1. Germany and the Alpine Countries Switzerland Germany Austria Similarities

2. Germany Is roughly the size of Montana Their government is a Federal Republic Population of 82.6 million 231 people per square mile German is their official language The Danube and Rhine rivers are very important for transportation Capital is Berlin The Ruhr ranks as one of the worlds most productive industrial areas They must import 1/3 of their food Major exports include beer, wine, cheese, and cuckoo clocks made from the timber cut from the Black Forest Protestants and Catholics are equally represented here Famous Germans include but are not limited to: Priest Martin Luther, and composers Johan Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven

3. Switzerland The Swiss have enjoyed a democratic government for more than 700 years About twice the size of New Jersey Population 7.3 million 178 people per square mile Languages spoken here are German, French, and Italian Capital is Bern Because of its long stability and practice of neutrality during war time it has become a haven for foreign industry and business The Alps create a continental divide here and several very important rivers begin here such as the Rhine and the Rhone Because of the great rivers they produce a lot of hydroelectric power Exports include high quality goods such as electronic equipment, clocks, watches, chocolate, cheese, and various chemicals Banking and insurance are very important business here

4. Austria The Alps cover 3/4 of the country Slightly smaller than Maine Government is a Federal republic It is one of the most mountainous regions in the world Population 8.2 million 97 people per square mile They speak German Capital is Vienna Export various types of machinery Produce hydroelectric power with its rivers Has a large and valuable timber industry Millions of tourist visit here each year to relax, hike, and ski 80% of its people are Roman Catholic Home to some of the worlds greatest composers Mozart, Schubert, and Hayden

5. Similarities Democratic form of government Languages spoken (German) The dependence on their rivers and use hydroelectric power The things they import such as food products The things they export like cheeses, clocks, and machinery Beautiful landscape Famous past composers and musicians Timber industry