1. Europe
Economy and Economic Union

2. 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).

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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 %.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. The European Union

10. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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

16. 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)

17. 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

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

19. France

20. 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.

21. 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.

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

24. 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.

25. 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
(dictator)

26. 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

27. 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)

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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