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AREA II – WESTERN EUROPE AND THE MIDDLE EAST

WESTERN EUROPE
Country Tourist Destinations Festivals Cultural Attributes
France Paris Berck Sur Mer Kite Festival Greetings and Gesticulations
It is the world’s most popular destination known for It is an international kite festival where  French people give a quick and light
Capital: Paris its romantic ambiance and command in industries assorted cartoon figures are seen flying handshake. French women offer
like business, entertainment, gastronomy, fashion, in the skies high above a vast expanses their hands first.
Currency: European Euro and art and culture. It is dubbed as the City of Lights, of sand.  French business men/women
(EUR) City of Love and Capital of Fashion. In addition to the usually carry a supply of business
Menton Lemon Festival
iconic landmarks like Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, cards when away for a business trip
There are parades of fruit-covered floats
Religions: Most are and Notre Dame Cathedral, it is also home to some because these are exchanged
by day and by night, with 10-metre high
Roman Catholics of the world’s finest museums that include the frequently there.
statues and models made from citrus in
the Bioves Gardens. Locally made drinks,  French people refrain from chewing
Louvre Museum and Musee d’Orsay.
Language: French gum, yawning, scratching, or having
French Riviera jams, soaps, and perfumes all made from
It is the playground for the rich, famous, and hordes lemons are also available for sale. loud conversations in public.
Government: Republic
of international tourists. It is famous for the
Festival of Avignon Customs and Traditions
glamour of St. Tropez, Monaco or Cannes Film
Population Centers: During this festival, a French or world  Families are the social adhesive of
Festival.
Paris – Approx. 2.2 premiere of a new musical or theatrical the country. Members have certain
Million Mont Saint-Michel production in the historic courtyard of duties and responsibilities.
Marseille – Approx. It is a rocky island popular for its construction of the Pope’s Palace and anywhere in the  The extended family provides both
800,000 medieval structures built as if stacked upon one city of Avignon can be watched. emotional and financial support.
another and crowned with the star attraction, the  Though the French have a
Bastille Day in Paris
Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. It rises up from the reputation as romantics, they have a
It is the biggest and most important
midst of vast mud flats and some of Europe’s most practical approach towards
festival in France. It celebrates the
powerful tidal waves located off France’s marriage.
storming of the Bastille and the
northwestern coast in Normandy.
beginning of the French Revolution with
Bordeaux a massive parade and concerts at the
This features more than 350 historic structures and Eiffel Tower and some of the best
landmarks that include medieval churches and fireworks.
charming old bridges such as Ponte de Pierre. It also
features several beautiful plazas of which the Place
de la Bourse is the most stunning with its mirror-like
effect.

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Country Tourist Destinations Festivals Cultural Attributes

Loire Valley
It is regarded for its spectacular scenery, splendid
chateaux, picturesque vineyards, and historic
villages. It stretches 280 km along the Loire River.
This valley is home to many wineries that offer tours
and wine tastings.

