Meta Description: More and more countries are contributing to globalization – here are nine that are making an impact around the globe, in everything from healthcare to religion.
Heading: 9 Countries Impacting Global Culture As We Know It
When most of us think of countries that have a global influence, we think of America and the Western World. However, over the past few decades, other countries have been making their mark on the global community. From casino culture to medical innovation, here are some of the countries with an influence around the globe!
Subheading: 1. Brazil: A Latin American international leader
You likely know Brazil as the largest country in Latin America, but it is its people who are truly international leaders. The country’s over 200 million residents come from diverse cultures and backgrounds, resulting in a rich history and heritage.
Brazil is also one of the world’s wealthiest countries regarding natural resources, having more than its fair share of minerals, timber, gems, and metals. These factors contribute to a strong economy that has become globally influential.
Subheading: 2. India: Hinduism and Buddhism’s center
India is one of the biggest countries in the world, and it’s also one of the most significant as far as cultural exchanges go. The country’s two major religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, are essential parts of India’s history and current culture.
Subheading: 3. Australia: A transpacific hotspot
A transpacific hotspot, Australia is a cultural melting pot. With European and Asian influences, Australia is one of the most vibrant countries in the world.
The nations that make up Oceania reflect the challenges of retaining native traditions while adapting to global influences. Recognition of indigenous culture has grown in recent years, with governments taking steps to include their languages and history in formal education. At the same time, other cultures have steadily made their way into each nation through tourism, immigration, and exchange programs with overseas institutions.
Subheading: 4. South Africa: Diversity and innovation
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South Africa is home to the highest population of LGBT people in Africa and has been a leader in progressive policies on sexual orientation and gender identity. South African culture has always been diverse, with vibrant cultures from various ethnic groups and 11 languages spoken across the country.
Innovation is also at an all-time high in technology fields like banking and entertainment media production. Many world-famous bands and musicians, including Coldplay and The Script, have filmed music videos in South Africa due to its stunning locations. Some TV series, such as Black Sails, have even gone to Cape Town to use the city as a filming location for entire seasons of their show.
Subheading: 5. France: Wine, fashion, and culture
France is a powerhouse in the art of wine and cuisine. The French have cultivated the reputation of being some of the world’s greatest food critics, and their demanding palates have transformed everything from our food to our culinary customs. Our wine cellars are more than likely filled with French-inspired bottles!
The country is also known for its literature, cinema, music, and other forms of art – it is home to some of the world’s most famous artworks in its galleries.
Subheading: 6. Israel: Innovation and conflict
The world has its eyes on Israel, not just because of the country’s religious and political conflicts but also its innovations. Israel ranks highly in international patents per capita, with Intel and IBM among the multinational companies that have established research and development centers there.
Israeli inventions have also taken the healthcare sector by storm. Just some notable examples of healthcare technology designed in Israel include tiny cameras that can be swallowed, flexible stents used in heart surgery, and even a breathalyzer that can ‘sniff out’ diseases like Parkinson’s!
Subheading: 7. United Kingdom: A power in Europe and beyond
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The United Kingdom has been a power in Europe for decades, and its influence is spreading to the world. As a global leader in technology, fashion, culture, connectivity, and finance, the UK has impacted virtually every sector of our ever-globalizing society.
As you might expect from such a significant center of import-export activity, the UK is also an undeniable link between continents on numerous levels. It’s no surprise that the country’s capital, London, has one of the world’s most diverse populations. The city’s multiculturalism has created an ideal incubator for new ideas and trends, and it has become a hub for some of today’s most promising business ventures.
Subheading: 8. Russia: Oil, gas, and energy
Russia is one of the largest oil and gas producers in the world. It also has the third-largest gold reserves globally, and it has the eleventh-largest economy. It even has access to over 800 million hectares of forest, more than any other country on earth. The country’s influence on foreign affairs as part of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) and G8 is also significant.
Subheading: 9. Canada: Multiculturalism and immigration
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Canada is a diverse country that puts the needs of its people first.
Even though it’s not as starkly visible as in many other countries, Canadian multiculturalism plays an essential role in our society today. From immigration policies that welcome people from across the globe to a focus on literacy programs for young Canadians from different backgrounds, multiculturalism permeates each aspect of Canadian society.
