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.
Monaco has been ruled by the House of Grimaldi since 1297, when Franois Grimaldi,
known as "Malizia" seized Monaco's fortress in response to the exile imposed upon
the Guelfs.
2. Which 20th century events had the greatest influence on this country? Choose two events
and explain their impact.
1949 Nov 19, Prince Ranier III was crowned 30th Monarch of Monaco, six
months after he succeeded his grandfather, Prince Louis the Second.
Rainier III came to power and saw the future in banking, real estate and a
more diverse economy with industries such as pharmaceuticals and
plastics. This has an important on the country because since he has
succeeded his grandfather he has his future for the country to make it
better.
1963 French residents of Monaco became liable for French taxes. This
changed the economy because at first no one was paying taxes except
French citizens that came the year of 1963.
3. Identify the following:
Topic
Well known cities, regions,
or landforms

Details
CITIES: Monaco, Monte Carlo, La Condamine, Fontvieille,
Saint-Roman, Moneghetti
LANDMARKS: Grand Prix of Monaco, Monte Carlo Casino

Relative size (size in

relationship to another
place)
Description of natural
environment

About the size of New York Central Park

Population size
Degree of diversity
(1=homogenous; 10=very
diverse) with explanation
Languages/Alphabets

37,831
6 because most of the people in Monaco are French (47%)

Monaco is noted for its beautiful natural scenery and

mild, sunny climate.

French

4. How does folklore influence the peoples worldview or actions? Explain your answer using
specific details.
Monaco has no folklore.
5. What religion(s) is practiced in this country, and how does it impact the people?
About 90% of the population adheres to Roman Catholicism, which is 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.
Monaco has no rites of passage.
7. What tips on interpersonal behavior might you give to an American who is about to travel to
this country? Provide at least three.
If you are a citizen of Monaco you do not have to pay taxes.
Monaco is known for fun recreation like casinos.
Monaco issues their own stamps.
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.
Because Monaco is such a small country its standard of living is better because it
make its income from tourism, real estate, financial services, and more small high
valued things in the country. The minimum wage in Monaco is $9.60 and you can
start working at the age of 16.
9. Is family important in this country? Why or why not? Use specific details in your
response.
Family is important just as it is in the U.S however everyone in Monaco people
there learn how to become independent quickly.
10.Does this country have distinctive traditional clothing? Explain your answer citing specific
details.
No. The people in Monaco wear regular clothes just like here in the US.

11.How has globalization impacted food and diet in this country? Explain your answer using
specific facts.
Monaco eats Mediterranean, Italian, and French food because that is the countries
that border.
12.How might your educational experience in this country differ from the schooling you receive
in the U.S.?
Education is offered in Monaco from the preschool to the secondary and technical
levels and is compulsory from age 6 to 16. There are five years of primary school and
seven years of secondary school. Attendance is 90%, and virtually all adults are
literate. In 2003, approximately 5.1% of total government expenditure was allocated
to education.

13.What cultural influences or accomplishments is this country best known for? List and
describe at least three.

14.Summarize the overall economy of this country in 2-3 sentences.

Overall the economy in Monaco is substantially good because it does have a high
standard of living. Due to the fact of Monaco being a small country it is known for
wealthy businessman. Most of their money comes from tourist and the real estate in
Monaco.

15.How do people of this country spend their leisure time? List at least five activities. Would
you want to live there?
Things to do in Monaco are going to the Monte Carlo Rally, casinos, world premiere,
and sporting events. I would like to live here because of its beauty and things to do.

16.List (in order of significance) what you feel are the three biggest problems that this country
needs to resolve.
I dont think there are any problems in this country.

17.Are all people treated equally in this country? Why or why not? Explain your answer using
specific evidence.
Yes, this country is very welcoming thats why it is so high in tourist.