1. Northern and Western Europe
CHAPTER 14
Northern and Western Europe
Section 1: The British Isles
Section 2: France
Section 3: The Benelux Countries
Section 4: Scandinavia

2. SECTION 1
The British Isles
Question:
What are the similarities and differences between the cultures of Ireland and Great Britain?

3. The British Isles SECTION 1 Ireland and Great Britain—Similar Cultures
• democratic governments
• English predominant language
• similar social life, sports
• republic
• predominantly Roman Catholic
• some Gaelic speakers
• constitutional monarchy
• predominantly Protestant

4. Question: What major issues and challenges does France face today?
SECTION 2
France
Question:
What major issues and challenges does France face today?

5. France SECTION 2 Issues and Challenges Facing France Today
government’s influence over the economy
integrating increasing numbers of new immigrants into French society
relations with former colonies, problems with overseas departments

6. SECTION 3
The Benelux Countries
Question:
What are the characteristics of the major cities and economies of the Benelux countries?

7. The Benelux Countries SECTION 3 The Benelux Countries Major Cities
Belgium: Brussels, headquarters of EU and NATO
Netherlands: Amsterdam, capital; Rotterdam, busy seaport; The Hague, Dutch Parliament, International Court of Justice
Luxembourg: none listed
Economy
Belgium: industry, agriculture, international business, diamond cutting, carpets, chocolate
Netherlands: agriculture (dairy and flowers), diversified activities, many exports, natural gas
Luxembourg: steel, international banking

8. SECTION 4
Scandinavia
Question:
What cultural characteristics do the Scandinavian countries share?

9. Scandinavia SECTION 4 Scandinavia mostly Lutheran Protestants
healthy, well-educated populations
Scandinavia
languages closely related (except Finnish)
long life spans and low birthrates
democratic systems of government
mostly urban populations

10. Chapter Wrap-Up CHAPTER 14
1. How did Britain control a vast empire? How is it tied to former colonies today?
2. How has Ireland’s economy changed in recent years? How have these changes influenced migration?
3. What features make Paris the primate city of France?
4. What are Belgium’s two language regions?
5. How is the population of Scandinavian countries distributed with regard to cities?