Belgium Bruges Carnival de Binche Greetings and Gesticulations

The spirit and history of the Vikings emits strongly It is a three-day festival that sees the  Pointing with one’s index finger is
Capital: Brussels in this lovely city of canals that have earned it the town of Binche return to the 16th deemed impolite.
entitled as Europe’s Venice of the North. It is home century. It features music parades  Belgians greet their friends with a
Currency: European Euro to glorious medieval architecture, particularly on through the town and the big climax sees kiss, which is done by brushing one’s
(EUR) the southern side of the city’s main hub, The Grote the Gilles appear on the Grand Place lips against the other person’s
Market Square, and neo-gothic style amid Provincial before throwing oranges at spectators – cheeks three (3) times in a row (one
Religions: Roman Catholic Court. to be hit is considered good luck. (1) cheek, the other cheek then back
Brussels Stavelot again).
Language: Dutch, French
It is where the Grand Place can be found, which is It is a mid-lent carnival beginning on the  They consider it very rude when
the city’s center and was established in the 13th Sunday with the Blancs Moussis, which someone is talking to them and that
Government: person’s hand is in their pockets.
Century. Terrace cafes and pubs are plentiful translates as “clad in white”, putting up
Parliamentary Democracy
around this place, as are other sites of interest such posters on the streets. During the
under a Constitutional
as the stunning Gothic style Town Hall. Shopping is afternoon a procession of floats travel Customs and Traditions
plentiful amid the Galeries St. Hubert, a centrally through the streets showering crowds  Families play an integral role in
Monarch
located glass-roof arcade filled with shops, cafes, with confetti and flogging them with pig everybody’s lives. Belgians first
Population Centers: priority is always their obligation to
and theaters. bladders.
Brussels – Approx. 1.1 their families.
Million Ghent Carnival of the Bears, Andenne  Most Belgians remain in their
Antwerpen – Approx. It is Belgium’s best kept secret, which is a city of Dozens of bears prance along, parading hometowns, which results in close
460,000 history. It was one (1) of the richest and most among the floats and the Giant Martin II. extended families.
powerful cities in Europe during the Middle Ages. It At the end of the parade, the King and  Appearances are important in
was once considered as the second largest city after Queen of the Carnival throw hundreds of Belgium.
Paris. The whole city breathes the atmosphere of a little bears into the crowd from the
thriving late-medieval city state, particularly along balcony of the town hall.
the scenic old Graslei harbor, and grand medieval
cathedrals, and the Gravensteen castle.

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Country Tourist Destinations Festivals Cultural Attributes

Antwerp Zythos Beer Festival, Leuven
It is a city with many faces. It offers a perfect mix of This is a giant beer festival where visitors
history and present-day modern life. It is most well- can taste more than 500 different types
known for the Diamond District, where more than of beer from 100 brewers in just one (1)
70 percent of the world’s rough diamonds are weekend. It is held in the city of Leuven,
traded. home to the longest bar in the world.
Ardennes
It is known for its tight forests, caves, and cliffs,
which are good for hikers, bikers, and campers, and
are home to wild boar, deer, and lynx and lots of
castles and other notable sights. The impressive
caves of Han-sur-Lesse, the castle of Bouillon, and
the modern Labyrinth of Barvaux are some of the
best picks.
Austria Vienna International Jazz Festival Saalelden Greetings and Gesticulation
It is the largest city in Austria that holds more than It is Europe’s most important festival for  Greetings are formal in Austria. A
Capital: Vienna 200 balls (formal dance party) each year. It is known contemporary jazz. It offers music that is quick, firm handshake is their
for classical composers such as Mozart, Brahms, honest, unaffected, and a bit rough. It traditional greeting and they always
Currency: European Euro Beethoven, and Schubert. strives to be a place for experimentation, maintain eye contact during the
(EUR) where the most innovative playing can greeting.
Salzburg
It is best known as the birthplace of Wolfgang
be heard.  Some Austrian men, mainly those
Religions: Most are who are older, kiss the hand of a
Amadeus Mozart. It is Austria’s fourth largest city La Strada
Roman Catholics, Muslim female.
and is one (1) of the best places to visit because of It is the only festival in Austria that  It is not allowed for a male from
its hill-topped medieval fortress, picturesque collaborates with international
Language: German another country to kiss an Austrian
Altstadt old town, and breath-taking Alpine scenery. renowned artists who explore new woman’s hand.
Salzkammergut forms of expression outside established
Government: Federal  When signaling for a waiter in a
Republic It is a beautiful resort area made up of sparkling theaters. It is held for one (1) and a half
restaurant, Austrians just raise their
clean lakes, green hills, wonderful mountains, and weeks and features street theater,
hands with their index finger
Population Centers: romantic towns like St. Wolfgang and Hallstatt. This acrobatics, pantomime, puppet theater,
extended.
Vienna – Approx. 2 resort area is popular with sunbathers as well as children’s theater, dance, and clown
 When Austrians want to wish
Million visitors who seek relaxing spa treatments. acts.
someone good luck, they make two
Graz – Approx. 300,000 (2) fists (with their thumbs tuck
inside the fists), and then makes a
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Country Tourist Destinations Festivals Cultural Attributes

