• 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 Religions 2.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