Long hailed-across history and around the world-as a cultural mecca, France truly earns that title. Its graceful cities with cafés, grand boulevards, and stylish shops; its cathedral towns and medieval fortresses; its high cuisine and artisanal traditions; its passionate and cosmopolitan people-these highlights and more are explored in this volume on France's customs and culture. Covering history and religion; family and friends; food and drink;...

Throughout its history, Italy has been at the crossroads of people and civilizations. Its roots are in both ancient Rome and early-modern Europe-influences still evident today. The canals of Venice and Roman amphitheaters; Vatican City and the Catholic Church; fast cars and fashion runways; artisanal cheeses and the Slow Food movement-these traditions and more are all celebrated in this volume on Italy's customs and culture. Covering history and religion;...

Mexico's culture blends indigenous and European traditions-with its deep history still seen in ancient monuments. The country's natural beauty is matched by a vibrant culture, known the world over. Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera; the Day of the Dead and Cinco de Mayo; Mexican rodeo and mariachi bands-the flavors, sites, and sounds of Mexico are all explored in this volume on the country's customs and culture. Covering history and religion; family and...

Its indigenous peoples, African influences, and colonial history give Brazil a unique cultural flare. The subtle flavors of Bahia and the robust pleasures of barbecue; the gritty favelas of Rio and the sandy beaches of Copacabana; samba music and Carnival celebrations-these sites, sounds, and traditions are all celebrated in this volume on Brazil's customs and culture. Covering history and religion; family and friends; food and drink; school and work;...

Emerging from segregation under apartheid, South Africa is a vibrant country in transition. African, European, and South Asian traditions form a complex society with much national pride. Its physical beauty and bounty-beaches and surf like none other, wine grown in high-quality vineyards, and some of the best game preserves in the world-add to the keen interest people take in the culture and custom of this fast-changing country. Covering history and...

Germany is a country of contrasts-rolling hills and university towns next to big cities and the autobahn. Although once split between east and west, Germany is now a united economic force and a cultural magnet for young and old alike. Oktoberfest and bratwurst; Mercedes-Benz and BMW; Bach, Beethoven, and the night life of Berlin-these highlights and more are celebrated in this volume on Germany's customs and culture. Covering history and religion;...