> makes for a crazy, exciting mix where the wealth and treasure of history and (deserved) national pride contrasts with poverty and the political and social conservatism that goes alongside.
I am curious why you grouped political and social conservatism with poverty.
Here's an example: during the 2012 election, a national supermarket chain gave a small amount of credit by way of a gift card to anyone who promised to vote for the (now current) party. Poverty means votes can be bought, allowing politics to focus on maintaining (corporate) status quo instead of providing a good life for citizens.
It also means a lower rate of literacy which correlates the world over with social and religious conservatism. Quoting Harvard: ".. economic downturns have contributed to periods of increased social conservatism that have brought right-wing political parties to prominence"
I am curious why you grouped political and social conservatism with poverty.