Western Europe
France, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands,
Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria,
Liechtenstein
Netherlands Liechtenstein
Belgium Germany
France Austria
Switzerland
Luxembourg
Baltic Sea
English Rhine
Channel River
Danube
Bay of Seine River
Biscay River
Alps
Black Sea
Pyrenees
Mt. Blanc
Mediterranean Sea
France
• Few people are
farmers, but
agriculture = vital
part of the economy
(#1 = USA,
#2 = France in farm exports)
• World leader in the
variety of
wines produced &
exported
• Famous for perfumes,
jewelry, glassware, furniture,
fashion design
• Tourism is a large part of the
economy (French Alps,
Riviera, Paris)
• Paris – capital… founded
more than 2,000 years ago
• Paris is the transportation
center of France hub to all
major rail, canal, air and
highway systems
• Home to the modern subway
system The Metro
• France is also the
transportation hub of
Western Europe (Euro-rail)
Germany
• Europe’s largest economy
• Leads Europe in steel
production
• The German people are the
country’s most important
economic resource
– Among the world’s best paid
and best educated (world leader
in scientific, technological, &
organizational skills)
• World leader in electronics, chemicals, &
optical & surgical instruments
• World leader in the production & export of
automobiles
– Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Mercedes, BMW
(Bavarian Motor Works)
• World admired transportation network –
modern railroads, airports, & the autobahn
(freeway system, known for no speed limit)
• 5 REGIONS OF GERMANY
– Northwestern Germany
– The Ruhr (coal and industry)
– The Rhineland
– Southern Germany
– Eastern Germany
THE BERLIN
WALL 1961 –
1989
Berlin Wall News Clips
Belgium
• Two language regions
– North is Flemish (a language
related to Dutch)
– South is French (people called
Walloons)
• Brussels is the capital &
largest city
– One of Europe’s most
cosmopolitan cities (city that is
characterized by its many foreign
influences)
– Numerous organizations have their
headquarters in Brussels
• EU (European Union)
• NATO (North Atlantic Treaty
Organization)
• Known for quality
carpets, cut diamonds,
fine chocolate, &
waffles/ pastries.
• Depends on
international trade to
maintain its high
standard of living
The Netherlands
also called Holland, its people are called the Dutch
• Means “low lands” – nearly
½ of the country lies below
sea level
– Constructed system of canals
removes water
– The people pumped the area
dry by using windmills,
which became a symbol of the
country
• Highly industrialized
export market
– Home to one of the
world’s largest oil
refineries & the
headquarters for one of
the world’s largest oil
companies Shell
• Amsterdam is the
capital – famous for
canals and museums
• Rotterdam – world’s
busiest seaport
• Modern democratic
society
• Dutch is the national
language, but most all
citizens know English,
German and French as
well
• Europe’s most
expensive social
security system
• Gov’t benefits (for
education, unemployment
& medical care) are
among the highest in the
world
Luxembourg
• Bordered by France,
Germany & Belgium
• Has a per capita GDP (gross
domestic product) that is
among the world’s highest
– Measures nation income and
output for a country
Switzerland
• A confederation of 26 cantons (states) A
confederation is a group of states joined
together for a common purpose
• One of the world’s most stable countries
• Mostly covered by mountains the Swiss Alps
• Economy depends largely on foreign trade
• Famous for chocolate, cheese, and watches
• International banking brings in the most foreign
funds
– The country’s peaceful history has made it a stable world
finance center
– Neutral country – has not joined the UN, EU, or NATO
Austria
• German speaking &
Roman Catholic
• Capital is Vienna –
heart of commerce and
culture
• Nation’s most valuable
natural resource is its
scenic beauty, which
supports a vital tourist
industry
• Backdrop for the movie
“The Sound of Music”
Liechtenstein
• Microstate (An
independent country
that is very small in area
and population)
• Known for a giant
wooden cross in
Naafkopf Peak (where
visitors can sit in three
different countries at
once-- Liechtenstein,
Austria, &
Switzerland)
Monaco
• Microstate
• People are drawn from around the world to
Monaco’s beautiful Mediterranean
beaches, ports, casinos, and cultural
attractions
• The Grand Prix de
Monaco – auto race
through the streets
of Monaco held
every June