]]; it spread to ancient [[Ancient Greece|Greece]] and [[Ancient Rome|Rome]], and from there to most of [[Europe]], [[Asia]], the [[Americas]], and many other parts of the world. Over the centuries, Christianity split into many separate churches and denominations. A major split in the 5th century separated various [[Oriental Orthodoxy|Oriental Churches]] from the [[Catholic]] church centered in [[Rome]]. Other major splits were the [[East-West Schism]] in the 11th century, separating the [[Roman Catholic Church]] from the [[Eastern Orthodox]] Churches; and the [[Protestant Reformation]] of the 16th century, that gave birth to hundreds of independent [[Protestant]] denominations.
[[Islam]] originated in the 7th century, in the [[Arabia]]n cities of [[Mecca]] and [[Medina]]. Although not a dissident branch of either [[Judaism]] or [[Christianity]], it explicitly claimed to be a continuation and replacement for them, and echoed many of their principles. According to the Muslim belief, the Qur'an was the final word of God and its message was that of all the prophets. As an example of the similarities between the faiths, Muslims believe in a version of the story of [[Genesis]] and in the lineal descent of the [[Arab]]s from Abraham through [[Ishmael]], who was conceived through Abraham's servant [[Hagar]].
===North Africa===
The people of the Maghreb and the Sahara speak various dialects of [[Berber languages|Berber]] and [[Arabic]], and almost exclusively follow [[Islam]]. The [[Arabic]] and [[Berber languages|Berber]] groups of languages are distantly related, both being members of the [[Afro-Asiatic languages|Afro-Asiatic family]]. The Sahara dialects are notably more conservative than those of coastal cities (see [[Tuareg languages]]). Over the years, [[Berber people]]s have been influenced by other cultures with which they came in contact: [[Nubians]], [[Greeks]], [[Phoenicians]], [[Egyptians]], [[Ancient Rome|Romans]], [[Vandals]], [[Arabs]], and lately [[European ethnic groups|European]]s. The cultures of the Maghreb and the Sahara therefore combine indigenous Berber, Arab and elements from neighboring parts of Africa and beyond. In the Sahara, the distinction between sedentary [[oasis]] inhabitants and nomadic [[Bedouin]] and [[Tuareg]] is particularly marked.
The diverse peoples of the Sahara are usually categorized along ethno-linguistic lines. In the Maghreb, where Arab and Berber identities are often integrated, these lines can be blurred. Some [[Berber languages|Berber]]-speaking North Africans may identify as "Arab" depending on the social and political circumstances, although substantial numbers of [[Berbers]] (or '''Imazighen''') have retained a distinct cultural identity which in the 20th century has been expressed as a clear ethnic identification with Berber history and language. Arabic-speaking [[Northwest Africa]]ns, regardless of ethnic background, often identify with Arab history and culture and may share a common vision with other [[Arabs]]. This, however, may or may not exclude pride in and identification with Berber and/or other parts of their heritage. Berber political and cultural activists for their part, often referred to as [[Berberist]]s, may view all [[Northwest Africa]]ns as principally Berber, whether they are primarily Berber- or Arabic-speaking (see also [[Arabized Berber]]).
The Nile Valley through northern [[Sudan]] traces its origins to the ancient civilizations of [[ancient Egypt|Egypt]] and [[Kush]]. The [[Egyptians]] over the centuries have shifted their language from [[Egyptian language|Egyptian]] to modern [[Egyptian Arabic]] (both [[Afro-Asiatic]]), while retaining a national identity that has historically set them apart from other people in the region. Most Egyptians are [[Sunni]] Muslim and a significant [[Copts|minority]] adheres to [[Coptic Christianity]]. In [[Nubia]], straddling Egypt and Sudan, a significant population retains the ancient [[Nubian language]] but has adopted [[Islam]]. The northern part of the [[Sudan]] is home to a, largely, Arabic-speaking Muslim population, but further down the Nile Valley, the culturally distinct world of the largely non-Muslim [[Nilotic]] and [[Nuba]] peoples begins. Sudan is the largest and most diverse of all North African countries.
North Africa formerly had a large [[Judaism|Jewish]] population, almost all of whom emigrated to France or Israel when the North African nations gained independence. A smaller number went to Canada. Prior to the modern establishment of [[Israel]], there were about 600,000-700,000 Jews in Northern Africa, including both [[Sephardic|Sfardīm]] (refugees from France, Spain and Portugal from the Renaissance era) as well as indigenous [[Mizrahi Jew|{{Unicode|Mizrāḥîm}}]]. Today, less than fifteen thousand remain in the region, almost all in Morocco and Tunisia, and are mostly part of a French-speaking urban elite. (See [[Jewish exodus from Arab lands]].)
==Arab Gulf states==
{{main|Culture of the Arab Gulf states}}
==Oceania==
===Australia===
{{main|Indigenous Australian}}
{{main|Culture of Australia|Sport in Australia}}
The cultures of modern Aboriginal Australians, or at least of those few who survived the impact of European colonisation, are diverse. Although the effect of the arrival of Europeans on Aboriginal culture was profound and catastrophic, the reverse is not the case: broadly speaking, mainstream Australian culture has been imported from the United States and Europe (in particular, the United Kingdom).
Much of modern Australia's culture is derived from European and American roots, but distinctive Australian features have evolved from the environment and Aboriginal culture. The vigour and originality of the arts in Australia — films, opera, music, painting, theater, dance, and crafts — are achieving international recognition.
