The Alpine Countries

Map

Commonalities The Alps form most of the landscape Together they cover about the state of Alabama Between them is Liechtenstein Only about 60 square miles

Switzerland Alps create natural barrier from Northern & Southern Europe Guards the few routes through Alps Neutrality – refusing to take sides in disagreements and wars between countries

Land Watershed – high place from which rivers flow in different directions Rhine & Rhone begin in Alps Dams & Hydroelectricity

Land Jura Mountains – northwest Switzerland Between Jura and Alps lies Mittelland Plateau Most industry & farm land here Climate Temperatures differ with elevation

Economy Few natural resources, no coastline Thriving industry Import goods, export products: Machine tools, electrical equipment, computers, watches Produce chemicals, chocolate, cheese and other dairy products

The People Multicultural Languages: German, French, Italian All taught in schools Religion: ½ Protestant, ½ Catholic Stable democracy for over 700 years

Austria Slightly larger than state of Maryland Was ranked as on of the largest and most powerful nations in Europe Once ruled by monarchy Austrian Empire lasted from 1280 to 1918

Land Mountains cover ¾ Danube flows through Mines mineral resources Iron ore, copper, lead, coal, graphite

Economy Many resources Factories Farmers: Machinery, chemical products, clothing, furniture, glass, paper goods Farmers: Dairy cattle and other livestock, potatoes, sugar beets, rye

The People Population: 8.5 million Language: German Religion: Roman Catholic Capital: Vienna

Closure what is a watershed? What major landform makes up most of these 2 nations? What is Austria’s largest export?