Religion • Key culture trait for studying geography because it….– Binds societies together– Gives meaning to peoples lives– It can be mapped– Can impact the landscape– Lead to conflicts

Tree types of religion

1.Ethnic Religions2.Animist Religions 3.Universalizing Religions

Ethnic Religions• Focus on one ethnic group and do not spread to other

cultures– Old beliefs and customs shape these religions – Do not seek converts – Practiced as part of their ethnic heritage • Ex: Hinduism is the largest

Animist Religions • Believe in spirits and forces of nature • Some of the oldest religions • Traditional societies • Polytheistic –many gods

Universalizing religions• Seek followers all over the world-no matter

the culture– Missionaries- people who help spread the

faith • More than ½ of the world pop follows these

religions• monotheistic=- one god • Most rapid growing religions• Christianity • Islam

– Pilgrimage (hajj) to mecca-religious center– Worship in Mosques