[[Image:Golden Summer Eaglemont Arthur Streeton.jpg|right|thumb|240px|''Golden Summer, Eaglemont'' ([[Eaglemont, Victoria]]) by [[Arthur Streeton]] (1889) is an early example of the rich tradition of Australian [[landscape painting]].]]
The primary basis of Australian culture up until the mid-20th century was [[Anglo-Celtic]], although distinctive Australian features had been evolving from the environment and [[Australian Aborigine|indigenous]] culture. Over the past 50 years, Australian culture has been strongly influenced by American popular culture (particularly television and cinema), large-scale immigration from non-English-speaking countries, and Australia's Asian neighbours. The vigour and originality of the arts in Australia — films, opera, music, painting, theatre, dance, and crafts — achieve international recognition.
Australia has a long history of visual arts, starting with the [[Cave painting|cave]] and bark paintings of its indigenous peoples. From the time of European settlement, a common theme in [[Art of Australia|Australian art]] has been the Australian landscape, seen in the works of [[Arthur Streeton]], [[Arthur Boyd]] and [[Albert Namatjira]], among others. The traditions of indigenous Australians are largely transmitted orally and are closely tied to ceremony and the telling of the stories of the [[Dreamtime (mythology)|Dreamtime]]. [[Australian Aboriginal music]], dance and [[Australian Aboriginal art|art]] have a palpable influence on contemporary Australian visual and performing arts. Australia has an active tradition of [[music]], [[ballet]] and [[theatre]]; many of its performing arts companies receive public funding through the federal government's [[Australia Council for the Arts|Australia Council]]. There is a [[Orchestra|symphony orchestra]] in each capital city, and a national [[opera]] company, [[Opera Australia]], first made prominent by the renowned diva [[Joan Sutherland|Dame Joan Sutherland]]; [[Music of Australia|Australian music]] includes classical, jazz, and many popular music genres.
[[Australian literature]] has also been influenced by the landscape; the works of writers such as [[Banjo Paterson]] and [[Henry Lawson]] captured the experience of the Australian bush. The character of colonial Australia, as embodied in early literature, resonates with modern Australia and its perceived emphasis on [[egalitarianism]], mateship, and anti-authoritarianism. In 1973, [[Patrick White]] was awarded the [[Nobel Prize in Literature]], the only Australian to have achieved this; he is recognised as one of the great English-language writers of the twentieth century. [[Australian English]] is a major variety of the language; its grammar and spelling are largely based on those of British English, overlaid with a rich vernacular of unique lexical items and phrases, some of which have found their way into standard English.
[[Image:MCG centrebounce.jpg|thumb|300px|right|clear:both|[[Australian rules football]] was developed in Australia in the late 1850s and is played at amateur and professional levels. It is the most popular spectator sport in Australia in terms of annual attendances and club memberships.]]
Australia has two public broadcasters (the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]] and the multi-cultural [[Special Broadcasting Service|SBS]]), three commercial [[television network]]s, three pay TV services, and numerous public, non-profit television and radio stations. [[Cinema of Australia|Australia's film industry]] has achieved critical and commercial successes. Each major city has daily newspapers, and there are two national daily newspapers, ''[[The Australian]]'' and ''[[The Australian Financial Review]]''. According to [[Reporters Without Borders]] in 2005, Australia is in thirty first position on a list of countries ranked by [[freedom of the press|press freedom]], behind [[New Zealand]] (9th) and the [[United Kingdom]] (28th) but ahead of the [[United States]]. This ranking is primarily due to the limited diversity of commercial media ownership in Australia. Most Australian [[Publishing|print media]] in particular is under the control of either [[News Corporation]] or [[John Fairfax Holdings]].
[[Sport]] plays an important part in Australian culture, assisted by a climate that favours outdoor activities; 23.5% Australians over the age of 15 regularly participate in organised sporting activities.<ref name = "Year Book 2005">Australian Bureau of Statistics. [http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/94713ad445ff1425ca25682000192af2/1a79e7ae231704f8ca256f720082feb9!OpenDocument Year Book Australia 2005]</ref> At an international level, Australia has particularly strong teams in [[cricket]], [[field hockey|hockey]], [[netball]], [[rugby league]], [[rugby union]], and performs well in [[cycling]] and [[swimming]]. Nationally, other popular sports include [[Australian rules football]], [[horse racing]], [[football (soccer)|soccer]] and [[auto racing|motor racing]]. Australia has participated in every summer [[Olympic Games]] of the modern era, and every [[Commonwealth Games]]. Australia has hosted the [[1956 Summer Olympics|1956]] and [[2000 Summer Olympics]], and has ranked among the top five medal-takers since 2000. Australia has also hosted the [[1938 British Empire Games|1938]], [[1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games|1962]], [[1982 Commonwealth Games|1982]] and [[2006 Commonwealth Games]]. Other major international events held regularly in Australia include the [[Australian Open]], one of the four [[Grand Slam (tennis)|Grand Slam]] tennis tournaments, annual international cricket matches and the Formula One [[Australian Grand Prix]]. Corporate and government sponsorship of many sports and elite athletes is common in Australia. Televised sport is popular; some of the highest rating television programs include the summer Olympic Games and the grand finals of local and international football competitions.<ref>Australian Film Commission. What are Australians Watching?, [http://www.afc.gov.au/gtp/freetv.html Free-to-Air, 1999-2004 TV]</ref>
==See also==
[[Arts by region]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Cultures]]
[[Category:Culture by region]]
[[Category:Human geography]]
[[pt:Cultura por região]]