SS6G10.b Location, Climate, and Natural Resources Germany and Italy

Key Question How do location, climate, and natural resources affect where people live in Germany?

Vocabulary Urban- city; heavily populated areas Rural- country side ; less populated areas Densely populated- many people in an area Marine climate- warm, humid Arable- land good for farming Landlocked- completely surrounded by land; does not border a body of water

Germany’s Location North-central Europe on European Plain Densely populated 85% of population live in urban areas Land-3 zones 1. Alps is in southern Germany 2. Hilly – mountainous (middle) 3. Plains (north) 4. Rhine River starts in the Alps

Where People Live in Germany Population: 82,000,000 Germany is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe 85% of population live in urban areas Berlin is the largest city and capital

Rhine River Rhine River- many Germany cities lie along the Rhine trade 800 miles long used for transportation of goods and people

Germany- travel and trade excellent highway system ports (exports & imports) airports (14 major airports) Which would be easier for transportation of good, the Alps or the European Plain? Why?

Germany’s Climate Marine climate waters of the Gulf Stream warm the region in winter and cool it in the summer produces good crops In the west winters are mild and summers are cool, with rain fall all year In the east winters are very cold with long hot summers with very little rain

Germany’s Natural Resources Many Natural Resources Mining: iron, coal, potash Nuclear Fuel: Uranium Nickel, natural gas, copper Renewable Resources timber Arable Land- 1/3 (used for crops)

Italy

Italy’s Location Southern Europe Peninsula Northern border-Alps Shares a border with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia About ½ the people in Italy live in the most northern 1/3 of the country.

Landforms- Alps, Apennine Mountains Islands: Sicily, Sardinia (located in the Mediterranean Sea)

Italy Ships- Long history of trade because of its location on the Mediterranean Sea. It ships to and from Europe and Asia. There are more than 800 ports 7 major airports 8 major seaports Excellent highways, bridges, and tunnels

Italy’s Climate Mediterranean Climate- temp is comfortable most of the year Dry summers-Rain is rare in summer Sea helps it from getting too hot in summer and too cold in winter The Alps block cold air coming down from the north. The warm dry air form Sahara Desert in northern Africa sends flows into Italy for much of the year.

Italy’s Different Climate Zones Mountains- climate changes with the altitude (Alps have snowy winters) South is drier than the north Northern Italy gets enough rain for growing crops

Italy’s Natural Resources Few mineral resources Natural gas is the most valued- used to help supply the energy needs of the country Marble and granite (buildings and artwork) Coal, mercury, zinc, and potash

Italy’s Natural Resources Arable land small farms cover Italy grow grapes and olives top wine making country Sea fishing -anchovies and sardines (important to the economy) gather sponges and coral

Where People Live in Italy Population: 58,000,000 7 out of 10 Italians live in Urban areas About ½ of the people of Italy live in the northern 1/3 of the country

Questions What geographic feature makes it more difficult for Italian merchants to trade with countries north of Italy? What has helped Italian merchants become successful traders? Describe the Italian climate. What industry is MOST helped by Italy’s arable land and good amounts of rainfall? What type of climate is found in Germany? What types of resources are found in Germany? Name 2 natural resources found in Italy and 2 found in Germany. Which river starts in the Alps?