West Central Europe

Geographic features

• West-Central European countries are all located on the European mainland.

• The Northern European Plain makes up the northern part of the region and provides the region’s best farmland.

Why do you think West Central Europe has a greater area of usable farmland than Russia?

• Several of the region’s rivers are navigable.– A navigable river

is one that is deep and wide enough for ships to use

– Two important rivers are the Danube and the Rhine.

Why do major cities develop along navigable waterways?

• The navigable rivers in West Central Europe are important for trade and transportation.

• West Central Europe’s climate is beneficial to farming

• Mild temperatures, plenty of rain, and rich soil have led to productive farming

How does this differ from Russia’s climate?

Resources

• Coal, oil, and uranium have helped certain areas of West-Central Europe by allowing successful energy production in the region

France

• Capital= Paris• Language= French• Economy– top agricultural producer – major crops= wheat and grapes– Major exporter of goods like perfumes and wines– Tourism is important

Landmarks in France

Louvre (Art Museum)- Paris, France

Eiffel Tower- Paris, France

Landmarks in France

Notre Dame- Paris, France

French Rivera

Netherlands• Capital= Amsterdam• Language= Dutch• Economy– Agriculture is

important– Cheese and flowers

(tulips) are important exports

Dutch Landmarks

Polders= drained land that has been pumped from sea water and is protected by dams

Belgium

• Capital= Brussels• Language= Flemish (northern) and French

(southern)• Economy– Major exports= diamonds, chocolate, lace, and

cheese

Belgian landmarks

Brussels= headquarters for European Union

Luxembourg

• Capital= Luxembourg• Language= French or German• Economy– One of the world’s highest standards of living– Major banking center– Important steel producer

Luxembourg Geography

• Forested, hilly country that is smaller than Rhode Island

Germany

• Capital= Berlin• Language= German• Economy– Europe’s largest economy– Based on industry like

chemicals, engineering, steel, and cars

German landmarksNeuschwanstein Castle

German landmarks

Town square in Munich

Austria

• Capital= Vienna• Language= German• Economy– Service industries, like banking, are important– Tourism is also important

Austrian landmarks

Mozart’s cathedral in Salzburg, Austria

The Sound of Music was filmed here!

Austrian Geography

The Alps cover ¾ of Austria

Switzerland

• Capital= Bern• Languages= German and French• Economy– Banking is very important– Also famous for its banks, watches, chocolates,

and cheeses.

Swiss Landmarks

Lake Lucerne

Journey to Mt. Pilatus

View from Mt. Pilatus