Transcript Understanding Europe- A Cultural Mosaic

Understanding EuropeA Cultural Mosaic
Northern
Europe
Regions
• Two regions make up
Northern Europe
1. The British Isles – a
group of islands located
across the English
Channel.
2. Scandinavia –
islands/peninsulas in far
northern Europe.
Climate
• The mild climate is due to the North Atlantic
Drift.
• The British Isles, Denmark, and western
Norway has mild summers and frequent
rains.
• Central Norway, Swede, and southern
Finland has cold snowy winters and mild
summers.
• Northern Scandinavia is a subarctic region.
This area has long cold winters and short
summers.
Physical Features
• Hills and mountains cover much of
Northern Europe.
• Fertile farmland and flat plains stretch
across the British Isles and Scandinavia.
• Glaciers cover Norway's coastlines.
Natural Resources
• Energy
• Forests and soils
• Seas and oceans
The British Isles
• Two Independent Countries make up the British
Isles.
1. The Republic of Ireland
2. United Kingdom
• The United Kingdom has 4 small countries
1. England
2. Scotland
3. Wales
4. Northern Ireland
Government
• constituional monarchy – a democracy
where a king or queen services as heard
of state, but legislature makes the laws.
• Today, a primary minister leads the British
government.
• The Republic of Ireland has a president
who has limited power. The president
appoints a prime minister.
People
• Sports like soccer and
rugby are very popular.
• In Scotland it no unusual
to see people wearing kilts
and playing bagpipes on
special occasions.
The Economy
• The capital of the United Kingdom is London.
• London is the center for world trade and
industry.
• The capital of Ireland is Dublin.
• Dublin produces computer equipment and
software.
• Both the United Kingdom and The Republic of
Ireland rely on banking and tourism.
London’s Famous Double-decker
Busses
Buckingham Palace
London street scene
Big Ben and the London Eye
Scandinavia
• Large wealthy cities, strong economies, and well
educated workers.
• High standard of living
• Excellent social programs and services such as free
heath care.
• 6 countries are included in this region.
1. Sweden
2. Denmark
3. Greenland
4. Norway
5. Finland
6. Iceland
Sweden
• Largest and most
populous country.
• Sweden’s capital and
largest city is Stockholm
• A neutral country –
chooses not to take sides
in international conflict.
• Are involved in the United
Nations and European
Union.
Denmark
• Smallest in Scandinavia
• Most densely populated
• 50 % of the and used is
for farming.
• Also has modern
industries including
iron, steel, textiles, and
electronics.
Greenland
• 80 % is covered by a thick
sheet of ice.
• Much is the land is
uninhabitable
• Most people live on the
southwest coast where the
climate is warmers.
• Relies on imports and
economic aid from Denmark.
Norway
• One of the largest coastlines in
the world.
• Fjords shelter Norway’s many
harbors.
• Fishing and shipping fleets.
• The capital of Norway is Oslo.
• Highest GDP in Scandinavia
due to oil and natural gas.
• Norway has refused to join the
European Union.
Finland
• Lies between Sweden and
Russia
• The capital is Helsinki
• Trade is important to
Finland.
• Paper and forest products
are major exports.
• Shipbuilding and electronic
are also important.
Iceland
• Greener than its name implies
• Fertile farmland produces
potatoes and vegetables and
supports cattle and sheep
• Other natural resources include
fish that account for 70% of its
exports
• Geysers produce geothermal
energy
• Thousand of tourists flock to see
Iceland’s geyser, volcanoes, and
glaciers.