Cultural Exploration

Andrew BellMr. BunnerSociology Period 728 February 2011

• Capital- Dublin• Population- 4,622,917• Religion- Republic-86.8%

Catholic, 3% Protestant, 10.2% Other/None; Northern- 43.8% Catholic, 51.2% Protestant, 5% Other/None

• Language- English and Irish Gaelic

Ireland

Location

• Located in Northwestern Europe

• Island nation• Number 3 island by

size in Europe• Number 20 island by

size in world

National Symbols

• Coat of Arms- Gold Harp on Blue Background• Irish Flag

• Symbolic of the divisional co-existence of Catholics and Protestants

• Shamrocks• Potatoes

Subculture

• Irish Catholic• Protestant Sects-

Presbyterian, Methodist, etc.

• Northern Irish

Economy

• EU Member• GDP growth has been on the decline since world

financial crisis- 3% drop in 2008; 8% drop in 2009; 1% drop in 2010

• Property prices fall nearly 50% since 2007• Labor Force- 2.18 million (2010)• 13.7% unemployment rate• Division of Labor- 6% Agriculture; 27% Industry;

67% Service

History

• 600-150 B.C.— Celtic tribes immigrate to the island of Ireland

• 800-1014— invasions by Norsemen; pillaging• 1200— invasions by the English begin; subjugation

and control result• 1845-1852— Great Irish Famine; emigration and

population drop-off• 1916-1921— struggle for independence from UK;

freedom for Republic and division with Northern Ireland

Current Events

• Since joining the European community in 1973, Ireland has sought unification and peace settlements

• Terroristic activity on the rise for past several decades

• Economic disparity and downturn

Egypt• Capital- Cairo• Population- 82,999,393• Religion- 93% Muslim

(mainly Sunni); 6% various Christian; 1% other

• Language- Egyptian Arabic, English, French, German

Location

• Northeastern Africa• Bordering Middle East

National Symbols

• Pyramids and other ancient Egyptian structures

• Nile River• National Flag

Subculture

• Bedouin, Berber• European descendants• Central African descendants• Christians• Muslims

Economy

• GDP growth— 5.2% in 2010• Property prices have dropped as much as 14%

since 2007• Labor force— 25.4 million• Around 11% unemployment rate• Division of Labor—15% Agriculture; 36%

Industry; 49% Service

History• Ancient Egypt

– Around 6000 years ago, people began to settle along the banks of the Nile. These tribes eventually joined into an Upper and Lower Egypt. King Menes joined the two kingdoms and established the age of pharaohs. This age is defined by religious worship, innovative architecture, and immense cultural , scientific, artistic, and societal growth.

• Medieval Egypt– During this period, Egypt became inundated with Islam religion and

Arabic culture through military campaigns directed at the country. At various times, the Ottomans assumed control.

• Modern Egypt– This period is characterized by drives for independence, first from the

Ottomans and then from the British. Independence was achieved in 1952. Since then, conflict over the Suez Canal and with Israel have occupied Egyptian interests.

Current Events

• Conflict over presidential rule– Mubarak has ruled for 30 years; the people are

seeking constitutional reform to limit allowed rule– Violence has broken out as protesters

demonstrate for reform

• Women’s rights groups work for equality– Though rights have been semi-equalized in Egypt

in recent years, progress is still wanting– Political disparity is especially high

My Opinions

Ireland• Like

– Climate, heritage, food, and people

• Dislike– Prevalence of militant and

terroristic action

Egypt• Like

– History, architecture, climate, and Nile River area

• Dislike– Current social and political

tensions

Residence Preference

• I personally would not want to take up permanent residence in either Ireland or Egypt under their respective current atmospheres. – I would, however, like to travel to both of these

nations if given the opportunity in order to gain a deeper appreciation for their cultures.

• If presented with the choice, I would make the decision either to stay in America to live or to move to Australia

Works Cited

• http://www.gospress.com/search/summary-of-egypt-current-events

• http://cia.gov/ireland/• http://cia.gov/egypt/• http://google.com/images/