Location, Climate, and Natural Resources of the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, and Italy GPS Standard: The student will explain the impact of location, climate, natural resources, and population distribution on Europe.

Location of the United Kingdom An island nation with many ports and harbors. Location has helped the U.K become an international banking and insurance center Location on Atlantic Ocean helps its trade with U.S. London (capital) has the busiest airport in the world. Population – 61 million

The Channel Tunnel The Channel Tunnel is a large tunnel (under the water) which runs between Britain and France, under the Strait of Dover in the English Channel. Great impact on England’s economy The channel is about 31 miles long. The tunnel is about 131 feet below the sea bed.

Climate of the U.K Mild climate with rainfall throughout the year. The gulf stream moves warm water from the Gulf of Mexico up north across the Atlantic to the west coast of the U.K. The Gulf stream makes winters in the U.K much milder. The climate and the land is good for farming. (however < 2% are farmers) Over half of the land is used for farms.

Think Pair Share Why do think most people in the U.K live in urban areas rather than rural?

Natural Resources of the U.K Coal, petroleum, natural gas, and iron ore. Fishing is profitable (cod,crabs, and mackerel) Most people live in urban areas to find jobs 80% of people work in service industries.

Location of Russia In two continents, Europe and Asia European Russia and Asian Russia are separated by the Ural Mountains Russia is unfavorably located in relation to major sea lanes of the world which hurts trade Population – 142 million

Siberian Tigers – only about 500 in the wild. Climate of Russia Really only two seasons winter and summer. Average yearly temp is below freezing. Many areas have soil that is permanently frozen (called permafrost) About 73% of population lives in Europe Russia (weather not quite as bad) Asian Russia climate is extremely cold. Temps can be -40 F. Summers are mild Its ports cities are locked by ice most of the year. Siberian Tigers – only about 500 in the wild.

Natural Resources of Russia Gold, aluminum ore, coal, and iron are found in the Ural Mountains (lots of factories located here) Oil in Siberia Over half of the major cities are located on the Volga River. Russia has formidable obstacles of climate, terrain, and distance which hinder exploitation of natural resources. Gold Volga River

Summary Writing Answer the question below in paragraph form. How does the location, climate, and natural resources of Russia and the U.K affect their economies?

Location of Germany Germany’s location in center of Europe makes it a crossroad of travel and trade (excellent highway system) Densely populated, most live in urban areas Many cities lie along the Rhine River, which is important for trade. The Alps mountains make transportation more difficult in the South, though they have built tunnels to improve trade. Population – 82 million

Climate of Germany Marine climate Gulf stream warms the region The seas also cool the land in the summer. The ocean also brings moisture to the land to produce good crops European Plains

Natural Resources of Germany Coal, iron ore and potash from mining Uranium used for nuclear fuel 1/3 of the land is arable. Coal helped to build large industrial areas mainly along the Rhine River

Location of Italy Northern border is in the Alps Mountains 70% of population lives in urban areas, mostly in North Italy Italy’s location on Mediterranean sea allows effective trade with Africa, Asia, and other countries in Europe. Population –60 million

Climate of Italy Mostly a Mediterranean climate Apennines Mtns Mostly a Mediterranean climate Mediterranean sea keeps temperatures comfortable most of the year. Dry summers Alps mountains block cold air from the north The Sahara desert sends warm air from North Africa Alps and Apennines mountains have snowy winters because of elevation Mediterranean Sea Alps

Natural Resources of Italy Vineyard in Italy Natural gas most valuable natural resource Marble and granite used for construction and artwork Grapes and olives are important crops Fishing industry, (sardines and anchovies) important for the economy Anchovy Sardines