Ch. 10:2-3 Northern Europe

Ch. 10 - Human Geography of Northern Europe Physical Geography The ice that covered Northern Europe during the last ice age was so heavy it pressed the land down into the earth's mantle, creating fjords and lakes. The geological processes of folding and faulting caused the mountainous landscapes. Iceland is situated on a geological hotspot with abundant geothermal energy. Many rivers and waterfalls are harnessed to provide hydropower. These two natural resources provide Iceland with sustainable and inexpensive sources of energy.

Ch. 10 - Human Geography of Northern Europe Physical Geography The arctic tundra regions lie in the extreme northern parts of Scandinavia and Iceland. South of the tundra biome is the subarctic climate region with long, very cold winters and short, cold to mild summers. The Atlantic coast in Southern Sweden has a marine west coast climate that supports a vast coniferous forest. The rest of the Scandinavian Peninsula and Finland has a humid continental climate. Finland’s peat deposits cover nearly one-third of the country. Trees are Finland’s most important natural resource.

History and Government Ch. 10 - Human Geography of Northern Europe History and Government Northern Europe, also referred to as the Nordic countries, has been shaped by years of invasions, migrations, and trade. Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland have similar structures of societies and cultural traits. Industrialization brought an influx of new social classes, which changed the political culture. Following World War II, the Nordic countries developed democracies.

Ch. 10 - Human Geography of Northern Europe Population Patterns Migration and ethnicity have influenced where people have settled. The Sami are descendants of nomadic peoples who lived in Scandinavia for thousands of years. The Nordic countries have lower population densities than most other countries in Europe. Populations concentrate in areas near the sea and in metropolitan areas.

the Sami people

Society and Culture Today Ch. 10 - Human Geography of Northern Europe Society and Culture Today While Protestant religions dominate in every Nordic country, society is very secular. Northern Europe is filled with the world’s most educated population, with literacy rates at nearly 100 percent throughout the region. The governments function as welfare states, providing social services but levying large taxes. Women are achieving equal status in Nordic society, nearing the same status as men in the workplace.

Ch. 10 - Human Geography of Northern Europe Economic Activities All of the Nordic countries are small, open economies that rely on foreign trade. Nordic countries rapidly evolved from agrarian- based economies into modern, industrialized countries. Commercial fishing, mining, forestry, and energy are the main resources in the area. The Nordic model emphasizes labor force participation and promotes gender equality and fiscal expansion.

Ch. 10 - People and Their Environment: Northern Europe Managing Resources Natural factors and human activity are causing environmental problems. The Baltic Sea has a unique ecology because of its isolation from the open ocean. Increased shipping has brought a number of invasive species, non-native organisms that threaten local habitats. Industrialization has damaged many wetlands.

Ch. 10 - People and Their Environment: Northern Europe Human Impact Climate change, acid rain, and pollution are affecting Northern Europe. Scandinavian scientists were among the first to understand the environmental effects of acid rain. The high latitudes and steep mountain valleys make climate change more noticeable in Northern Europe.

Pollution in Denmark

The United Nations health agency reported that air pollution across Europe is costing “a staggering” $1.6 trillion a year in deaths and diseases, which amounts to nearly one tenth of the region’s gross domestic product.

Ch. 10 - People and Their Environment: Northern Europe Addressing the Issues Governments and civic groups are taking steps to address environmental problems. Environmental management focuses on sustainability and long-term planning. Conservation has been an important issue for the Nordic countries for over 100 years. The region supports ecotourism, a way to encourage tourism that limits damage to the unique lands of Northern Europe.