The Geography and People of
Europe
Essential Question: What are the physical and human
characteristics Europe?
2nd smallest continent by land size 3rd largest population
(731 million, 11% of global total) Approx. 50 countries
Russia is largest population and land
Europe Basics
Western part of the “Eurasian” landmass and the British Isles/
Ireland/ Iceland
Important bodies of water: Atlantic ocean, Mediterranean sea, many rivers
Access to multiple bodies of water (oceans, seas, rivers) Transportation Expansion
Relatively flat, fertile soil, moderate climate allows for farming and population growth.
Limited natural resources= need for expansion
Physical Geography of Europe
Major countries:
UK (Great Britain), Germany, France, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Greece, Spain.
Major cities include: London, Berlin, Paris, Rome, Moscow, Stockholm, Athens,
Madrid.
European Union (economic and political union) 27 European member nations/ 500 million people Free movement of people, goods, service, and capital Common currency called the Euro
Political Geography of Europe
Western Europe
Germany, France, Switz, Netherlands, BeNeLux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)
Eastern Europe Russia, Poland, Czech Repub., Ukraine
Northern Europe UK, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland
Southern Europe Spain, Portugal, Italy, Balkans, Greece
Major Regions of Europe
Northern
Eastern
Western
Southern
Race refers to biological characterizes of a group of
people, such as skin color. Most Europeans are Caucasian or “white.”
Ethnicity refers to the cultural background of a group of people. European ethnicities include: Italians, Germans, Brits,
Irish, Poles, Swedes, French, Swiss, Russians, etc.
Just like the United States, however, there are immigrants from other places including Africa, Turkey, India, and the Middle East.
Who is a European?
Traditionally, Europe is heavily Christian.
35% Catholic (France, Poland, Italy, Spain) 27% Eastern Orthodox (Russia, Greece) 14% Protestant (Sweden, Germany, England)
A growing number of Europeans identify as “secular” or non-religious. 18% non-religious
Islam is also growing in Europe, has led to some conflict (France, GB) 5% Islam, largely due to immigrants
Religion in Europe
Most Europeans speak a language that shares the name
with their country. French in France English in England (Ireland and Scotland too) Italian in Italy German in Germany
Exception: Switzerland: French, Italian, German, Romansch
Most Europeans speak at least 2 languages: native language + English, many speak 3-4!
Language in Europe
A supranational organization consisting 27
“member states.” Supranational- a union of multiple nations.
Economic and political cooperation
“Ensure the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital.”
Common currency “the Euro” (17 members)
The European Union
European Union Flag
Many European countries have very distinct
and well-known cultures that are well known in America.
European cooking/ foods European clothing/ fashion European cars European travel
European Culture
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