The Geography and People of

Europe

Essential Question: What are the physical and human

characteristics Europe?

2nd smallest continent by land size 3rd largest population

(731 million, 11% of global total) Approx. 50 countries

Russia is largest population and land

Europe Basics

Western part of the “Eurasian” landmass and the British Isles/

Ireland/ Iceland

Important bodies of water: Atlantic ocean, Mediterranean sea, many rivers

Access to multiple bodies of water (oceans, seas, rivers) Transportation Expansion

Relatively flat, fertile soil, moderate climate allows for farming and population growth.

Limited natural resources= need for expansion

Physical Geography of Europe

Major countries:

UK (Great Britain), Germany, France, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Greece, Spain.

Major cities include: London, Berlin, Paris, Rome, Moscow, Stockholm, Athens,

Madrid.

European Union (economic and political union) 27 European member nations/ 500 million people Free movement of people, goods, service, and capital Common currency called the Euro

Political Geography of Europe

Western Europe

Germany, France, Switz, Netherlands, BeNeLux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)

Eastern Europe Russia, Poland, Czech Repub., Ukraine

Northern Europe UK, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland

Southern Europe Spain, Portugal, Italy, Balkans, Greece

Major Regions of Europe

Northern

Eastern

Western

Southern

Race refers to biological characterizes of a group of

people, such as skin color. Most Europeans are Caucasian or “white.”

Ethnicity refers to the cultural background of a group of people. European ethnicities include: Italians, Germans, Brits,

Irish, Poles, Swedes, French, Swiss, Russians, etc.

Just like the United States, however, there are immigrants from other places including Africa, Turkey, India, and the Middle East.

Who is a European?

Traditionally, Europe is heavily Christian.

35% Catholic (France, Poland, Italy, Spain) 27% Eastern Orthodox (Russia, Greece) 14% Protestant (Sweden, Germany, England)

A growing number of Europeans identify as “secular” or non-religious. 18% non-religious

Islam is also growing in Europe, has led to some conflict (France, GB) 5% Islam, largely due to immigrants

Religion in Europe

Most Europeans speak a language that shares the name

with their country. French in France English in England (Ireland and Scotland too) Italian in Italy German in Germany

Exception: Switzerland: French, Italian, German, Romansch

Most Europeans speak at least 2 languages: native language + English, many speak 3-4!

Language in Europe

A supranational organization consisting 27

“member states.” Supranational- a union of multiple nations.

Economic and political cooperation

“Ensure the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital.”

Common currency “the Euro” (17 members)

The European Union

European Union Flag

Many European countries have very distinct

and well-known cultures that are well known in America.

European cooking/ foods European clothing/ fashion European cars European travel

European Culture