Guide to Reading (cont.) Section Objectives Discuss the economies and governments of the United Kingdom and Ireland.  Explain the history and culture of the United Kingdom and Ireland. The British Isles Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. 12

The United Kingdom The British Isles include the countries of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. The United Kingdom has four regions–England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.  Northern England, Scotland, and Wales have rugged hills, low mountain ranges, and treeless, windy highlands called moors.  (pages 340–342) Manufactured goods and machinery are the country’s leading exports. The British Isles Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. 12

The United Kingdom (cont.) Computer and electronic industries are growing. Most people now work in service industries.  The United Kingdom must import one-third of its food. The country’s limited farmland and short growing season make it impossible to feed its large population. (pages 340–342) The British Isles Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. 12

The United Kingdom is a parliamentary democracy, or a form of government in which voters elect representatives to a lawmaking body called Parliament.  Parliament has two houses—the House of Commons and the House of Lords.  The political party that has the largest number of members in the House of Commons chooses the government’s leader, the prime minister. (pages 340–342) The British Isles Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. The United Kingdom (cont.) 12

The United Kingdom is also a constitutional monarchy, in which a queen or king is the official head of state. The monarch represents the country at public events but has little power.  About 90 percent of the people live in cities and towns. With more than 7 million people, London is one of Europe’s most heavily populated cities. (pages 340–342) The British Isles Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. The United Kingdom (cont.) 12

The British Isles The Republic of Ireland Surrounded by the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea, the Republic of Ireland has lush green meadows and tree-covered hills. As a result, it is called the Emerald Isle.  (pages 342–343) Much of the area is rich in peat, or wet decaying plants, which can be dried and used for fuel.  Peat is dug from bogs, or low swampy lands. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. 12

The Republic of Ireland (cont.) Farming is important in Ireland, but manufacturing employs the most people and contributes the most to the Irish economy.  (pages 342–343) Ireland joined the European Union in an effort to market its products more widely.  Ireland has suffered hundreds of years of unrest under British rule.  In 1921 the southern part of Ireland won its independence from the United Kingdom. The British Isles Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. 12

The Republic of Ireland (cont.) The northern part remained with the United Kingdom.  (pages 342–343) Fighting between Catholic Nationalists, who want to unite with Ireland, and Protestant Loyalists, who want to stay British, has led to many deaths.  The Celts settled Ireland around 500 B.C.  Today a form of the Celtic language, called Gaelic, and English are Ireland’s two official languages. The British Isles Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. 12

(pages 345–347) France The largest country in western Europe, France is slightly smaller than the state of Texas.  It has high mountains, a large flat plain, and several rivers, including the Seine and the Loire.  Most rivers are navigable. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. France and the Benelux Countries 12

France’s economy depends on agriculture and manufacturing.  Most people, however, work in service industries.  Tourism is also important. France (cont.) France and the Benelux Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 345–347) 12

France produces more food than any other nation in western Europe and is the world’s second-largest food exporter after the United States.  Its success is due to fertile soil, mild climate, and modern farming methods. France (cont.) France and the Benelux Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 345–347) 12

Although they have regional differences, the French share a strong national loyalty.  They speak French, and about 90 percent of them are Roman Catholic.  The French government is a republic— a strong national government headed by elected leaders, including a powerful president. France (cont.) France and the Benelux Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 345–347) 12

Three-fourths of France’s people live in cities.  Paris, the capital and largest city, is home to many universities, museums, and other cultural sites. France (cont.) France and the Benelux Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 345–347) 12

Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer. What is the role of the French president? The powerful president, elected to a five-year term, leads the nation and manages its foreign affairs. He or she appoints a prime minister to run the government’s day-to-day affairs. France and the Benelux Countries 12

(pages 347–348) The Benelux Countries The name Benelux comes from combining the first letters of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.  All three countries are densely populated, have high standards of living, and are parliamentary democracies with constitutional monarchies.  Belgium has long been a trade and manufacturing center. France and the Benelux Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. 12

Belgium has two main cultural and language groups.  The Flemings in the north speak Flemish, a language based on Dutch.  The south is home to the French- speaking Walloons.  Tensions sometimes arise between the two groups. The Benelux Countries (cont.) France and the Benelux Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 347–348) 12

The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.  Netherlands means “lowlands” because nearly half of the country lies below sea level. The Benelux Countries (cont.) France and the Benelux Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 347–348) 12

The Dutch use a system of dikes and pumps to create polders, drained land with rich farming soil.  The Delta Plan Project consists of huge barriers that keep the North Sea from overflowing the countryside during storms. The Benelux Countries (cont.) France and the Benelux Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 347–348) 12

The Netherlands ranks third in the world in the value of its agricultural exports.  However, most people work in service industries, manufacturing, and trade. The Benelux Countries (cont.) France and the Benelux Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 347–348) 12

