Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, United Kingdom and Vatican City.
Physical Features
The Alpine Mountains The Alpine Mountains are located in south-central Europe, just north of the Mediterranean Sea. They form a half moon or "crescent" shape, running east to west from the southern coast of France to the Adriatic coastline in Albania. The highest peak known as Mt. Blanc is 15,771 ft. and is the highest point of elevation in Europe. The Alps take up the largest portion of "natural space" in Europe.
- costreams.com
Rhine River The Rhine River originates at the Rheinwaldhorn Glacier in the Swiss Alps and flows from south to northeast approximately 765 miles ending in the North Sea. The Rhine runs through the most densely populated regions of Europe, making it one of the largest resources in Europe. The river is used for transportation, and is considered the heaviest traveled river in Europe. Until the 1980’s, industries were blamed for most of the Rhine’s pollution. Great efforts from environmentalists and area residents helped turn this around. Relocation of these industries has helped clean up the river.
- cae2k.com - sb.westfordk12.us - freefoto.com
The Volga River The Volga, originating from the Valdai Hills northwest of Moscow flows north to southeast and pours into the Caspian Sea. Known to Russia as the “Queen of Rivers” the Volga is named Russia’s National River and is the, the longest river in Europe. The river winds over the land spreading nearly 2300 miles across the region. The Volga Basin is very large and nearly 1/3 of Russia’s populations lives within the basin. Many cities were built along the banks of this fascinating river and it has been a major source for transportation. The help from locks allow for large traffic up and down its flowage.
Volga River Lock - dividingmytime.typepad.com
The Great European Plain The plains, also known as the "Russian Plains" stretch over nearly 1000 miles of land from the western border of Russia to the Ural Mountains and nearly 1500 miles from the Arctic Ocean to the Caspian Sea. They are the majority of the land bordered by the White Sea and the Barents Sea from the North; on the south end they border the Caspian Sea. On the east side the plains are distinguished by the Mountains of Scandinavia and on the west side by the Ural Mountains. Most of Europe's population, industry, and many of the major cities, are located on the Great European Plain.
- en.wikipedia.org
The Central Highlands The Central Highlands extend from the east-west across central Europe. They are moderately high and heavily wooded. The terrain is often difficult to cross and the weather can be very harsh during any time of the year. Higher elevations are sparsely settled, yet the lower river valleys near the Rhine are very populated. Much of the highlands are untouched and undeveloped, leaving the land to the plants and animals - the views are breathtaking. The Central Highlands have become a new destination for tourist because of the nature and beauty.
- allposters.com
Climate
Europe experiences 3 different types of climates; the temperate midlatitude, Mediterranean, and the humid continental.
Temperate midlatitude Climate Found in northwestern Europe, where the water is warm and the air is moist caused by the ”North Atlantic Drift”. The warm water is brought in from the Gulf of Mexico, crossing the Atlantic towards Europe. The drift brings in this warm climate, while other parts of the world at similar latitudes. This climate is wonderful for potatoes, cabbage, beets and turnips. Residents must accommodate for the excessive rain by installing steep roofs and drainage systems.
Mediterranean Climate Found in southern Europe, this climate causes warm and dry summers, and rainy winters. Although this climate is generally mild, the summers can get very hot and dry. Crops that strive in this climate must be drought-resistant; such as: olives, citrus fruits and wheat.
Humid continental climate In Eastern Europe the climate is more extreme. They experience very hot summers and extremely cold long winters. Crops have a much shorter growing season, and have to adapt to this climate. Residents also adapt by using more insulation in their homes and install smaller windows and lower ceilings.
Resources
Tourism Europe is one of the most desired destinations in the world. Job growth and economy relies on the tourist to thrive. Tourism is responsible for creating 1 in 8 jobs (13.5%.) The tourists also help pay the bills through the taxes they pay while visiting (approximately 15% of Europe’s taxes are paid by tourists.)
Nuclear Power 78% of the electricity generated comes from Nuclear Power in France, compared to 20% in North America. Many other countries in Europe also use this form of energy; however, in recent past they have been considering alternative options of self-sufficiency.
