Western EuropeWestern Europe
France, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria,
Liechtenstein
France
Luxembourg
Belgium
Netherlands
Austria
Germany
Switzerland
Liechtenstein
Baltic Sea
English Channel
Alps
Pyrenees
Mt. Blanc
Bay of Biscay
Black Sea
Mediterranean Sea
Danube RiverSeine
River
Rhine River
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 – capital… founded more than 2,000 years ago
• Paris is the transportation center of France hub to all major rail, canal, air and highway systems
• Home to the modern subway system The Metro
• France is also the transportation hub of Western Europe (Euro-rail)
Germany
• Europe’s largest economy• Leads Europe in steel
production• 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
Berlin Wall News Clips
Belgium • Two language regions
– North is Flemish (a language related to Dutch)
– South is French (people called Walloons)
• Brussels is the capital & largest city – One of Europe’s most
cosmopolitan cities (city that is characterized by its many foreign influences)
– 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
• Europe’s most expensive social security system
• 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 • Economy depends largely on foreign trade• 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
• Nation’s most valuable natural resource is its scenic beauty, which supports a vital tourist industry
• 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