1. France and the benelux countries
Chapter 12 Section 2

2. France The largest country in Western Europe Economy The People
Based on agriculture and manufacturing
Most people work in the service industry: Tourism
2nd largest food exporter in the world
The People
“Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity”- Motto
Strong sense of national loyalty
French Speaking
90% Roman Catholic

3. 60 million people live in France
Government
Known as the Fifth Republic
Elected leaders
Headed by a President who is elected for a 5 year term
60 million people live in France
¾ of them live cities
Paris is the capital and has a population of more than 10 million

4. The Benelux Countries Benelux
‘BE’ = Belgium
‘NE’ = Netherlands
‘LUX’ = Luxembourg
Most of their people live in cities and enjoy a high standard of living
All are Parliamentary democracies with a Constitutional Monarchy

5. Belgium About the size of Maryland Trade and Manufacturing center
Mainly Roman Catholic
Two Culture Groups
Flemings in the north speak Flemish
Walloons in the south speak French
Brussels is the capital and largest city

6. The Netherlands ½ the size of Maine
One of the most densely populated countries in the world
It is sometimes called Holland and the people are called the Dutch
Nearly half of this country is below sea level
Dikes and banks are built to hold back the sea
Most people work in service industries, manufacturing, and trade
90% of the people live in cities
Capital and largest city is Amsterdam
Language is mainly Dutch but moist speak English as well
Religion is Catholic

7. Luxembourg S.E. of Belgium lies one of Europe’s smallest countries
About 55 miles long and 35 miles wide
Very prosperous country
Many multinational companies have their HQ here
The people are multilingual
Luxembourgian, French – law, and German – newspapers