The Benelux Countries Chapter 14 – Section 3

Map Activity  Turn to page S34…(Europe map in the front of the book)  Please find Benelux on the map.

No Benelux?  Benelux is NOT a country or place, but an acronym form the countries of BElgium, the NEtherlands, and LUXemburg. BE NE LUX BE NE LUX  Can you locate these countries?

History and Culture  Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxemburg make up the Benelux countries.  For many years, Belgium and Luxemburg were part of the Netherlands.  Because of their position between 3 powerful countries (France, Germany, United Kingdom) all three of the Benelux countries have been fought over by foreign powers.

Flags

Starting of a Union  After World War II, the Benelux countries established apolitical and economic union.  Their early economic association planted the seed that eventually led to the creation of the European Union. European Union – Organization of European countries featuring close cooperation on trade, economic, political, and social issues. European Union – Organization of European countries featuring close cooperation on trade, economic, political, and social issues.

Video  Belgium and Netherlands Video Belgium and Netherlands Video Belgium and Netherlands Video

European Union (EU)  The EU was established on November 1, Origins date back to the 50’s. Origins date back to the 50’s.  Earlier organizations failed because they used force instead of cooperation.  After WWII, alliances were formed on mutual aid rather than military strength.  Trade barriers were eliminated among members of the same alliance.  Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Italy, and West Germany form such an organization in 1957 called the European Economic Community, or EEC.  Over time more organizations joined and became the EU.

EU Flag  EU Video EU Video EU Video

European Union (EU)  The EU has increased cooperation among members in the areas of trade, lawmaking, and social issues.  The EU also introduced a common currency, the EURO. Most but not all countries adopted the euro in Most but not all countries adopted the euro in  February 2002, the EU held a constitutional convention to address issues such as common defense and taxes and how an enlarged EU would work.  10 new members in Eastern Europe were admitted on May 1, 2004.

What role does the EU play in Europe today?

Promotes cooperation in the areas of trade, lawmaking, and social issues.

Land Reclamation  The name Netherlands means “low lands”. Large areas of the country are below sea level. Large areas of the country are below sea level. Early in the countries history much of the land in the Netherlands was coastal marshes and wetlands. Early in the countries history much of the land in the Netherlands was coastal marshes and wetlands.  People have worked to reclaim land form the sea. Today farms, towns, and industrial centers are located on polders below sea level. Today farms, towns, and industrial centers are located on polders below sea level. Drainage Video Drainage Video Drainage Video Drainage Video

Windmill on Dike

Polders and Dikes  Even though this has been successful, the Dutch worry about floods during sever North Sea storms. Dutch – people of the Netherlands.  Rising global sea levels might also become a problem.

Language  Dutch is spoken in the Netherlands and northern Belgium. The dialect in northern Belgium is also called Flemish. The dialect in northern Belgium is also called Flemish.  60% of Belgian's speak Dutch. Many Belgian’s speak French. Many Belgian’s speak French. The country is divided into two cultural regions. The country is divided into two cultural regions. The northern coastal region is know as Flanders.The northern coastal region is know as Flanders. The French-speaking Belgians in the southern portion are know as Walloons.The French-speaking Belgians in the southern portion are know as Walloons. This region is known as Wallonia. This region is known as Wallonia. Instead of Belgians, the people recognize themselves as either Flemish or Walloon.Instead of Belgians, the people recognize themselves as either Flemish or Walloon.

Language  Luxembourg has three official languages. German German French French Luxembourgian Luxembourgian This language is related to German and Dutch.This language is related to German and Dutch.

Belgium’s Cities  Brussels is the capital of Belgium. Headquarters for the EU is located here. Headquarters for the EU is located here. The city’s central location in Europe and good transportation connections make it an ideal place.The city’s central location in Europe and good transportation connections make it an ideal place. It is also the headquarters for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). It is also the headquarters for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). One of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities. One of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities. Cosmopolitan – Having many foreign influences.Cosmopolitan – Having many foreign influences.  Port of Antwerp is Belgium’s second most important city.

Belgium's Economy  Based on industry, agriculture, and services for international business.  The country is also know for diamond cutting, quality carpets, and chocolate.

Netherland’s Economy  The Dutch economy is known for agriculture, particularly dairy products, and flowers. Dutch cheese and tulips are world famous. Dutch cheese and tulips are world famous.  The Dutch economy is very diverse and exports are important. One of the best performers in the EU. One of the best performers in the EU.  Natural gas deposits off the coast but still very dependent on oil import.

Cheese

Netherland’s Economy  Randstad, or “Ring City” is the most urbanized and industrialized area. Here you will find the largest cities. Here you will find the largest cities. Amsterdam – The Capital of the NetherlandsAmsterdam – The Capital of the Netherlands Rotterdam – One of the world’s busiest sea portsRotterdam – One of the world’s busiest sea ports  The Dutch parliament and International Court of Justice are located in The Hauge.  Dutch population is well educated, productive, and supported by expensive government social programs.

Amsterdam

Luxembourg’s Economy  Forested and hilly country between Belgium, France, and Germany.  Smallest member of the EU.  Highest per capita GDP in the world, $36,400. GDP - gross domestic product is the amount of goods and services produced in a year, in a country. GDP - gross domestic product is the amount of goods and services produced in a year, in a country.  Long steel producer with international banking most important.  Has a constitutional monarchy.