Chapter 12 Section 1 The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom Made up of 4 regions 1) England 2) Scotland 3) Wales 4) Northern Ireland

A) The Land A little bit smaller than Oregon Very close to the mainland of Europe and also the North Sea. Its location makes it one of the world’s major trading nations.

1) The Landscape Eastern side of country has lowlands (rolling plains, fertile fields) Western side of country has highland areas, which most of them are moors (vocab word). Moors are treeless landscapes often swept by strong winds.

A picture of a moor. A picture of What the moors Look like.

2) The Climate Has a mild climate. (Why?) Because of the North Atlantic Current which is an extension of the Gulf Stream. The North Atlantic Current warms it in the winter, and cools it in the summer. There is lots of rain and fog in this area. Very damp weather.

B) The Economy United Kingdom sparked the Industrial Revolution in the 1800’s. United Kingdom was the world’s leading economic power during 1800’s. Major industrial and trading country.

Blurry Picture of an Industry

1) Resources & Manufacturing Leading natural resource is Oil. (Also have coal and natural gas) UK is the leading oil producer in Europe. New higher technology industries (Computers & Electronic equipment) are replacing older industries (ships, cars)

Digging for Oil

2) Farming > They import 1/3 of their food supply.  Why? Because there is not enough farmland for its large population.  Main crops are wheat, barley, potatoes, fruits and vegetables.  Farmers raise cattle and sheep.  Great dairy industry.

Economy facts: GDP: 2.28 Trillion (Ranked #9 in world) Exports: 479 Billion (Ranked #11 in world) Major exporting partners are Germany, U.S., Netherlands, France, and Switzerland. Imports: 639 Billion (Ranked #7 in world) Major importing partners are Germany, China, U.S., Netherlands, France

C) The People 63 million people. (#22 in world) The capital city is London. London is the most populated city in Europe. They speak English. Main religion is Protestant. 90% of people live in cities or towns.

1) From Past to Present In 1707 England, Wales, Scotland formed United Kingdom. In the mid 1800’s it became the world’s largest overseas empire. Famous writers ( William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Emily Bronte)

D) Government They have a parliamentary democracy. This is when voters elect the government’s leader which is the prime minister. Also have a constitutional monarchy which means a king or queen represents the country at public events. Executive branch: Queen Elizabeth II (since Feb ) Heir apparent is

Gov’t continued Prime Minister- David Cameron (since May 11, 2010)

Ch. 12 Sec. 1 (Part 2) Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland 4.7 million people (#119) Main religion is Roman Catholic 90% Capital city is Dublin (largest city as well) Ireland’s nickname is the Emerald Isle because of its green color.

A) The landscape Center of the country has rolling plains with low hills. Forests and farmland cover this central lowland. Very rich in peat (vocab word) decaying plants that can be used for fuel. Along the coast you have rocky highlands.

B) The Climate Ireland is very close to the sea. Warmed by moist winds from the North Atlantic Current. Lots of rain and mist in Ireland The landscape is always green because of so much rain.

C) The Economy Mild and rainy climate favors farming Farming and industry are big for their economy. Manufacturing of machinery and transportation equipment exported to United Kingdom and European mainland. Port cities (Dublin, Cork) GDP: 187 billion (#57 in world)

D) The People The Celts settled in Ireland during 300 B.C. The official language is Gaelic and English. Most people speak English 57% of people live in cities

1) Influences of the Past  British governed Ireland for 800 years.  Religion and gov’t controls mixed to cause disagreement.  Irish people resisted British rule & demands that the Roman Catholic country become Protestant.  British officials seized the land and gave it to English & Scottish Protestants.

 In 1921 the southern part of Ireland won independence from the United Kingdom and became the republic of Ireland.  Northern Ireland stayed with the United Kingdom.  Disagreement over Northern Ireland has turned into violence. (1960’s-1990’s)  Violence has slowed down but people are still not happy about the situation.

E) Government Republic and Parliamentary Democracy President- Michael Higgins (since October 29, 2011) President can serve “2” seven year terms! Prime Minister- Enda Kenny

Chapter 11 Section 1 France

A) The Land One of the oldest civilizations in the world. A little smaller than Texas Mediterranean Sea on the SE coast Atlantic Ocean & English Channel is on the W and NW coast. The chunnel connects France with Great Britian.

1) Mountains There are two mountain ranges 1) Pyrennes- Separates France from Spain. 2) Alps-Divides France from Italy and Switzerland.

2) Plains and Rivers Northern part of France is in North European Plain. Important rivers connect major manufacturing areas within France. 3 major rivers in France. 1) Seine River-Flows through the capital city of Paris 2) Rhone River- Lies in the SE 3) Rhine River-Europe’s most important inland waterway.

3) Climate 3 types of climate in France 1) Marine West Coast 2) Highland 3) Meditteranean

B) The Economy Relies on Agriculture, Industry, Commerce. Largest food producer in western E. One of the most important crops is grapes. One of the world’s leading manufacturing countries. Chief Industrial center is (Paris) Natural Resources (Coal, Iron ore, Bauxite) Industrial Goods (Airplanes,Cars,Computers,Chemicals,Clothing,Furniture)

C) The People National Motto is Liberty, Equality, Fraternity. Trace ancestry to the Celts and Romans of Early Europe. Speak French 75% are Roman Catholic

1) Influences of the Past Kings ruled France for 800 years. Now their government is a republic. There was a general named Napoleon Bonaparte. (Very famous)

2) City Life 58.8 Million people 74% live in cities and large towns. 3 big cities are Paris, Bordeaux, and Marseille. Excellent railroads are in place. The average 132 miles per hour. Paris has a 99% literacy rate.