Europe Economy and Economic Union

Developed or Developing? All of the countries in Europe are considered developed. Developed – countries having many industries and relatively few poor people who are unable to buy the things they need (or a high standard of living).

Demographics of Europe High per capita GDP (Gross Domestic Product) GDP - total value of goods produced and services provided in a country during a year. B. High life expectancy C. Low population growth rate D. Low infant mortality E. Low percentage of population under age 15 F. High literacy rate

Infrastructure Infrastructure - basic equipment and structures that are needed for a country to function properly The countries in Europe have well developed infrastructures. Some examples are: The Chunnel Rivers are connected with canals Efficient railway system Large percentage of internet connections and cell phone use

Economic Systems There are three major types of economic systems: Free market economy (operates on the idea of supply and demand with private ownership) Mixed economy (government owns important industries) Command economy (government owns all means of production)

Economic Systems Denmark and Sweden have mixed economies. The Good - Healthcare is paid for by government, early retirements are common, unemployment is low. The Bad - Denmark and Sweden rank number 1 and 2 in terms of how much taxes the people pay. Income tax in Denmark is around 42 - 63%.

Economic Systems After WWII ended in 1945, the Soviet Union controlled much of Eastern Europe and forced the countries to be communist and have a command economy. In 1990, these countries regained their independence. Eastern Europe is not as well developed as Western Europe, because it was communist. The factories are obsolete and heavy industry in these areas has caused serious pollution.

The European Union The European Union is an economic and political organization that was formed to stimulate trade and build up the economies of its member countries. Formed in the 1950’s, it adopted a common currency in 1999 – the euro.

The European Union

The Netherlands and Belgium Are called Low Countries, because of they are low in elevation. These countries are small and do not have a lot of land for farming. In these countries, the people have made polders in order to farm. Polders are areas of reclaimed land from the sea.

The Netherlands and Belgium After WWII, the Netherlands and Belgium established a political and economic union. These two countries were the fathers to the creation of the future European Union. Belgium has three official languages: French, German, and Dutch.

Ireland An island nation in western Europe. Known for its wide expanses of lush, green fields. Ireland is nicknamed the Emerald Isle. Ireland is a nation of storytellers. Many famous writers come from Ireland, including C.S. Lewis.

The country is known for its agriculturally based economy with potatoes being the main production. It is a republic in which the president is the head of the state. The capital city is Dublin and the majority of the population is Roman Catholic.

Agriculture in Developed Nations Crop yield means how much food can be grown per square mile or hectare. Crop yields are higher in Ireland and other developed nations because: They have chemical fertilizers They have tractors and machines They have genetically enhanced plants

Austria Located on the Alps Language: German More than 75% are Roman Catholic Capital: Vienna Famous artists from Austria: Mozart and Beethoven Member of the EU Economy is based on Industry, Forestry, Handicrafts, and Tourism (ski resorts)

Switzerland Became independent from the Austrian Rule in the 1600s. Today it is a confederation or union of states Made of 26 cantons or states Neutral nation (doesn’t take sides internationally) Not a member of the EU Four major languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh with English closely becoming the 5th 46% are Roman Catholic and 40% are Protestant

Very high standard of living Economy: banking, insurance, manufacturing, dairy products, and tourism. They are known for making cheese, chocolate, and watches.

France

France One of Europe’s largest and most influential countries. Most of the people of France speak French along with some cultural and regional dialect. 90% of the population is Roman Catholic. France has had a long and friendly relationship with the United States. Some are worried about how the American culture is spreading to France. They want to maintain a strong French culture.

Paris is the capital and primate city (one that ranks first and dominates a country in terms of population and economy) of France. About 11 million people live in Paris. Paris is France’s center for banking, business, communications, education, government, and transportation. The Eiffel Tower was once, for 41 years, the tallest structure in the world.

 Burj Khalifa in Dubai of the United Arab Emirates 2,722 ft 

Economy The economy is highly diversified and developed. France is the center for fashion, tourism, and culture. Farming is also a major part of the economy. France is second to the US in agricultural exports.

Spain Various Mediterranean peoples have controlled the region 1500s- Spain used its strong navy to build a worldwide empire Once included all of Central and South America and southwestern U.S. Civil War in 1936 occurred Francisco Franco ruled from 1939-1975 (dictator)

Spain has spread its language and religion around the world 400 million + speak Spanish Spain has a constitutional monarchy After Franco died the government gave the country’s 17 regions different levels of autonomy (self-government) Nearly all speak Spanish in Spain

The Plaza is a common feature of Spanish towns Capital: Madrid Famous for bullfighting Economy: Manufacture a variety of products, tourism, and agriculture (leading producer of olive oil and wine)

Portugal Culture is similar to that of Spain Language: Portuguese developed from Latin Government: Democratic Economy: member of the EU, world’s leading cork producer

Greece Made up of many peninsulas, islands, and rugged mountains Largest Greek island is Crete Highest peak is Mount Olympus Greece was the site of Europe’s earliest and most advanced civilizations These civilizations lived in a number of city-states = a self-governing city Made great contributions to the arts, government, philosophy, science, and sports

Over time, Greece fell under the control of outside invaders Persians, Romans, and Turks Became an independent country in 1829 98% of population is Greek Orthodox Christian Capital: Athens- 30% of population lives here Home of the Parthenon Member of the European Union