Religion is another very important cultural trait that binds people together. Religions vary from place to place and greatly affect the cultural landscape. The impact is significant because religion is a large part of many people's identity. Typically entire areas are predominantly one religion or another. Take a look at Figure 8.2.2. Notice that South America is mostly a Roman Catholic area. European settlers in South America were primarily from Spain and Portugal. Compare Spain to South America on the map; as you can see, both areas are mostly Roman Catholic. Some religious groups, such as Muslims and Christians, seek followers all over the world; as members of these groups have settled in new communities, they take their religion with them and spread their faith.

Now find England in Figure 8.2.2. As you can see, England is primarily a Protestant country. What other areas of the map are also primarily Protestant?

As you can see, the largest concentrations of Protestants outside of Europe can be found in the US and Canada as well as in Australia and South Africa. Why do you think this is? As you might have guessed, many English settlers immigrated to each of these areas, creating a culture similar to that which was found “back home” in England.