Western EuropeWestern Europe

France, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria,

Liechtenstein

France

Luxembourg

Belgium

Netherlands

Austria

Germany

Switzerland

Liechtenstein

Baltic Sea

English Channel

Alps

Pyrenees

Mt. Blanc

Bay of Biscay

Black Sea

Mediterranean Sea

Danube RiverSeine

River

Rhine River

France • Few people are

farmers, but agriculture = vital part of the economy (#1 = USA,

#2 = France in farm exports)

• World leader in the variety of wines produced & exported

• Famous for perfumes, jewelry, glassware, furniture, fashion design

• Tourism is a large part of the economy (French Alps, Riviera, Paris)

• Paris – capital… founded more than 2,000 years ago

• Paris is the transportation center of France hub to all major rail, canal, air and highway systems

• Home to the modern subway system The Metro

• France is also the transportation hub of Western Europe (Euro-rail)

Germany

• Europe’s largest economy• Leads Europe in steel

production• The German people are

the country’s most important economic resource – Among the world’s best

paid and best educated (world leader in scientific, technological, & organizational skills)

• World leader in electronics, chemicals, & optical & surgical instruments

• World leader in the production & export of automobiles – Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Mercedes,

BMW (Bavarian Motor Works)

• World admired transportation network – modern railroads, airports, & the autobahn (freeway system, known for no speed limit)

• 5 REGIONS OF GERMANY– Northwestern Germany– The Ruhr (coal and industry)

– The Rhineland– Southern Germany– Eastern Germany

THE BERLIN

WALL 1961 – 1989

Berlin Wall News Clips

Belgium • Two language regions

– North is Flemish (a language related to Dutch)

– South is French (people called Walloons)

• Brussels is the capital & largest city – One of Europe’s most

cosmopolitan cities (city that is characterized by its many foreign influences)

– Numerous organizations have their headquarters in Brussels

• EU (European Union) • NATO (North Atlantic Treaty

Organization)

• Known for quality carpets, cut diamonds, fine chocolate, & waffles/ pastries.

• Depends on international trade to maintain its high standard of living

The Netherlands also called Holland, its people are called the

Dutch

• Means “low lands” – nearly ½ of the country lies below sea level – Constructed system of

canals removes water– The people pumped the

area dry by using windmills, which became a symbol of the country

• Highly industrialized export market– One of the world’s

largest oil refineries & the headquarters for one of the world’s largest oil companies Shell

• Amsterdam is the capital – famous for canals and museums

• Rotterdam – world’s busiest seaport

• Modern democratic society

• Dutch is the national language, but most all citizens know English, German and French as well

• Europe’s most expensive social security system

• Gov’t benefits for education, unemployment & medical care are among the highest in the world

Luxembourg• Bordered by France,

Germany & Belgium • Has a per capita GDP

(gross domestic product) that is among the world’s highest– Measures nation income

and output for a country

Switzerland • A confederation of 26 cantons

(states) A confederation is a group of states joined together for a common purpose

• One of the world’s most stable countries

• Mostly covered by mountains the Swiss Alps • Economy depends largely on foreign trade• Famous for chocolate, cheese, and watches • International banking brings in the most

foreign funds – The country’s peaceful history has made it a stable

world finance center – Neutral country – has not joined the UN, EU, or

NATO

Austria • German speaking &

Roman Catholic• Capital is Vienna –

heart of commerce and culture

• Nation’s most valuable natural resource is its scenic beauty, which supports a vital tourist industry

• Backdrop for the movie “The Sound of Music”

Lichtenstein • Microstate (An independent country that

is very small in area and population)

• Is known for a giant wooden cross in Naafkopf Peak, where visitors can sit in three different countries at once (Liechtenstein, Austria, & Switzerland)

Monaco • Microstate

• People are drawn from around the world to Monaco’s beautiful Mediterranean beaches, ports, casinos, and cultural attractions

• The Grand Prix de Monaco – auto race through the streets of Monaco held every June