Transcript Understanding Europe

Understanding EuropeA Cultural Mosaic
West-Central
Europe
Physical Geography
3 major types of landforms
1.plains
2.uplands
3.mountains
Water Features
• North Sea and the English Channel lie to
the north.
• Several rivers cross the region.
• Two important river because of travel are
1. Daube
2. Rhine
• Many cities, farms, and industrials areas
line the banks of these rivers.
Western Europe- Rest Stop
When England and France decided to connect
their two countries with a 32-mile rail tunnel
beneath the English Channel, engineers were
faced with a huge challenge. Not only would
they have to build one of the longest tunnels in
the world; they would have to ensure publics
safety in a tunnel this size. $21 billion dollars
later, the Chunnel has connected over 40 million
passengers from France to England and
remains to be one of the greatest engineering
feats of modern time.
The Chunnel
Navigable Rivers
• Links the interior
rivers and
canals to the
seas.
• Important for
travel and trade.
Climate
• A warm ocean current flows along Europe’s
northwestern coast allowing mild summers
and cold winters.
• In higher elevations such as the alps, the
climate is colder and wetter.
• West-Central Europe's mild climate provides
plenty of rain and rich soil for farming.
France
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Paris is the capital
Most people speak French
Major religion is Catholicism
Immigrants have settled in France
bringing in their own languages,
religions, and customs.
• The Seine River flows through France.
Notre Dame Cathedral
The Seine River
French Culture
• Attitude towards life is joie
de vivre
• Enjoy food, good
company, and good
conversation.
• France has some of the
best cooking in the world.
• Given us such words as
café, cuisine, and cooking.
Art
• Contributions is – high
pointed ceilings, stained glass
windows, and tall towers.
• The classic tale – The Three
Musketeers
• Today, France is known for
fashion and films.
• Major landmarks include the
Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame
Cathedral.
Did you know our Statue of Liberty
has a sister?
The Benelux Countries
Three countries make up the Benelux
Countries
1. Belgium
2. The Netherlands
3. Luxembourg
• Benelux combines the first letters of each
country’s name
• Also called Low Countries because of their
elevation.
The Netherlands
• 25 % of the land lies below sea level.
• Dikes near the shoreline were built to
hold back the sea.
• People and the language spoken is
Dutch
• Major industrial cities include
Amsterdam, the capital, and Hague.
• Famous for their windmills, tulips,
wooden shoes, and cheese.
Dutch Tulip Fields
Germany
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Hardworking/efficient people
90 % of population are ethnic German.
Most speak German.
Most people live in cities.
Largest cities and capital of Germany
is Berlin.
• Immigrants have influenced Germany
and make the country more diverse.
Belgium
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95 % of the population lives in cities
Brussels is the capital
Divided by language
The people that live along the coast and
north are called Flanders. They speak
Flemish
• The people that live in the south are called
Walloons. They speak French.
• Known for their cheese, chocolate, cocoa,
and lace.
Luxembourg
• Forested, hilly country
• Smaller than Road Island
• World’s highest standards
of living
• Known for banking
• Speak either French or
German.
German Customs
• Festival are very popular.
• Christmas is a major family event.
• The tradition of the Christmas tree began
in Germany.
• Another festival is Oktoberfest, held each
fall in Munich.
• Oktoberfest celebrates the regions food
and drink.
The Arts
• Famous classical
composer such as
Johann Sebastian
Bach and Ludwig
van Beethoven
grew up in
Germany.
Germany Today
• A Federal Republic – the Parliament
chooses a chancellor to run the government.
• The Parliament also elects a president.
• However, the president’s duty is mainly
ceremonial.
• Europe’s largest economy.
• Known for their production of cards such as
BMWs and Volkswagens.
• Home to one of the best highway systems in
the world, the Autobahn.
The Alpine Countries
1. Austria
2. Switzerland
• Alps covers much of the
countries.
• Both are landlocked.
• Influenced by German
culture.
• Yodeling is a unique form
of Alpine singing.
Austria
• Most people from Austria speak German.
• Vienna is the largest city and the capital of
Austria.
• Prosperous economy – little
unemployment
• Banking employs more than half of
Austria’s world force.
• Economy also relies heavily on tourism.
Western Europe- Rest Stop
Vienna has been known for its musical
influence across the world, and throughout
history. It has been home to Mozart,
Beethoven, Schubert, and Strauss. These
amazing composers have influenced many
musical greats. Today, Vienna houses the
Philharmonic orchestra, along with many
other musical events.
Austrian street
Switzerland
• All male citizens serve in the militia.
• A neutral country – has not joined the EU
or NATO.
• main languages spoken are German and
French.
• Bern is the capital
• One of the world’s highest standards of
living.
• Famous for its banks, watches, chocolate,
and cheese.
Switzerland