Transcript Western Europe

Western Europe
France, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands,
Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria,
Liechtenstein
Netherlands
Belgium
Germany
France
Switzerland
Liechtenstein
Austria
Luxembourg
Baltic Sea
Rhine
River
English
Channel
Bay of
Biscay
Danube
River
Seine
River
Alps
Pyrenees
Mt. Blanc
Mediterranean Sea
Black Sea
France
• Few people are
farmers, but
agriculture = vital
part of the economy
(#1 = USA,
#2 = France in farm exports)
• World leader in the
variety of
wines produced &
exported
• Famous for perfumes,
jewelry, glassware, furniture,
fashion design
• Tourism is a large part of the
economy (French Alps,
Riviera, Paris)
• Paris is the transportation
center of France  hub to all
major rail, canal, air and
highway systems
• France is also the
transportation hub of
Western Europe (Euro-rail)
Germany
• Europe’s largest economy
• The German people are the
country’s most important
economic resource
– Among the world’s best paid
and best educated (world leader
in scientific, technological, &
organizational skills)
• World leader in electronics, chemicals, &
optical & surgical instruments
• World leader in the production & export of
automobiles
– Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Mercedes, BMW
(Bavarian Motor Works)
• World admired transportation network –
modern railroads, airports, & the autobahn
(freeway system, known for no speed limit)
• 5 REGIONS OF GERMANY
–
–
–
–
–
Northwestern Germany
The Ruhr (coal and industry)
The Rhineland
Southern Germany
Eastern Germany
THE BERLIN
WALL 1961 –
1989
Wall that separated
communist East Germany
from capitalist West
Germany
Belgium
• Two language regions
– North is Flemish (a language
related to Dutch)
– South is French (people called
Walloons)
• Brussels is the capital &
largest city
– Numerous organizations have their
headquarters in Brussels
• EU (European Union)
• NATO (North Atlantic Treaty
Organization)
• Known for quality
carpets, cut diamonds,
fine chocolate, &
waffles/ pastries.
• Depends on
international trade to
maintain its high
standard of living
The Netherlands
also called Holland, its people are called the Dutch
• Means “low lands” – nearly
½ of the country lies below
sea level
– Constructed system of canals
removes water
– The people pumped the area
dry by using windmills, which
became a symbol of the
country
• Highly industrialized
export market
– One of the world’s
largest oil refineries &
the headquarters for one
of the world’s largest oil
companies  Shell
• Amsterdam is the
capital – famous for
canals and museums
• Rotterdam – world’s
busiest seaport
• Modern democratic
society
• Dutch is the national
language, but most all
citizens know English,
German and French as
well
• Gov’t benefits for
education, unemployment
& medical care are among
the highest in the world
Luxembourg
• Bordered by France,
Germany & Belgium
• Has a per capita GDP (gross
domestic product) that is
among the world’s highest
– Measures nation income and
output for a country
Switzerland
• A confederation of 26 cantons (states)  A
confederation is a group of states joined
together for a common purpose
• One of the world’s most stable countries
• Mostly covered by mountains  the Swiss Alps
• Famous for chocolate, cheese, and watches
• International banking brings in the most foreign
funds
– The country’s peaceful history has made it a stable world
finance center
– Neutral country – has not joined the UN, EU, or NATO
Austria
• German speaking &
Roman Catholic
• Capital is Vienna –
heart of commerce and
culture
• Backdrop for the movie
“The Sound of Music”
Lichtenstein
• Microstate (An independent country that is
very small in area and population)
• Is known for a giant wooden cross in
Naafkopf Peak, where visitors can sit in
three different countries at once
(Liechtenstein, Austria, & Switzerland)
Monaco
• Microstate
• People are drawn from around the world to
Monaco’s beautiful Mediterranean
beaches, ports, casinos, and cultural
attractions
• The Grand Prix de
Monaco – auto race
through the streets
of Monaco held
every June