2. Journey to European Countries Virtual Field Trip

3. Europe

4. Physical Characteristics The Volga River is the longest river in Europe. NEXT

5. The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow body of water that connects the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the world's most important sea lanes. NEXT

6. The English Channel is a body of water between England and France that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. NEXT

7. Economic Characteristics Chernozem is a very black topsoil, rich in humus, typical of cool to temperate semiarid regions, such as the grasslands of European Russia. Europe is known for its advanced farming techniques, high crop yields, fertile soils, black earth, and well-developed infrastructure. NEXT

8. The "Chunnel" links the United Kingdom and France. It opened in 1994. The Channel Tunnel lies beneath the English Channel. It consists of three parallel tubes, two of which carry trains between the United Kingdom and France. The third tube is a service tunnel. This tube supplies fresh air and maintenance access to the rail tubes, and could be used for emergency evacuation. NEXT

9. The differences in Western and Eastern European industrial development is due to differing economic systems in prior years. Trade is important, especially to island nations; interdependence NEXT

10. European Union (EU) is an organization of 27 European countries that promotes cooperation among its members. The members cooperate in many areas, including politics and economics. The union's members are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. NEXT

11. Cultural Characteristics Europe has many ethnic groups--- languages, religions, customs Sporadic conflict among groups (wars and revolutions) Spread of European culture to many other parts of the world (exploration, colonization, imperialism) NEXT

12. Europe is highly urbanized Europe is one of the world’s most densely populated areas Windmills and castles are among the sights NEXT

13. Western Europe United Kingdom (Great Britain) Physical Characteristics Economic Characteristics Cultural Characteristics Click to hear the national anthem

14. Thames River is the most famous and most important river in England. The Thames is also one of the longest rivers in England.Thames River NEXT

15. Grampian Mountains, also Grampian Hills, mountain system, central Scotland, forming the natural division between the Lowlands and Highlands.Grampian Mountains HOME

16. The Industrial Revolution began in Britain (a country now known as the United Kingdom) during the late 1700's. Great Britain is a major industrial and trade country.Industrial Revolution HOME

17. London is the center of culture and trade. It is home to the 2 nd most people of all European countries.London NEXT

18. Westminster Abbey is a major landmark in London, and the site of coronation for the English monarchy.Westminster Abbey NEXT

19. Big Ben is the name given to the bell, clock, and clock tower of the Houses of Parliament in the Palace of Westminster in London.Big Ben NEXT

20. Capital City London Language English Religion Christian TO FRANCE

21. Western Europe France Physical Characteristics Economic Characteristics Cultural Characteristics Click to hear the national anthem

22. The Seine River and its branches form the chief commercial waterway of France. The Seine River flows around the Ile de la Cite (Island of the City).Seine River NEXT

23. The Rhine River is an important inland waterway in Europe. It is about 820 miles (1,320 kilometers) long and drains an area of about 86,700 square miles (224,600 square kilometers).Rhine River NEXT

24. The Rhone River is an important commercial waterway of France. It is famous for the beauty of its valley.Rhone River NEXT

25. Alps are the largest mountain system in Europe. The snow-capped peaks and sheltered, peaceful valleys of the Alps are among Europe's most spectacular sights.Alps NEXT

26. Pyrenees is a mountain chain that forms a natural barrier between France and Spain.Pyrenees NEXT

27. Massif Central, great mountainous plateau, S central France, covering almost a sixth of the surface of the country.Massif Central HOME

28. The Rhine River and the Seine River have both been threatened by air and water pollution.The Rhine River and the Seine River NEXT

29. Capital City Paris Language French Religion Catholic NEXT

30. Paris is the center of culture and trade. It is home to the 3 rd most people of all European countries. NEXT

31. The Cathedral of Notre Dame, is a famous cathedral in Paris. It stands on the Ile de la Cite, a small island in the Seine River, in the center of Paris.Cathedral of Notre Dame NEXT

32. The Arc de Triomphe, in Paris is the largest triumphal arch in the world. It is known as the Arch of Triumph in English.Arc de Triomphe NEXT

33. The Louvre is one of the largest and most famous art museums in the world. The Louvre covers more than 40 acres (16 hectares) on the north bank of the Seine River in Paris.Louvre TO GERMANY

34. Western Europe Germany Physical Characteristics Economic Characteristics Cultural Characteristics Click to hear the national anthem

35. The Danube River is the second longest river in Europe. The Danube flows 1,770 miles from southern Germany to eastern Europe.Danube River NEXT

36. The Black Forest is a mountain district in southwestern Germany, covered with forests of dark fir and spruce trees.Black Forest NEXT

37. The North European Plain extends across the northern reaches of the country; this flat, lowland terrain is dissected by numerous bogs, rivers and streams, and is mostly used as farmland.North European Plain NEXT

38. The Black Forest and the Danube River are both threatened by air and water pollution. NEXT

39. Ruhr valley is famous for its industrial history, originally based on coal mining and steel production and now benefiting from its industrial mix of energy production, environmental technologies and modern service industries.Ruhr valley NEXT

40. Capital City Berlin Language German Religion Protestant (34%) Catholic (34%) Muslim (4%) unaffiliated/others (28%) NEXT

41. Berlin is the center of culture and trade. Berlin is home to the most people of all European countries. Berlin is Germany's capital and largest city. It has a population of about 3 1/2 million and is one of Europe's great cultural, political, and economic centers. TO SWITZERLAND

42. Western Europe Switzerland Physical Characteristics Economic Characteristics Cultural Characteristics Click to hear the national anthem

43. The Rhine River is an important inland waterway in Europe. The river rises in eastern Switzerland. It forms part of the borders of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, France, and Germany.Rhine River NEXT

44. The Alps are the largest mountain system in Europe. The snow-capped peaks and sheltered, peaceful valleys of the Alps are among Europe's most spectacular sights.Alps NEXT

45. The Rhine River is threatened by air and water pollution. Switzerland has a well-educated workforce Industrial and technological societies Banking NEXT

46. Capital City Bern Language German, French, Italian, Romansch Religion Catholic, Protestant Switzerland is home to many different ethnic groups and religions. Four (4) national languages are spoken in Switzerland. TO Luxembourg

47. Western Europe Luxembourg Physical Characteristics Economic Characteristics Cultural Characteristics Click to hear the national anthem

48. LuxembourgLuxembourg is smaller than the state of Rhode Island. (Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US) NEXT

49. Luxembourg is very prosperous. Many businesses have headquarters there. Luxembourg is home to the 2 nd largest steel producing company in Europe. NEXT

50. Capital City Luxembourg Language Letzeburgish, German, French Religion Catholic NEXT

51. Next Stop… Southern Europe