The world of One Piece contains many different peoples and cultures. Whether you go to the desert country of Alabasta or ride the Knock Up Stream to Skypiea, you'll be sure to observe many different customs and beliefs.
Water 7
The culture of Water 7 is truly one of the most varied in the One Piece world. When inspected, this city has some semblance to the real-life city of Venice, Italy. The most obvious thing about this island is that there are no streets, per se. Instead, complex waterways are used to navigate the city; along these waterways are sidewalks where vendors showcase their wares to the citizens. These paths are traversed by way of Bulls, a sea creature vaguely resembling a horse. The political system is most likely democratic as the city has a mayor; the current mayor is Iceburg, who oversees the city and Galley-La shipbuilding company from his mansion in the city. This draws attention to Water 7's main economic activity: shipbuilding. The Galley-La company has seven docks, where various ships are built, and can be bought new or used via catalog.
The weather is usually fair and sunny; so far the island's exact climate has yet to be addressed. This is not to say the city is without natural disasters; Aqua Laguna more than proves this. Aqua Laguna is an extremely large tidal wave that batters the city each year.
Skypiea
The world of Skypiea is widely unknown. The world of Skypiea, which lies atop the clouds, seems to be a chain of several sky islands. The known islands are Angel Island, Upper Yard, and the destroyed Bilca.
Angel Island
Angel Island is home to most of Skypiea's White-White Sea residents. Its coast is known as Angel Beach. The home of the father-daughter pair Konis and Pagaya also lies here. The main town features a street called "Lovely Street," where numerous shops can be found. Boats are availible for rent at the docks.
The style of the Skypieans is a bit odd compared to Blue Sea dwellers. Every Skypiean seems to have some of their hair styled up into two raised bits of hair with a bun on top. The clothes they wear are just as odd. These clothes consist of short robes with no sleeves. These robes end at about mid-thigh for females, and males usually wear pants under them.
Skypieans use devices called Dials to meet their every day needs. These devices resemble conch shells and have many uses. For instance, one type of Dial releases light like a lamp. Another is a Dial used for taking photographs.
Upper Yard
Upper Yard is the island from which the "god" of Skypiea rules. It is mostly made up of forest, but it has two noteworthy attractions. The first is the ancient ruins that can be found on the island; these are the remnants of half of the island of Jaya, which was blasted into the sky by the Knock Up Stream some four hundred years ago; this area is now part of Upper Yard.
The second is God's Shrine. This is basically where the god, or ruler, of Skypiea resides. It rests on top of the beanstalk Giant Jack, and is very hard to reach.
Near Upper Yard is the village of the Shandians. Up until recently, the relationship between the god of Skypiea and the residents of Angel Beach had been very tumultuous.
Alabasta
The desert country of Alabasta is most comparable to Egypt. Water is scarce, and the citizens wear clothes that protect their skin. However, there are many different cities and attractions.
Nanohana
Nanohana is a port city in Alabasta. Here, shipments of goods are delivered by boat. There are many shops and people.
Erumalu
The now-barren city of Erumalu used to be one of the most prosperous cities in Alabasta;it's nickname was "the green city." Apparently after Princess Vivi's departure, the city fell into ruin. When the Straw Hats came upon it, they found a destroyed city with many bodies.
Yuba
Not much of Yuba was seen during the Alabasta arc. All that is really known about it is that some people were sent by the king many years ago to establish it as a new city.
Rain Base
During the severe drought suffered by most of Alabasta, Rain Base was one of the few prosperous cities with enough water left. This city looks to be one of the most comfortable in the country. One of the most attractive sites is the casino Rain Dinners. The citizens gather here to gamble. During the Alabasta arc, Sir Crocodile was the owner, and Ms. All Sunday the manager. Under the casino was the meeting place for Baroque Works.
Alubarna
Alubarna is the capital of Alabasta; it is here that the royal family lives. The people here, like most of Alabasta, suffered from a drought for several years. This is where most of the people can be found, and life is pretty similar to the rest of Alabasta.