Innsbruck Steirischer Herbst gesture that looks like they are
Innsbruck means “bridge over the inn”. It is It is one (1) of the most avantgard slightly pounding on a table.
internationally known for its winter sports, having festivals in Austria offering great
Customs and Traditions
hosted the Winter Olympics in 1964 and 1976. It international theatre performances,
 When dining with an Austrian, make
also It offers a good mix of cathedrals, such as readings, screening, and parties.
sure to keep your hands on the
Hofkirche, which houses the tomb of Emperor
table. It is deemed rude to put ones
Maximilian I; the Schloss Ambras, which has a
hands on their lap while dining.
collection of paintings and armor; and the Bell
 Punctuality is highly valued. Being
Museum, a nod to 400 years of bell-making.
on time for meetings, appointments,
Zell am See and services is expected.
It is famous for its mountains and lakes and once  Austrians tend to be quite direct but
governed by French troops back in the early 19th polite.
Century. One (1) of its famous attraction is the
Romanesque St. Hippolyte’s Church, with an
elevated walkway that dates back to the early 16th
century.
Germany Neuschwanstein Berlin International Film Festival Greetings and Gesticulation
It is the ultimate fairytale castle situated on a rugged It is the world’s second largest  Germans consider it impolite to
Capital: Berlin hill. It is the most photographed building in the international film festival after Cannes. shake hand with someone while the
country and was the inspiration for the Sleeping Its advantage compared to its rival is that other hand is inside the pocket.
Currency: European Euro Beauty castles in the Disneyland parks. anyone can buy a ticket online to watch  They almost never open a door
(EUR) it. without knocking first.
Brandenburg Gate
It is the only surviving city gate of Berlin and Rock am Ring and Rock im Park  When Germans want to express
Religions: Protestant, their gratitude while in a group, they
symbolizes the reunification of East and West This features two (2) huge rock festivals
Roman Catholic, Muslim simply clasp their hands together
Berlin. Built in the 18th century, it is the entry to held simultaneously over three (3) days
Unter den Linden, the prominent boulevard of in two (2) different locations. One (1) at and raise them high above their
Language: German heads.
linden trees, which once led directly to the palace of the Nurburgring racetrack and the other
the Prussian monarchs. It is regarded as one (1) of at the Zeppelinfeld. Customs and Traditions
Government: Federal
Republic
the most famous landmarks in Europe.
Oktoberfest  Most Germans take an abundant
Heidelberg Old City It is a beer festival with traditional pride in their homes, which is why
Population center: Berlin It was almost completely spared by allied bombing Bavarian food. It features a lot of beers they almost always keep it neat and
– Approx. 3.3 Million that destroyed most of Germany’s larger inner cities and food tents each with its own tidy.
Hamburg – 1.8 Million during the World War II. It retained its baroque
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Country Tourist Destinations Festivals Cultural Attributes

