Globalization and global expansion is the latest trend to have affected the world culture landscape of today. Not surprisingly, the one thing that makes this globalization possible is cross-border communication and correspondence. Along with language, a country’s culture, norms, and values play a significant role in making this communication possible.
A country’s culture is more than just the way its people practice their traditions—it’s a complete way of life, communication, norms, and values that shape how society is formed. This is the reason why a person seeking to travel to another country needs to have ample knowledge about its culture and language for him to understand its people well. From the renaissance art of Italy to the traditional practices of India, these cultures reflect the way of life in these countries.
Here is a Look at the World’s Top Cultures that have Shaped age-Old Traditions as we Know Them
1. Italy
Famous largely for its renaissance art, Italy is a south-central European country with a border that extends well into the Mediterranean Sea. According to some estimates, about 40 million tourists visit the country every year, making it one of the top tourist spots of the world—the reason? Its historical sites and architecture attract enthusiasts globally and some big names such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Botticelli are just some to start with. The region is home to a vast number of migrants as well who have blended well into the architectural beauty that Italy is.
One other thing that Italy is particularly famous for is its cuisine. Italian cuisine is not only enjoyed but it is also celebrated across the world and chefs globally laud Italian food as the most delicious and unique food in the world.
2. France
Perhaps no other country has a greater influence on history than France, one of the oldest countries on the face of the Earth. Known majorly due to its historical significance, France is famous for its food, art, language, and locations and ranks 2nd on the list of Cultural Influence Rankings. Not only that, but it is also one of the countries which have a ‘romantic’ identity, and its city Paris is well-known as ‘the city of love.
France is not just famous for its historical sites, it is also appreciated for its cuisine and fashion houses. This is the reason why the name of France conjures up an image of fashion trends that are a class apart. The French people are polite people who prefer greetings and punctuality over everything else. Not only that, table manners are extremely important in France.
3. Spain
Ranked on the 3rd number on the list of Cultural Influence Rankings, Spain is a combination of independent nations that combined to form the Kingdom of Spain in 1492. The artistic heritage of the country sets it apart from other countries and is an essential part and parcel of its culture. Not surprisingly, it is the 4th most visited country in the world and 58 million tourists throng its architectural sites every year.
One thing that is unique and different about Spain is its festivals and celebrations. Although Spanish people celebrate religious festivals with zest, other celebrations also take place with pomp and fervor. Whether you are a tourist visiting Spain for a recreational holiday or a businessman securing a commercial deal, you are bound to be attracted by interesting festivals such as La Tomatina where people pelt each other with tomatoes!
4. United States
One of the most dominant economic and technological powers, the United States of America is a North American nation exerting a massive influence on the world economy, business, and politics. This is the reason the US scores a 10/10 on the modernity scale and is on number 4th in the Cultural Influence Rankings list.
The country is a combination of different languages, nationalities, and races intermingling with each other to form the States. With a population of 3.3 billion, the country has a lot to offer other than just its economic progress. It is the center of the modern world with its film and media industry that is a leader in the world landscape. Not only that, its traditions and people are different from other countries as well. One interesting aspect of the US culture is the “eating-on-the-go” practice or taking meal takeaways since its people are too busy running from one appointment or job to another. This has given rise to the “instant-cooked” food industry, lauded and available nowadays in all countries.
5. India
When it comes to old, religious traditions, involving tales of yore, the name of India comes up in many people’s minds. India is a South-eastern Asian country that sits on a peninsula extending over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. Termed as the second most populous nation after China, it is a land of mystery, magic, and tradition, and has an interesting historical background as well.
The country is home to a number of diverse religions, with Hinduism and Islam as the leading ones. This is the reason why its people are a reflection of the religions that they practice. In India, it is a common practice to fast for days—as a means to gain salvation from certain evils. However, fasting here does not necessarily mean that the body eliminates all types of food—only certain foods are restricted along with quantity. The country also has a number of ancient tribes that still thrive in its folds, making it a rich mixture of cultures.
6. United Kingdom
Fixed on number 5 on the Cultural Influence Rankings list is the United Kingdom, a highly developed country that holds considerable global economic, scientific, political, and technological prowess. London is the world’s leading financial and economic hub, with an appreciative economic metric to prove it. The citizens of the country pride themselves in delivering creativity, work ethics, and innovative change—perhaps this is why they are known to ‘bring something new to the table’, be it in any field of life.
One of the greatest contributions that the United Kingdom has done to the world is lending its English language, which is the main language of communication globally. With over 2 billion speakers worldwide, English continues to dominate all languages in the medium of communication and business correspondence. In addition, the country offers a lot of other attractions in art, orchestra, theatre, media, and technology that are unique in themselves.
7. Greece
History resides in the architecture and its people and one country that has stood the test of time in Greece. Located in southeastern Europe, this nation holds a rich history and has its origins dating back to the 19th Century. This is the reason why it laid the foundations of art, philosophy, and politics that are practiced in the Western world today. The Greek culture itself has forged a separate and distinct identity in science that has made a mark globally, in addition to leaps in the world of art, such as in theatre and museums.
Greece we know now evolved from a group of about 150 independent states, each with its own governing systems, but with the same cultural practices. In fact, some of the creative art practices took root from these places, such as writing onto the clay. The earliest records of writing were engraved on clay tablets which are preserved to this day.
8. Sweden
One of the largest countries in the European Union by landmass, Sweden is a Nordic state expanding across much of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The country scores high on the modernity scale and is also known as a nation holding a ‘prestigious’ position in world cultures. Sweden is a capitalistic state with a large part of its spending going on public service. This is the reason why it is also high in public service and aid services, with a large group of people participating in humanitarian practices. Advanced infrastructure and economy propel the nation towards greater tourism, which also grows owing to its cultural influence among the Nordic states.
It is commonly known that the Swedish people are one of the most generous ones and donate about 1% of Gross National Product to humanitarian aid efforts and activities. Meanwhile, the culture and population of the country continue to evolve with time as more migrants join its folds.
9. Mexico
One of the most interesting and fascinating of the cultures, the Mexican culture is influenced by ancient Aztec and Maya civilizations as well as European colonization. The culture of Mexico is a combination of a diverse number of cultures and is reflective of the country’s complex history. Moreover, with the gradual blending of native cultures and Spanish, the Mexican culture got the identity as we know it today. After the rule of the Spanish for nearly 300 years, the government of Mexico promoted a set of cultural traits to create a national identity.
The culture of Mexico is influenced by family ties, gender, religion, and social class, inclusive of other factors. In addition, the contemporary day-to-day life of the Mexicans somehow now resembles those of its neighboring countries of the United States and Europe, with its people taking care of conserving traditions that have evolved through the years.
10. Nepal
Perhaps one of the most diverse cultures, the culture of Nepal is a mixture of various cultures belonging to 125 distinct ethnic groups. Nepalese culture is influenced by art, craft, music, dance, philosophy, and religion. This is the reason the culture of Nepal reflects the different religions present in it, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism, and ancestor worship. However, all these religions have co-existed for a long time and continue to do so due to the harmonious traits of bonding and tolerance.
Nepalese food is also unique like its culture. The people of Nepal do not eat beef as the majority of them are Hindus who worship cows. In addition, Nepalese food is influenced by the Tibetan and Indian styles of cooking and is popular throughout the world.
