(Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) UNIT 4 CHAPTER 14 SECTION 3 (pg 315-317) The Benelux Countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) The two flags are quite identical. According to "holy texts," the Netherlands' flag has a 2:3 ratio while the classical ratio of Luxembourg's is 3:5. Moreover, the nuance of blue is defined as "cobalt blue" for both the flags, even if in Luxembourg's flag it is often lighter than in that of the Netherlands'.
The Benelux Countries HISTORY & CULTURE What historical ties do the Benelux countries share? Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg used to all be part of Netherlands. They were all fought over due to their location between France, Germany & the United Kingdom. After WWII, they established a political and economic union which eventually led to the creation of the European Union. What is the European Union?
The Benelux Countries HISTORY & CULTURE What historical ties do the Benelux countries share? Land Reclamation “Netherlands”=“low lands” because much of the country is below sea level leading to marshes and wetlands. People there work to reclaim the land from the sea. They build polders. What are polders? Dutch Concerns: floods, rising sea levels Language Dutch spoken in Northern Belgium (dialect called Flemish) Dutch spoken in Netherlands Belgians also speak French Luxembourg has 3 official languages: German, French, Luxembourg (Luxembourgian is related to German & Dutch)
The Benelux Countries URBAN & ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTS What are the cities and economies of the Benelux countries like? Belgian Cities Brussels-headquarters for EU & NATO; considered cosmopolitan-influenced by many Belgian Economy-industry, agriculture, & services for international business, diamond cutting, quality carpets, chocolate Dutch Economy-agriculture, especially dairy and flowers, natural gas on coast Dutch Cities Amsterdam & Rotterdam & The Hague Luxembourg Forested and hilly, constitutional monarchy, from steel producing to international banking
(Denmark, Norway, Sweden) (Finland & Iceland) UNIT 4 CHAPTER 14 Iceland Finland SECTION 4 (pg 318-321) Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) (Finland & Iceland) Among Scandinavian flags, all flags show the Scandinavian Cross (also called Nordic Cross or Crusader's Cross). The vertical bar of the Scandinavian Cross isn't centered on the flag, but is moved toward the flag's left side (hoist).
Scandinavia HISTORY & CULTURE How are the cultures of Scandinavia the same and different from each other? Used to be known for vikings, now known for high standards of living Most are Protestant Lutheran religion Many languages are similar except for Flemish (Danish Swedish and Norwegian understand each other) Democratic governments
Scandinavia HISTORY & CULTURE In what areas do most people in Scandinavia live? Most live in southern parts of their countries Most people live in urban cities (85% in Sweden) Greenland-territory of Denmark Icy interior region is uninhabitable, people live on rocky coast Iceland People live on coastal plains due to ice covered lava rock interior Volcanic activity generates geysers
Scandinavia ECONOMY What does the economy of this region rely on? Denmark is one of the most prosperous countries in the EU due to high tech industries Finland-used to export natural resources, now it manufactures high tech goods, also dairy and meat packing Sweden-paper & wood due to forests Iceland – fishing Norway –fishing, offshore oil & gas (export surplus of electricity)
Scandinavia ECONOMY What does the economy of this region rely on? End of the 1900’s Sweden’s economy=capitalism + socialism Socialism=government owns and controls means of producing goods High taxes pay for social welfare, environmental protection, sports & the arts Benefits-national health insurance, help parents raise kids