Understanding Europe-A 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• 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 CountriesThree 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• 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• 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