Nuclear Power Plant - greendiary.com
Environmental Issues
Due to deforestation, agriculture, drainage systems and other human activities; most of Europe’s environment has been changed. Most of the landforms that are there today have been created by people. They’re main focus now is to try and preserve what is left and establish a safe and livable environment for their children and grandchildren. They have founded “green political parties” who are responsible for national policies regarding “green” living. Due to these efforts, the average European consumes half of what a North American citizen does. They live in smaller homes, drive smaller more efficient cars and use them only when necessary, and take care of smaller yards. Most make use of public transportation or their bikes. According to EU environmental reports, their hard work is paying off. There has been great improvement on their environment since 2000.
Air Pollution Most of Europe suffers with significant air pollution, especially the European Plain. As a region, Europe is responsible for nearly 25% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. Heavy air pollution has caused acid rain, and it threatens most of Europe.
Water (Sea) Pollution Europe is surrounded by many seas, any pollutants that drain in the river systems eventually drain into these coastal areas. Most of the Seas can filter themselves, however the Black, Baltic, Mediterranean seas are landlocked, and are not able to flush themselves out quickly.
The Mediterranean seas are the most polluted in Europe. This is caused by municipal and rural sewage (most untreated), eroded sediments, agricultural chemicals, industrial wastes, nuclear contaminants, and oil spills that seep into the sea from the surrounding land. Solid waste is seen floating in the Sea, and the pollution is making the sea and waterways nearly inhabitable for the fish and other wildlife. The waters are not safe for swimming.
Pollution in the Mediterranean - electronicintifada.net
Population Patterns
In the early 1800’s, London and Paris were very large and inhabited by more than a million people each. Europe is one of the most densely populated regions in the world; however, the population is not distributed evenly. The most densely populated areas include the United Kingdom, the northern coast of France, the Netherlands, Central Germany, Warsaw and Bucharest, Northern Italy and the coasts of Portugal, southern France, Sicily, and Southern Italy. Land is very expensive, and hard to find, because of this a majority of the population live in apartments in the cities.
Role of Gender
Like North America, European women’s roles have changed dramatically over the years. Many are employed and work outside of the home. It is not uncommon for women to only have 1 child. They marry much later, usually in their 30’s because they have spent the previous years working on establishing a career and traveling. In some ways, the European women have been changing the views of other countries around the world. They set an example by working as laborers, service workers, professionals, government bureaucrats and elected officials. Even though they are working out of the home, they are still held responsible for the domestic duties of the home. This makes their average work day approximately 3-5 hours longer than men.
Transportation
They have had a goal to extend the fast rail system to connect all of Europe together. The “Oriental Express” passes through 13 countries in Europe and is a very famous route among many. The fast rail systems are the primary and major form of transportation throughout the entire region, though there are all types of transportation means in Europe. Traveling by air is a much faster form of transportation, giving tourists more time at their destination. Buses are used to travel to destinations in which the railway system doesn’t tend to. Cars definitely give the most freedom, however, if unfamiliar with the roads and customs of driving in this region. Driving on your own can be very difficult.
- examiner.com
Country of Focus
The Netherlands The Dutch United Provinces declared their independence from Spain in 1579. Later during the 17th century, they became a leader in commercial power, with settlements and colonies around the world. The Netherlands is considered a modern, industrialized nation and a large exporter of agricultural products. The Netherlands is located in Western Europe, along the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany. The total land mass is 41,543 sq. km, which by comparison is less than twice the size of New Jersey. Most of the land is coastal lowland with some hills in the southeast. The total population is 16,84707 (July 2011 est.)
Universal healthcare is practiced by most of the countries in this region. Everyone in these areas is given healthcare regardless of their age, health status, or income status. Women receive 1 year of maternity leave after having a baby, and the father also receives a considerable amount of paid time off to be at home with his family.
How Stuff Works: A Discovery Company. Geography of Europe. Retrieved from http://geography.howstuffworks.com/europe/geography-of-europe5.htm
Map of the world. (2008). East European Plain. Retrieved from http://www.mapsofworld.com/russian-Federation/geography/east-european-plain.htm
Pulsipher, L. M. & Pulsipher, A. (2008). World Regional Geography: Global Patterns, Local Lives. (4th ed.) New York, NY: W. H. Freeman and Company
Travel Russia. The Volga River. Retrieved from http://www.travelallrussia.com/volga., Volga. (2011). In Britannica Enclopedia Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/501316/Rhine-River/34453/History.