Geography 201 • Human Geography • Dr. Sarah Bednarz • Fall 2007 Activity 2 Introduction One culture or many? Unicultural or multicultural? That is an important issue to consider when viewing different nations of the world. As we discuss culture, language, and religion, this activity should provide you with an opportunity to look at the 25 most populous nations in the world and to observe whether they are unicultural or multicultural. Procedure Use an almanac (or Internet-based almanacs) to find information on each of these nations, the 25 most populous nations in the world according to U.S. government sources. Typically, an almanac contains information about a nation such as this entry on Austria: Languages: German 98% (small Slovene, Croatian, and Hungarian-speaking minorities), Ethnicity/race: German 88%, non-nationals 9.3% (includes Croatians, Slovenes, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, Roma), Religions: Roman Catholic 78%, Protestant 5%, Islam and other 17%. Or this entry on Ghana: Languages: English (official), Native tongues (Brong Ahafo, Twi, Fanti, Ga, Ewe, Dagbani), Ethnicity/race: black African 98.5% (major tribes Akan 44%, Moshi Dagomba 16%, Ewe 13%, Ga 8%, Gurma 3%, Yoruba 1%) Religions: Christian 63%, indigenous beliefs 21%, Islam 16% Source: Time Almanac with Information Please, 2004 1. Your assignment is to research each nation and fill out the attached chart. Austria and Ghana are done for you as examples. The purpose is to decide if the country contains basically one culture group or if it contains several culture groups as evidenced by speaking more than one language, practicing several different religions, and having several ethnic groups among its population. It is your judgment and analysis that will lead you to decide: Unicultural or Multicultural. 2. When you have finished the chart, go back and explain why you made the decision for each country. This should be typed or written neatly on a separate sheet of paper and attached to this activity. For Example: Austria: Austria appears to be pretty unicultural. The majority of the people are German, speak German, and practice the same religion. Ghana: Ghana appears to be multicultural. Although nearly half the population is Akan, a sizable number of people come from other ethnic groups and speak other languages. About one third of the nation practices a different religion. 3. Be sure you can locate each of these nations on a world map. You do not have to make this map but you should know where each nation is. Hint: Be a little skeptical about some of the entries you may find in the Almanac/on-line. For example, the typical listing for Italy lists a variety of languages and ethnic groups. But on closer examination, the overwhelming majority of Italians speak Italian and practice the Roman Catholic religion making them....well, use your good judgment. The same is true with France—and look carefully at the data on Mexico, China, and India.Geography 201 • Human Geography • Dr. Sarah Bednarz • Fall 2007 Hint: Be consistent. Once you decide one nation is multicultural, make sure you follow the same rules for all nations with similar statistics. Information on the United States may be difficult to find. Again, use your good judgment. Check the class web site at the area “Hints for Activities” for suggestions for Internet sources of