Ethnic Groups of Europe d. Describe the various ethnic and religious groups in Europe and the influence of geography on those groups and their major customs and traditions.

Europe—Ethnicity vs. Nationality Because of modernity, globalization and urbanization, the ethnic groups of Europe are not as distinct as in other parts of the world from “mainstream culture”. Many people in Europe’s ethnicity and nationality are the same—ex. French, German Immigration is also shaping culture in places Influx of Africans to France, Turks to Germany, Indians to the UK etc.

Basques Where: Pyrenees Mountains in Spain and France Religion: Roman Catholic Language: Basque, isolated Culture: May be oldest ethnic group in Europe Folklore , oral storytelling and improvisation Running of the bulls in Pamplona Tight knit communities Known for their excellent cuisine, seafood Agriculture—Mediterranean crops Woodcarving and stone engraving

Basque

Belgium Where: Southern region called Wallonia Flemish Walloons Where: Northern region called Flanders Religion: traditionally Catholic Language: Flemish (Dutch) Culture: Larger families than Walloons Rural areas still dress in traditional dark-colored farmers clothing Lacemaking, glassblowing, pottery Where: Southern region called Wallonia Religion: traditionally Catholic Language: French Culture: Folk art-puppet and marionette theaters Soccer, bicycling, pigeon racing Urban dwellers

Belgium

Sami Where: Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia Religion: Animism and Lutheran Language: Sami and country of residence Culture: Have held on to their traditional culture longer than most in Europe Reindeer herders Live in Sami tents call lavvo Some still wear traditional bright colored clothing Storytelling Homeland has been threatened by mining and logging companies

Sami

Roma Where: dispersed throughout Europe and world Language: Romani dialects, language of host country Religion: Hinduism with Christianity, Islam, host country religion Culture: Originated in India (10th century) then migrated throughout Europe Persecuted in most countries, became nomadic, Gypsies Language include many idiomatic expression and proverbs “What do you have in your head?” Girls are not allowed to date and are always chaperoned outside the home. Teenagers enter adulthood when they marry. Live with large extended family, unmarried adults are suspicious.

Roma

Russian Where: Russia (80% of Russian population) Language: Russian Religion: Russian Orthodox (religion was not tolerated during Soviet rule) Culture: St. Nicholas tradition started here and spread to other peoples Fairy tales have sad and happy endings Patronymic- father’s first name forms the root of the child’s middle name Birth rates have been low since the 1970s because of economic uncertainty Caviar Classical Russian literature is an important part of Russian culture Soccer and hockey popular

Russian