Understanding Northern Europe

What countries are considered part of Northern Europe? England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland Ireland Denmark Norway Sweden Finland Iceland

Let’s take a look at the Nordic countries…

Nordic Countries

Nordic Countries A group of seafaring warriors from Sweden, Norway and Denmark terrorized the rest of Europe beginning around the year 800. They ran around raping and pillaging the towns. These warriors were known as… you may know their name… the Vikings!! Denmark, Sweden and Norway each became a kingdom in the 900’s.

British Isles

United Kingdom Scotland Northern Ireland England Ireland Wales

London

Who the heck built this thing? And what does it mean? Outside of London, you’ll find… Stonehenge 4000-4500 years old Who the heck built this thing? And what does it mean?

Bird’s Eye View of Stonehenge (when it was first built!)

Great Britain Great Britain built an empire that strongly affected the rest of the world. They first set out to control their neighbors – Wales, Ireland and Scotland. In 1801, the nation became known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

England Great Britain (Britain) United Kingdom British Isles Scotland Wales Northern Ireland Ireland

Britain drew on its geographic advantages to grow in strength. Being an island helped protect Britain and helped them to develop a strong navy. Drawing on its economic and naval strength, Great Britain built a global empire. A popular saying declared, “The sun never sets on the British Empire.” As a result, the English language and British culture spread worldwide.

The British Empire in 1900 This Empire was so big that the sun was always shining on some part of the Empire. “The Sun never sets on the British Empire.”

“That’s because God doesn’t trust the British in the dark.” The British Empire in 1900 “That’s because God doesn’t trust the British in the dark.”

She just visited America last summer!!! Queen Elizabeth is going strong at 82 years old, hm? She is filthy rich, and lives in the Buckingham Palace… Check out her palace on Slide 19.

In line for the throne… 1st – Prince Charles 2nd – Prince William 3rd – Prince Harry

This is where the Royal Family lives… Buckingham Palace Queen Elizabeth II Prince William Prince Charles Prince Harry

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been the home to the royal family of England since 1837. It also serves as the administrative headquarters for the monarchy. The people that work here ensure that the queen’s day to day activities run smoothly. Also in attendance at Buckingham Palace are the many tourists, and guests that are invited for ceremonies, etc. During the summer, the Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs every day at 11:30am. The palace is over 300 years old.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown He’s the current Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

The President and Prime Minister 

The Former Prime Minister was Tony Blair

Palace of Westminster in London, England “Big Ben”

London

River Thames in London! (pronounced “timz”)

The Tower Bridge

Typical street in London, England

London’s Famous Double-decker Buses

How can they connect the United Kingdom to mainland Europe? “THE CHUNNEL” (A tunnel under the English Channel)

The Chunnel is crazy-long The English Channel

One Billion Pounds (Dollars) Costs One Billion Pounds (Dollars) Seven Years 15,000 Workers Opened in 1994

The Eurostar travels 100 mph in the Chunnel

I sure hope the camera- man moves out of the way… Another picture of the Chunnel, the tunnel that goes underneath the English Channel. I sure hope the camera- man moves out of the way…

The Eurotunnel Shuttle is a rail fairy service

The two most popular sports in the British Isles… Rugby Soccer

Soccer (a.k.a. Football) is the source of much entertainment and athleticism in Europe. The popularity of soccer in Europe can easily be compared to football in the United States. Some games can draw up to 93 million viewers… topping even the most prestigious football game in the States, the Super Bowl. Soccer players are viewed as celebrities in Europe.

Just to remind you about the United Kingdom… Great Britain established a global empire based partly on their naval strength “The sun never sets on the British Empire” Government: Constitutional Monarchy Queen is just a symbolic leader Prime Minister and Parliament (like Congress) have real power

Just to remind you… London (the capital) is located on the River Thames (pronounced “timz”) English Channel Tunnel (Chunnel) connects England to France

Northern European Culture Americans are addicted to coffee, but the British prefer their tea. Which one do you like more? This American guy is addicted to coffee  This British woman is sipping some tea 

Northern European Culture A Swedish “smorgasbord” Swedish meatballs! They taste much better than they look.

Northern European Culture A typical Finnish sauna Just about every household in the country of Finland has a sauna! Weird, huh.