Discussion Notes 11-1: The United Kingdom and Ireland

I. The United Kingdom

A. The UK includes 4 regions: England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

B. Manufacturing and machinery are the leading exports. The UK must import 1/3 of its food due to lack of farmland.

C. The UK has a parliamentary democracy, a form of government in which voters elect members to Parliament. Leader is a prime minister.

D. The UK is also a constitutional monarchy headed by a queen.

E. 90% live in cities and towns. London is the most populated city.

II. The Republic of Ireland

A. Its called the “emerald isle” because of its green meadows and tree-covered hills.

B. Much of the area is made up of peat which is dug up from bogs.

C. Farming is important, but most employed by manufacturing.

D. Ireland has clashed with the British throughout history.

E. In 1922, the southern part of Ireland gained its independence from the UK, but the northern part remained with the UK.

F. Today, fighting exists between Ireland (Catholic) and N. Ireland (Protestant) over religion and unifying Ireland.

G. 2 official languages are English and Gaelic.

Discussion Notes 11-2: France and the Benelux Countries

I. France

A. The largest country in western Europe. It has mountains, a large plain, and several rivers

B. The economy depends on agriculture and manufacturing.

C. France produces more food than any other country in Europe and is second to the U.S. in the world.

D. They speak French and 90% are Roman Catholic.

E. Their government is a republic headed by elected officials.

F. 3/4 live in cities and Paris is their capital and largest city

II. The Benelux Countries

A. Belgium 2 main cultural and language groups. In the north, Fleming speak Flemish. South, Walloons speak French.

B. Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Netherlands means “lowlands” because 1/2 is below the sea.

C. The Dutch create polders to drain land from the sea.

D. 90% live in cities and towns, Amsterdam is the capital and largest city.

E. Luxembourg is one of Europe’s smallest countries.

F. The country is prosperous which has many multinational companies, firms that do business in several countries.

Discussion Notes 11-3: Germany, Switzerland, and Austria

I. Germany

A. It lies in the heart of Europe and has many rivers.

B. The “Ruhr”, in western Germany, is one of the most important industrial centers in the world.

C. The “Black Forest”, known for its scenery, has suffered severe damage from acid rain.

D. Germany is a federal republic, in which the national and state governments share power.

E. One of Germany’s challenges is reunification of East and West.

II. Switzerland and Austria

A. The Alps make up the landscape of these two countries.

B. Switzerland has practiced neutrality due to location of the Alps.

C. Switzerland is a thriving industrial nation and its rich farmlands are located on its plateau.

D. Switzerland has many different ethnic and religious groups. They have 4 national languages German, French, Italian, and Romansch. Most speak German.

E. The Alps cover 3/4ths of Austria.

F. Austria has a strong, varied economy. Most speak German and practice Roman Catholic. The capital is Vienna.

Discussion Notes 11-4: The Nordic Countries

I. Norway - includes many fjord, steep-sided valleys that are inlets

A. Norway is a wealthy country that exports oil and fish.

B. Its government is a parliamentary democracy with a monarchy.

C. In 1994, it voted no to the European Union to keep its wealth.

II. Sweden - is a wealthy, industrial country.

A. It has an abundance of natural resources including iron and forests.

B. Sweden is a “welfare state” a country that uses tax money to pay for education, low medical costs, and affordable rent.

III. Denmark and Iceland

A. Denmark is located on the Jutland peninsula and Iceland was ruled by Denmark for centuries.

B. Iceland is the land of hot springs and geysers.

C. Iceland’s economy depends on fishing. 99% of Icelanders live in urban areas. More than 1/2 live in the capital of Reykjavik.

Discussion Notes 11-5: Southern Europe

I. The Iberian Peninsula

A. Spain and Portugal share the peninsula. The Pyrenees Mts. separate Spain and France.

B. Dry farming is practiced since the soil is so poor.

C. Spain is the leading producer of olive oil and Portugal’s leading export is cork.

D. Portugal is a “unified” culture while Spain is made up of many cultures.

II. Italy - sticks out into the center of the Mediterranean Sea.

A. Italy has changed from an agricultural to a leading industrial nation.

B. Rivalry between the rich, industrialized north and the poor south.

C. Pope lives and works in the Vatican City.(Rome, Italy)

D. Venice is crisscrossed by canals and relies only on boats.

III. Greece - made up of 2,000 islands in which only 170 have people living on them.

A. It has one of the least industrialized economies in Europe. It has to import foods, fuels, and manufactured goods.

B. It has poor, stony soil, but grows crops of olives for oil and wine.

C. Greece has one of the largest shipping fleets in the world. Tourism is also important.