About 90 percent of the Dutch people live in cities and towns.  Amsterdam is the capital and largest city. The Benelux Countries (cont.) France and the Benelux Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 347–348) 12

Luxembourg is one of Europe’s smallest countries.  The country is prosperous.  Many multinational companies, or firms that do business in several countries, have their headquarters in Luxembourg.  The Benelux Countries (cont.) Most of the people of Luxembourg are multilingual, or able to speak several languages. France and the Benelux Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 347–348) 12

Why is Luxembourg so attractive to foreign companies? The country is centrally located and most people speak several languages. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer. France and the Benelux Countries 12

Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 350–352) Germany Germany lies in the heart of Europe.  Because of its rivers and productive land, Germany’s northern plain has many cities and towns, including Berlin, the capital.  The Alps are in the southern state of Bavaria.  An area in western Germany called the Ruhr ranks as one of the world’s most important industrial centers. Germany and the Alpine Countries 12

The growth of factories, service industries, and high technology has used up the supply of German workers.  Guest workers from other countries come for jobs but are sometimes targets of racist attacks.  Germany (cont.) Railroads, rivers, canals, and superhighways called autobahns link Germany’s cities. Germany and the Alpine Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 350–352) 12

Germany (cont.) Germany’s Black Forest, known for its beautiful scenery and for its wood products, has suffered severe damage from acid rain.  Because much of the pollution comes from other countries, Germany is working with other Europeans to find a solution to this problem. Germany and the Alpine Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 350–352) 12

Germany (cont.) Germany is a federal republic in which a national government and state governments share powers.  An elected president carries out ceremonial duties, while the chancellor is the real head of government.  One of Germany’s challenges was reunification–bringing East and West Germany together under one government. Germany and the Alpine Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 350–352) 12

Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer. What is the cultural makeup of Germany? Most of Germany’s people trace their ancestry to groups who settled in Europe from about the A.D. 100s to 400s. The people speak German, a language that is related to English. Roman Catholics and Protestants make up most of the population and are fairly evenly represented. Germany and the Alpine Countries 12

The Alpine Countries The Alps form most of the landscape in Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein.  That is why these countries are called the Alpine countries.  Because of its location in central Europe, Switzerland has practiced neutrality–refusing to take sides in disagreements and wars between countries. (pages 352–353) Germany and the Alpine Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. 12

The Alpine Countries (cont.) Because of Switzerland’s peaceful history, the Swiss city of Geneva is home to many international organizations.  The Alps are the continental divide of central Europe. Rivers such as the Rhine and the Rhône begin here.  Most of Switzerland’s industries and its richest farmlands are found on a plateau between two mountain ranges. Germany and the Alpine Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 352–353) 12

The Alpine Countries (cont.) Although it has few natural resources, Switzerland is a thriving industrial nation.  It is also an important center of international finance. Germany and the Alpine Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 352–353) 12

The Alpine Countries (cont.) The country has many different ethnic groups and religions and four national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansch.  Most Swiss speak German, and many speak more than one language. Germany and the Alpine Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 352–353) 12

The Alpine Countries (cont.) The Alps cover three-fourths of landlocked Austria.  Austria is one of the most mountainous countries in the world.  Austria has a strong, varied economy.  The mountains provide valuable timber and hydroelectric power and also attract millions of tourists. Germany and the Alpine Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 352–353) 12

The Alpine Countries (cont.) Most Austrians live in cities and towns and work in manufacturing or service jobs.  The majority of people speak German and are Roman Catholic.  Vienna, Austria’s capital, has a history as a center of culture and learning. Germany and the Alpine Countries Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 352–353) 12

(pages 354–355) Norway The countries of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland make up the northernmost part of Europe.  This region is known as Scandinavia or the Nordic countries.  Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. The long, jagged Atlantic Ocean coastline of Norway includes many fjords, or steep-sided valleys that are inlets of the sea. The Nordic Nations 12

Norway is a wealthy country.  It is one of the world’s largest oil exporters.  Fish is another major export.  Norway is a parliamentary democracy.  It has a monarchy but the country is governed by a prime minister. Norway (cont.) The Nordic Nations Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 354–355) 12

Norway (cont.) In 1994 Norway voted not to join the European Union in order to keep control of its own economy. The Nordic Nations Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 354–355) 12

Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 355–356) Sweden Sweden is a wealthy, industrial country.  Its prosperity comes from abundant natural resources including iron ore deposits and extensive pine forests.  Sweden’s economic wealth enabled it to become a welfare state, or a country that uses tax money to help people who are sick, needy, jobless, or retired.  Sweden is a constitutional monarchy and joined the European Union. The Nordic Nations 12

Sweden’s high standard of living has attracted more than 1 million immigrants from nearby Norway and Denmark and distant Turkey and Vietnam. Sweden (cont.) The Nordic Nations Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 355–356) 12

Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer. What is the agricultural situation in Sweden? Only about 8 percent of Sweden’s land can be used for farming. Swedish farmers have developed efficient ways to grow crops, and their farms supply most of the nation’s food. The Nordic Nations 12

Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (page 356) Finland In recent years, heavy industry– manufactured goods such as machinery–has driven Finland’s economy.  The Finns are also leaders in the cell phone industry.  The ancestors of the Finns settled in the region thousands of years ago, probably from what is now Siberia in eastern Russia. The Nordic Nations 12

Finland (cont.) The Finnish language is different from other Nordic countries.  With snow for half a year, Finns enjoy cross-country skiing and relaxing in saunas, wooden rooms heated by water sizzling on hot stones. The Nordic Nations Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (page 356) 12

Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer. From where does Finland obtain most of its wealth? Most of Finland’s wealth comes from its huge forests of spruce, pine, and birch. Paper and wood products are important exports. The Nordic Nations 12

Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 356–357) For centuries, Iceland was ruled by Denmark.  Most of Denmark is on a peninsula known as Jutland and also includes nearly 500 islands, only about 100 of which have people living on them.  Its location has made it a link between the Nordic countries and Europe.  Denmark has some of the richest farmland in Europe. Denmark and Iceland The Nordic Nations 12

Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. It also exports porcelain and LEGO® toy building blocks.  Denmark and Iceland (cont.) In 1993 Denmark joined the European Union.  The Danes enjoy a high standard of living.  Iceland is a land of hot springs and geysers–springs that shoot hot water and steam into the air. The Nordic Nations (pages 356–357) 12

Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. People make use of geothermal energy to heat buildings and swimming pools.  Iceland sits on top of a fault line and is at the mercy of constant volcanic activity.  Iceland’s economy depends heavily on fishing, but to reduce its dependence on that industry, the country has introduced new manufacturing and service industries. The Nordic Nations Denmark and Iceland (cont.) (pages 356–357) 12

Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. More than 90 percent of Icelanders live in urban areas, more than half in the capital city of Reykjavík. The Nordic Nations Denmark and Iceland (cont.) (pages 356–357) 12

(pages 358–360) The Iberian Peninsula Spain and Portugal share the Iberian Peninsula.  Tiny Andorra perches high in the Pyrenees mountain range near Spain’s border with France.  Portugal and most of Spain have mild winters and hot summers. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. Southern Europe 12

Since much of the soil is poor, dry farming is practiced, in which the land is left unplanted every few years so that it can store moisture.  Spain and Portugal both belong to the European Union, but have worked hard to catch up economically with other member nations. The Iberian Peninsula (cont.) Southern Europe Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 358–360) 12

The Iberian Peninsula (cont.) Spain is one of the world’s leading producers of olive oil.  Portugal is the world’s leading exporter of cork.  Spain is a constitutional monarchy, but elected officials run the government.  Portugal is a parliamentary republic, with a president. Southern Europe Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 358–360) 12

The Iberian Peninsula (cont.) Portugal developed a unified culture based on the Portuguese language, while Spain remained a “country of different countries.” Southern Europe Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 358–360) 12

(pages 360–361) Italy The Italian peninsula sticks out from Europe into the center of the Mediterranean Sea.  The Alps tower over northern Italy, while volcanoes rumble through the southern part of the peninsula and Sicily.  In spring and summer, hot dry winds called siroccos blow across the country from North Africa. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. Southern Europe 12

In the past 50 years, Italy has changed from a mainly agricultural country into one of the world’s leading industrial economies.  It is a member of the EU.  Rivalry between the wealthy industrialized north and the poorer south has caused political tensions in Italy. Italy (cont.) Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. Southern Europe (pages 360–361) 12

Italy (cont.) Many political parties exist, and no single party has been strong enough to gain control.  Italy has seen many coalition governments, where two or more parties work together.  About 70 percent of Italy’s people live in towns and cities, and more than 90 percent work in manufacturing and service industries.  Most are Roman Catholic. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. Southern Europe (pages 360–361) 12

(pages 361–362) Greece The Greek mainland sits on the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula, which juts out from Europe into the Mediterranean Sea.  Greece also includes 2,000 islands, though only about 160 have people living on them. Southern Europe Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. 12

Greece belongs to the European Union, but has one of the least industrialized economies in Europe.  It must import food, fuels, and many manufactured goods.  Greece (cont.) Although it has poor stony soil, Greece has important crops of olives, used for olive oil, and grapes, used for wine. Southern Europe Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 361–362) 12

Greece has one of the largest shipping fleets in the world, including oil tankers, cargo ships, fishing boats, and passenger vessels.  Greece (cont.) Tourism is another key industry.  Greece is a parliamentary republic with about 60 percent of the people living in urban areas.  More than 95 percent are Greek Orthodox Christians. Southern Europe Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the information. (pages 361–362) 12