charm of narrow streets, picturesque houses, and atmosphere – yodeling, families, and  Germans only invite their closest
the famous Heidelberg Castle. celebrities. friends and relatives into their
Holstentor houses, this is where a more
It is one (1) of the two (2) remaining city gates of the informal communication occur.
city of Lubeck. It was built in 1964 and now serves  Germans always make sure that the
as a museum. Because of its two captivating round common areas are kept clean at all
towers and arched entrance it is regarded as a times.
symbol of Lübeck.
Cologne Cathedral
It is the greatest Gothic cathedral and most famous
landmark for centuries in Germany. It took more
than 600 years to complete and is dedicated to
saints Peter and Mary and is the seat of the Catholic
Archbishop of Cologne.
MIDDLE EAST
 Estimated Population: 369 million
 Major Biomes: Desert, Grasslands
 Bordering Bodies of Water: Mediterranean Sea, Euphrates River, Nile River, Dead Sea, Lake Urmia, Lake Van, Suez Canal
 Major Geographical Features: Arabian Desert, Kara Kum Desert, Zagros Mountains, Hindu Kush Mountains, Taurus Mountains, Anatolian Plateau
 Land Area: 2,742,000 mi2
United Arab Emirates Burj Khalifa Dubai Marathon Greetings and Gesticulation
(UAE) It is one (1) of the most famous buildings and It is a marathon with 1.8 mile, 6.2 mile, UAE is dominated by Muslims. This is
soaring sky-high landmark of Dubai. It is the world’s and 31 mile races held every January. why, most of their greetings and
Capital: Abu Dhabi tallest building and also claims the titles – tallest The winners get large sums of money. gesticulations revolve on Islamic beliefs
freestanding structure in the world, highest and culture. Here are a few examples:
Dubai Shopping Festival
Currency: UAE Dirham observation deck in the world, and elevator with the
It is a month-long event where the malls  When a man greets a man, a light
(AED) longest travel distance in the world. A trip up to the handshake and or sometimes
in the city reduce its prices attracting
observation deck, with its panoramic views across accompanied with a kiss on the nose
thousands from the globe. It is held
Religions: Most are Dubai, is a sightseeing highlight for most tourists or both cheeks is common practice.
every January and February and there
Muslims, Christian, Hindu who visit. To show respect, Emiratis place their
are also concerts and entertainment as
backdrop. right hand on their chest after
Language: Arabic shaking hands. A more traditional
form of a handshake between two
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Country Tourist Destinations
Government: Federation Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Abu Dhabi
of Emirates It is a mammoth modern mosque of incredible
beauty with contemporary design and ancient
Population Centers: Dubai craftsmanship creating a new interpretation of
– 1.2 Million Islamic architecture. It dazzles with its interiors
Abu Dhabi – Approx. using lavish amounts of gold, mosaic tiles, and glass
604,000 work and immense amounts of marble, and its
exterior of blindingly white stone contrasting
dramatically under the Emirati blue sky.
Hajar Mountains
Nature lovers will find plenty of hiking, trekking, and along with the best jockeys, trainers, and
bird-watching opportunities in this area. It has a horses from the world over. The event is
twisting roller-coaster road with spectacular run from the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse,
scenery along the way.
Sharjah Arts Museum
It is home to the most diverse art collection in UAE
and is recognized for its collection of works by
Arabic and European artists. It is noted for its
program of temporary exhibitions throughout the
year.
Jebel Hafeet
This is the second highest peak in the UAE with far-
reaching, sumptuous desert panoramas along its
winding road towards the top.
Turkey Istanbul
It was once the capital of the Ottoman and
Capital: Ankara Byzantine Empires and now the largest city in
Turkey. It stretches across a narrow strait that
Currency: Turkish Lira connect Asia and Europe, making it the only city in
(TRY) the world spanning two (2) continents. It is where
most of the city’s impressive historic sites are found
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Festivals
Dubai Desert Classic
The best golfers from around the world
make their way to Dubai for this
tournament. It is held every March. The
prize money draws the best of the best
and spectators if they can get a hold of 
the highly coveted tickets.
Emirates World Series Horse Race
Every April, the Dubai World Cup Horse
Race welcomes thousands of spectators,
which provides memorable
entertainment and a social atmosphere
in the UAE.
Camel Wrestling Festival
It happens near Ephesus. It is a camel
wrestling where a couple of male camels
known as bulls have the chance to fight
over a lovely female known as the cow.
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Cultural Attributes
(2) men is done by grasping each
other’s right hand then placing their
left hand on the other’s right
shoulder while exchanging kisses on
their cheeks.
When a woman greets a woman,
three (3) kisses on the left cheek is a
common practice. Sometimes just a
touch of one’s left cheeks to another
woman’s right cheek will suffice.
 When a man greets a woman, there
is a little to almost no touching
between them during public
greetings. Women always wait for
the man to initiate the handshake.
When offered, women will extend
their sleeve-covered wrist to be
shaken.
 Muslims consider left hands as
unclean, which is why when giving,
passing, or receiving objects (even
food), the right hand must be used.
 When pointing at something, use
the whole hand not just a finger.
 Men always cross their legs at the
ankle never at the knee.
Greetings and Gesticulation
As straddling in two (2) different
continents, Turkey has a multi-cultural
set of greetings and gesticulations. Here
are a few examples:
 People greet each other with the
Islamic greeting, ‘Asalaam Alaykum’,
which means ‘peace be unto you’ or
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Country Tourist Destinations Festivals Cultural Attributes

