Chapter 3.2: Human Geography (Culture and Forms of Government)

Culture

the set of beliefs, behaviors, and traits shared by a group of people

Ethnic Group

A group of people with a common racial, national, tribal, religious, or cultural background.

Minority Groups

Ethnic groups who make up less than 50% of the population

Majority Group

an ethic group who makes up the majority (>50%) of a population

Minority-Majority Nation

a country where a racial, ethnic, or religious minority group makes up the majority of the population. The United States will be this by 2045.

Language

Helps to communicate info & experience and pass on cultural beliefs and traditions.

Dialect

A regional variety of a language with unique features like vocab, grammar, pronunciation.

Religion

A major influence on how people of a culture see the world. (what you believe)

Customs

Important outward displays of culture.

History

Shapes how we view the world.

The Arts

Dance, music, and visual arts are important types of this

Sports

Originated with different culture groups of the past (Japan, China, Greece, & Rome played a game similar to soccer) used for recreation and competition.

Government

Maintains order and provides protection and services.

Economy

Controls the use of natural resources and defines how goods are produced & distributed.

Cultural Regions

A geographic area in which people have certain traits in common.

Democracy

a type of government run by the people

Representative Democracy

a form of democracy in which citizens elect government officials to represent the people

Monarchy

the system of government in which a country is ruled by a king or queen

Dictatorship

a form of government in which one person has absolute power to rule and control the government, the people, and the economy

Human Rights

the rights belonging to all individuals

Globalization

the process by which nations, cultures, and economies become mixed