1.  Economic Unions  The European Union is the dominant economic union in Europe. The European Union has introduced a single currency called the euro in order to promote and facilitate trade.

2.  I.Northern and Western Europe A.Because of their shared history, Ireland and Great Britain share many cultural features. Social life is often centered around local eateries and pubs. Sports such as soccer, rugby, and cricket are popular. English is the main language of both countries. However, a small number of Irish & Scottish speak Gaelic. History & Culture

3.  B.Both Ireland and Britain are democracies. However, their governments are organized differently. Ireland is a republic, and the president is the head of state. Britain is a constitutional monarchy. That is, a king or queen is the head of the state, but a parliament led by a prime minister (similar to a president) serves as the lawmaking branch of government.

4.  C.The vast majority of people in Ireland are Roman Catholic. However, Protestants make up a majority of the population in Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom. Protestants are Christians that are not Catholic. Dublin is Ireland’s capital and its most populated city. London is the largest city and capital of the United Kingdom.

5.  D.Most people in France speak French and the primary religion is Catholicism. The Eiffel Tower is a landmark and symbol of Paris, France. It was built in 1889 to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the French Revolution. 984 feet

6.  II.Central Europe A.The country of Germany is divided in 16 states. Berlin is the capital of Germany with Bavaria being the largest German state. Novels, plays, and poetry written in German have enriched world literature. Many Germans do not attend religious services of any kind.

7.  C.In recent years concern over Germany’s environment has grown. Many people worry about the effects of air and water pollution and acid rain. “Green parties” are well established in German government. These parties have helped pass laws to protect the country’s natural environment. Flowers are grown as a cash crop near western German cities

8.  III.Southern Europe A.Spain’s villages and cities have many open spaces for people to meet. The plaza is a common feature in Spanish towns. A plaza is a square surrounded by public buildings, such as a church, a marketplace, and government offices. These squares serve as social gathering places, particularly on warm evenings and weekends.

9.  B.Much of Portugal’s history closely mirrors Spain’s. Portugal and Spain was once under the control of Rome. Like Spanish, the Portuguese language developed from Latin, the language of the Romans. Portuguese also contains many words from Arabic.

10.  C.Much of modern Italian culture was first developed during the Renaissance period between 1300 – 1500. Italian food may be the most famous part of this culture. Delicious sauces, pastas, and pastries were first created during the 1400s. More modern foods, such as pizza, have also become popular around the world. The main meal is in the middle of the day. Afterwards many people rest a while before returning to work.

11.  D.Central Italy is the country’s political and cultural center. There you will find Rome, Italy’s capital and largest city. Ruins of ancient Roman buildings still stand there. Among the most famous are the Colosseum and the Forum.