United Kingdom Impact of Location The United Kingdom (UK) is a country of islands off the coast of mainland Europe. An island country with many ports and harbors, the UK at one time, dominated world trade. Today there are 10 major ports along the coast. London’s Heathrow airport is the busiest in the world!

United Kingdom Impact of Climate The United Kingdom (UK) has a mild climate with rainfall throughout the year. Warm waters and winds from the Gulf of Mexico affect the climate of the UK. The Gulf Stream moves warm water along the coast of North America, and then it crosses the Atlantic Ocean to the UK. The climate and land are both good for farming. Most people live in urban areas where jobs are more available.

United Kingdom Impact of Natural Resources The United Kingdom (UK) has deposits of coal, petroleum, natural gas, and iron ore. In the UK, nearly 80% of the people work in service industries, which include tourism, health care, education, banking, and insurance. Nearly 25% of the country has arable land (land that is good for farming). Over 50% of the land in the UK is used for farming, which means that the UK can produce 60% of its own food.

Russia Impact of Location Russia spans 2 continents: eastern Europe and northern Asia. Russia shares borders with 15 other countries, which can make trade easier.

Russia Impact of Climate The average yearly temperature in Russia is below freezing, which means that much of the ground is permafrost (permanently frozen). About 73% of the Russian population lives in European Russia, where the weather is harsh, but not as harsh as Siberia and Asian Russia. The climate, distance from the sea, and rugged terrain keep many of Russia’s resources from being used.

Russia Impact of Natural Resources Russia is a leading producer and exporter of gold, minerals, metals, and machinery. The Volga River is the largest river in Europe. Over half of Russia’s major cities are located along it. The Volga provides hydroelectricity for industry and a waterway for shipping. Russia’s large size and cold climate make it difficult for Russians to use their resources.

Germany Impact of Location Germany is located in north-central Europe on the European Plain. Germany is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. About 85% of the people in Germany live in cities. The Rhine River lies mainly in Germany and is very important for trade. Many major Germany cities are along its banks, which gives those cities an excellent way to transport goods and people. Germany’s location in the center of Europe makes it a crossroads for travel and trade.

Germany Impact of Climate Most of Germany has a marine climate. The waters from the Gulf stream help to keep the water warm in winter. Precipitation provides enough moisture for the land to produce good crops.

Germany Impact of Natural Resources Iron ore, coal, and potash are major products from mining. Timber is a renewable resource. About 1/3 of the land is arable (used for crops). Natural resources such as coal helped to build large industrial areas. These areas became large cities in Germany. Many of these are along the Rhine River. The Rhine River region is very densely populated.

Italy Impact of Location Italy is a country in southern Europe. It is on a long, boot-shaped peninsula, which is surrounded on three sides by the Mediterranean Sea. Italy’s location on the Mediterranean Sea makes trading easy. Historically, Italy has been the center of trade between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Over 70% of the people in Italy live in cities. Mountains cover 70% of Italy.

Italy Impact of Climate Most of Italy has a Mediterranean climate, which means that the temperature is comfortable for most of the year. Northern Italy has enough rain for growing crops. Southern Italy is much drier.

Italy Impact of Natural Resources Italy has few natural resources. Natural gas is the most valuable resource found in Italy. Arable land is important in Italy. Small farms cover much of the country. The sea is an important resource. About 50,000 Italians are fishermen.