Europe: Physical Characteristics & Important Cities Francisci WG.4

Fast Facts Made up of 50 countries Smaller than every other continent except for Australia Second most densely populated continent (Asia is #1) Longer coastline than any other continent

The Landmass Europe is part of a huge landmass called Eurasia because it sits on the continents of Europe and Asia. Described as an enormous peninsula stretching from the Ural Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean Peninsula: a piece of land almost surrounded by water or projecting out into a body of water. Fjords: long, narrow steep-sided inlets in Norway carved out by glaciers during the last Ice Age. Steep mountain slopes and cliffs are usually border a fjord. Found along the coastline of Norway

Climates of Europe Subarctic & Tundra Climate: the Scandinavian peninsula has subarctic and tundra climates (Norway, Sweden and Finland). The vegetation ranges from taiga (frozen forest) in the subarctic regions to very little vegetation in the tundra regions.

Climates of Europe Marine West Coast Climate: The Gulf Stream and its northern extension, the North Atlantic Drift, bring warm Atlantic Ocean waters to the west coast of Europe. This climate dominates the British Isles, northwest Spain, western France, Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Climates of Europe Mediterranean Climate: the area bordering the Mediterranean Sea experiences hot, dry summers. The vegetation consists of shrubs and small trees such as olive and date trees.

Climates of Europe Humid Continental Climate: the interior European countries experience cold winters and hot summers. Experiences all 4 seasons The type of vegetation found here consists of mixed forests.

Important Cities Berlin: capital of Germany (united now) At one time Berlin was split into the democratic West Berlin and the communist East Berlin.

London: capital of the United Kingdom (Great Britain, Ireland & Scotland) Located on Thames River where it narrows Westminster Abbey: Church of the monarchy Big Ben: 1859

Important Cities Paris: capital of France located on Seine River Louvre: One of the world’s largest museums Eiffel Tower: Iron Tower (1889)

Madrid: capital of Spain

Important Cities Rome: capital of Italy Center of Roman Empire Built on a hilltop Contains the Colosseum: largest, oval amphitheater ever built (80 A.D.)

Pisa, Italy Site of the Leaning Tower of Pisa: freestanding bell tower (1360)

Important Cities Athens: capital of Greece Site of ancient Greek civilization Contains Parthenon: former temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena (447 B.C.)

Warsaw: capital of Poland Architecture reflects the city's turbulent history, from Gothic churches and palaces to Soviet-era blocks and modern skyscrapers

Important Cities Gibraltar: British colony located at the Strait of Gibraltar Important trade location to the Mediterranean Sea Vatican City: independent country located within Rome Site famous for St. Peter’s Basilica and headquarters for the Roman Catholic Church