Religions: Most are including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi
Muslims Palace.
Cappadocia
Language: Turkish It is situated in Central Anatolia and is best known
for its fairytale landscape of unusual formations
Government: Republic resembling chimneys, cones, and pinnacles sculpted
by natural processes such as volcanic eruptions and
Population Centers: erosion.
Istanbul – 11.2 Million
Ephesus
Ankara – 3.6 Million
It is one (1) of the largest cities in all the Roman as opera, ballet, and traditional Turkish
Empire and houses one (1) of the Seven Wonders of music.
the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Its
attractions include the massive Theater, the Temple
of Hadrian and the magnificent Celsus Library, a
two-story structure that was built to house more
than 12,000 scrolls.
Bodrum
It was once home to the Mausoleum, one (1) of the
Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, its
intriguing ruins, stunning beaches, and cliff-top
resorts attract people from all over the world.
Side
It houses the excavated site of ancient Hellenistic opponent onto the ground and held in 
and Roman ruins that include the remnants of a position.
colossal amphitheater and various temples. It offers
many restaurants ranging from delis and pizza shops
to upscale dining in a variety of cuisines.
Open Door Architecture Festival
It is a festival where people get to see
the architecturally and historically 
important buildings behind closed doors
and inaccessible to the public.
Istanbul Music Festival
It is one (1) of the city’s longest running
festivals and the most popular. It
features plenty of classical music as well 
 For Turkish people, raising one’s
Kas Lycia Festival
It is a three-day festival where people
can see local and international folk
dances in addition to opera 
performances, ballet, and art
exhibitions.
Oil Wrestling Championship
It is a knock-out tournament whereby
men dress in short black leather pants 
and douse themselves in olive oil. They
wrestle and their aim is to get their
‘Nasilsiniz’, which means ‘how are
you?’
People believe that the sole is the
dirtiest part of the body. This is why,
it is taken extremely offensive to
show the sole of your shoe to
someone or to use your shoe to
point at something or someone.
In a public street, it is not advised to
smoke or eat. If one must smoke,
asking permission first is a must.
head slightly, tipping it backward
while closing one’s eyes is a signal
for ‘no’.
To signal that something is good in
Turkey, one must hold their hand up,
with the palm outward, and slowly
bring the fingers into the thumb, in a
grasping motion.
To ask for permission before taking
pictures in Turkey is a must,
especially in mosques.
The ‘fig’ gesture is deemed
extremely rude. This is done by
clenching one’s hand into a fist and
having the thumb protrude between
the first two (2) fingers.

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References:
Touropia (2016). 10 Best Places to Visit in France. Retrieved on November 21, 2017 from: http://www.touropia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-france/
Touropia (2016). 10 Best Places to Visit in Belgium. Retrieved on November 21, 2017 from: http://www.touropia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-belgium/
Touropia (2016). 10 Best Places to Visit in Austria. Retrieved on November 21, 2017 from: http://www.touropia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-austria/
Touropia (2016). 25 Top Tourist Attractions in Germany. Retrieved on November 21, 2017 from: http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-germany/
Lee, Jess (2017). 12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the United Arab Emirates. Retrieved on November 21, 2017 from: http://www.planetware.com/tourist-
attractions/united-arab-emirates-uae.htm
Touropia (2016). 10 Best Places to Visit in Turkey. Retrieved on November 21, 2017 from: http://www.touropia.com/best-places-to-visit-in-turkey/
Expatica (2017). Top 10 Festivals in France. Retrieved on November 21, 2017 from: http://www.expatica.com/fr/out-and-about/Top-10-festivals-in-France_444873.html
Expatica (2017). Top Belgian Festivals 2017. Retrieved on November 21, 2017 from: http://www.expatica.com/be/about/Festivals-in-Belgium_104668.html
Austria (ND). Festivals for All Senses. Retrieved on November 21, 2017 from: http://www.austria.info/us/activities/culture-traditions/music-in-austria/festivals-for-all-
senses
Expatica (2017). Top 10 Festivals in Germany. Retrieved on November 21, 2017 from: http://www.expatica.com/de/out-and-about/Top-10-festivals-in-
Germany_445204.html
iExplore (ND). United Arab Emirates Holidays and Festivals. Retrieved on November 21, 2017 from: http://www.iexplore.com/articles/travel-guides/middle-east/united-
arab-emirates/festivals-and-events
Population of Cities in Austria (2019). Retrieved from http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/austria-population/cities/ on 01 February 2019

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