Geographic features greatly affect the way different cultures develop. The connection between the land and how people live creates unique ways of life that match the environment around them.

1. Landforms and Where People Live:

   • High places, like the Himalayas, create special cultural practices because they are isolated. These mountains are home to unique groups like the Sherpas, who have changed their way of living to deal with tough weather. About 75% of the Himalayas are hard to reach, which limits contact with other cultures.
   • On the other hand, river valleys, like the Nile or Indus, have allowed for bigger populations and more complex societies. This is because the land is fertile and they have access to water. For instance, around 95% of Egypt's people live near the Nile River.

2. How Climate Affects Culture:

   • Climate can strongly influence how people live, what they eat, and their jobs. In dry areas like the Sahel in Africa, people often move around with their animals to find resources. About 70% of the people in the Sahel depend on livestock for their way of living.
   • In milder climates, agriculture is more common, leading to settled communities and organized societies. For example, about 38% of land in Europe is usable for farming, which helps create different agricultural practices and tasty food traditions.

3. Resources and Jobs:

   • The physical features of a place often determine what natural resources are available, which can shape cultural practices. Coastal areas like the Mediterranean are known for fishing and trade. This has a big impact on local food and lifestyles. About 25% of people living in the Mediterranean rely on fishing for their income.
   • In places with thick forests, like the Amazon rainforest, local cultures have gained extensive knowledge of the plants there. They have identified over 1,300 medicinal plants, showing how connected they are to their environment.

4. Isolation and Sharing of Cultures:

   • Geographic barriers, such as mountains and seas, can lead to cultural isolation, allowing unique traditions to grow separately. For example, the islands of Japan have developed their own special cultural practices, partly because they are isolated.
   • Conversely, trade routes that take advantage of good geographical conditions help share cultures. The Silk Road connected many different civilizations across Asia and Europe, leading to a mix of cultural traditions.

In summary, geographic features have a big impact on cultural traditions. They influence where people settle, how they live and work, and how much they interact with other cultures.