Culture is analyzed as a complex multi-level system, including various spheres - art, science, religion, material culture, customs and customs of peoples. The culture of the leading regions of the world (Europe, East, America) and leading countries of different eras (primitive world, Ancient world, Middle Ages, New and Modern times) is considered; analysis of trends in the cultural development of the regions and a brief description of the features of the course of these processes by stages are given. The publication is illustrated.