Culture
Explore the rich tapestry of human creativity, traditions, beliefs, and artistic expression that define civilizations across the globe.
UNESCO Sites
1,199
World Heritage Sites
Languages
7,000+
Spoken worldwide
Religions
4,300+
Faiths and practices
Museums
95,000+
Worldwide
What is Culture?
Culture encompasses the beliefs, practices, arts, and social behaviors of a group of people. It includes tangible elements like art, architecture, and tools, as well as intangible aspects like language, customs, and values. Culture is learned, shared, and constantly evolving—passed down through generations while adapting to new circumstances. It shapes how we perceive the world, interact with others, and find meaning in our lives.
Cultural Heritage
UNESCO recognizes both tangible heritage (monuments, buildings, artifacts) and intangible cultural heritage (traditions, oral expressions, performing arts). The World Heritage List includes 1,199 sites of outstanding universal value—from the Great Wall of China to the historic centers of Rome and Prague. Preserving cultural heritage connects us to our past while informing our future.
Domains of Culture
Art & Architecture
From prehistoric cave paintings to digital art, human artistic expression spans over 40,000 years. Architecture evolved from simple shelters to magnificent structures like the Pyramids, Parthenon, and modern skyscrapers—each reflecting the values and capabilities of their era.
- Renaissance masterpieces
- Gothic cathedrals
- Abstract expressionism
- Contemporary digital art
Music & Dance
Music is universal to human culture, with evidence of musical instruments dating back 40,000 years. Every society has developed unique musical traditions—from classical symphonies to jazz, from Indian ragas to African drumming. Dance accompanies music in celebrations, rituals, and artistic expression.
- Classical orchestras
- Traditional folk music
- Modern genres (jazz, rock, hip-hop)
- Ballet and contemporary dance
Literature & Language
Writing emerged around 3,400 BCE in Mesopotamia, enabling the preservation and transmission of knowledge. Literature has evolved from ancient epics like Gilgamesh and the Iliad to modern novels, poetry, and digital storytelling. Language itself—with over 7,000 spoken today—is humanity's greatest cultural achievement.
- Ancient epics and myths
- Shakespeare and classics
- Modern world literature
- Oral storytelling traditions
Religion & Philosophy
Spiritual beliefs have shaped civilizations throughout history. Major world religions—Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism—provide moral frameworks and community for billions. Philosophy, from ancient Greek thinkers to modern ethicists, explores fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, and morality.
- Abrahamic religions
- Eastern philosophies
- Indigenous spiritual practices
- Secular humanism
Festivals & Traditions
Cultural celebrations mark important moments—harvests, religious events, historical commemorations. These traditions strengthen community bonds and pass cultural knowledge to new generations. From Diwali to Christmas, Carnival to Lunar New Year, festivals showcase humanity's joy and creativity.
- Religious holidays
- National celebrations
- Harvest festivals
- Coming-of-age ceremonies
Fashion & Crafts
Clothing and crafts reflect cultural identity, climate adaptation, and artistic expression. Traditional dress—from Japanese kimono to African kente cloth—carries deep cultural significance. Handicrafts preserve ancestral techniques: pottery, weaving, metalwork, and more.
- Traditional national dress
- Textile arts
- Pottery and ceramics
- Jewelry and metalwork
Major World Religions
Religion has been central to human culture throughout history, providing moral guidance, community, and answers to life's biggest questions.
Christianity
2.4 billion followers
Islam
1.9 billion followers
Hinduism
1.2 billion followers
Buddhism
500 million followers
Folk Religions
400 million followers