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.
Prime Minister: Matteo Renzi. President: Giorgio Napolitano
2. Which 20
th
century events had the greatest influence on this country? Choose two events and explain their impact.
Matteo Renzi was voted in February 22, 2014 and Giorgio Napolitano was voted in May 15, 2006
3. Identify the following:
Topic Details
Well known cities, regions, or
landforms
San Marino, Vatican City, Rome
Relative size (size in relationship to
another place)
Since Italy is shaped like a Boot its differs from different nations.
Description of natural environment National Parks cover about 5% of Italy. Italy is big with renewable energy and
uses a lot of it.
Population size About 60,000,000
Degree of diversity
(1=homogenous; 10=very diverse)
with explanation
I think people in Italy are very polite and are not selfish. Italy use renewable
energy, they are caring about the earth then just using different things to make
it easier on them.
Languages/Alphabets Official language of Italy is Italian.

4. How does folklore influence the peoples worldview or actions? Explain your answer using specific details.
Because its consist of certain things that people are interested in. this helps people see the real world or even things
they like.
5. What religion(s) is practiced in this country, and how does it impact the people?
Roman Catholicism. Its the largest religion in the country but no longer the official state religion.
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.
Its similar due to the fact that you get rewarded for good things you do and get looked down on or criticized for the
bad things you do.

7. What tips on interpersonal behavior might you give to an American who is about to travel to this country? Provide
at least three. Learn whats in Italy first so you have background knowledge since there are a lot of things in Italy.
Know where to go because it is pretty big. And know that it will be crowed since there are about 60,000,000 people
in Italy.
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. This depends on the way you look at it but its about the same. You have
historically landmarks in each country, There are tons of people and the governments in each similar. They both
have a president.


9. Is family important in this country? Why or why not? Use specific details in your response.
Family is important to every country. Italy is big for family because of all the things that are in Italy that are family
related. See landmarks and going to REAL pizza places getting the real experience.



10. Does this country have distinctive traditional clothing? Explain your answer citing specific details.
Its pretty much the same as in the US. Maybe not as much as wearing all black but people dress nice and look
presentable just like the US.

11. How has globalization impacted food and diet in this country? Explain your answer using specific facts.
You dont see too much fast food places in Italy which is a good thing. There are not too many obese people in Italy but
the pure Italian restaurants and pure Italian pizza places could be a problem.

12. How might your educational experience in this country differ from the schooling you receive in the U.S.?
Education is free and mandatory for ages 6-16. So its just like the US. Maybe not learning wise but just the basics of
education and needing it is like the US.

13. What cultural influences or accomplishments is this country best known for? List and describe at least three.
They are known for having amazing pizza and amazing Italian restaurants. Most of their food is delicious and always
wanting you to get more.

14. Summarize the overall economy of this country in 2-3 sentences.
Italy is a phenomenal place. Going from landmarks, to looking at the beautiful scenery. The food is phenomenal and the
people are so polite and generous. I cannot wait to go to Italy.

15. How do people of this country spend their leisure time? List at least five activities. Would you want to live there?
Going on tours, eating at pizza places, eating at Italian restaurants, enjoying the scenery and relaxing with family.


16. List (in order of significance) what you feel are the three biggest problems that this country needs to resolve.
Economy, Womens Rights and criminal activity.

17. Are all people treated equally in this country? Why or why not? Explain your answer using specific evidence. Some
may argue that women are not but it depends on how you look at it. I think everyone is treated fine but some
people do not.