Speaking as a teacher, I've seen children grasp these concepts at different times. I think much of it depends on the experiences and exposure that a child receives in regards to different places and culture. Personally, I've taught lower-elementary grade students (2nd or 3rd grade) that were more culturally aware than some of the high-school age students I've taught. The earlier you can start broadening a child's horizons, the better.

That being said, there are lots of fun ways to help a child understand these concepts. I really like the Google maps suggestion that someone made earlier. You could have a lot of fun with that! A few other ideas:

1) Check out the Global Wonders series for kids. It is very well done, and kids seem to love it. From the website: Created by a mother of two young children and a renowned team of experts from the world of children's entertainment and developmental education, Global Wonders inspires children to discover, share and compare everyday customs, music, heritage, language and lifestyles in the "kaleidoscope" of cultures that surround them.
http://www.globalwonders.com/

2) Consider a LeapFrog Smart Globe. It allows you to learn things about various places by simply touching them on the globe. I think it would be very effective to find a place on the globe, then watch a video or research media online related to it. This would really help form those geographical and cultural connections.
http://www.amazon.com/LeapFrog-40002-Explorer-Smart-Globe/dp/B00005BYPA/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_k2a_3_txt?pf_rd_p=304485601&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-2&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0009QYT0M&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=04VZG977XE29X0T29TF0
3) Play with dress-up costumes and props from other cultures. If the child expresses a natural interest in a specific culture, help them make a costume or item that is representative of it. It will have so much more educational value if they create something rather than just absorbing images.

4) Use food as a teaching tool. After learning about a specific culture, try making a meal based on it with your child. Also, when you go out to eat or have takeout from international-based restaurants, use it as a teachable moment.

Of course, actually traveling and experiencing things first hand is always the best way to foster this kind of learning, but using a little creativity is the next best thing.
Source(s):
personal experience

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