Understanding Northern Europe

What countries are considered part of Northern Europe? United Kingdom –(England) –(Scotland) –(Wales) –(Northern Ireland) Ireland Denmark Norway Sweden Finland Iceland

Nordic Countries

A group of seafaring warriors from Sweden, Norway and Denmark terrorized Europe beginning around 795. Denmark, Sweden and Norway each became a kingdom in the 900’s but no Nordic country ever became a major empire.

Iceland’s nickname Land of Fire and Ice –Volcanoes and ice found in Iceland

Nordic Government Most Nordic countries have a constitutional monarchy government Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have constitutional monarchy Iceland has constitutional republic Finland has a republic

Nordic Countries What do Nordic countries have in common with Switzerland? –Winter sports –Neutrality

Land of the Midnight Sun During the summer, the sun shines for 24 hours a day in the Northern Regions

Fjords From Glaciers Found in Nordic countries A narrow inlet of the sea

British Isles

Ireland Northern Ireland Wales Scotland England

Great Britain Great Britain built an empire that strongly affected the rest of the world. They first set out to control their neighbors – Wales, Ireland and Scotland. In 1801, the nation became known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

England Great Britain (Britain) United Kingdom British Isles England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland Ireland

Britain drew on its geographic advantages to grow in strength. Being an island helped protect Britain and helped them to develop a strong navy. Drawing on its economic and naval strength, Great Britain built a global empire. A popular saying declared, “The sun never sets on the British Empire.” As a result, the English language and British culture spread worldwide.

Queen Elizabeth II Queen since 1952

In line for the throne… 1 st – Prince Charles 2 nd – Prince William

Buckingham Palace has been the home to the royal family of England since It also serves as the administrative headquarters for the monarchy. The people that work here ensure that the queen’s day to day activities run smoothly. Also in attendance at Buckingham Palace are the many tourists, and guests that are invited for ceremonies, etc. During the summer, the Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs every day at 11:30am. The palace is over 300 years old.

Buckingham Palace

Palace of Westminster Big Ben

London

River Thames

The Tower Bridge

London street

London’s Famous Double-decker Busses

Stonehenge years old

How can you connect the United Kingdom to mainland Europe? A CHUNNEL

Costs One Billion Pounds Seven Years 15,000 Workers Opened in 1994

The Eurostar travels 100 mph in the Chunnel

The Eurotunnel Shuttle is a rail fairy service

The two most popular sports in the British Isles… RugbySoccer

Soccer (a.k.a. Football) is the source of much entertainment and athleticism in Europe. The popularity of soccer in Europe can easily be compared to football in the United States. Some games can draw up to 93 million viewers…topping even the most prestigious football game in the States, the Super Bowl. Soccer players are viewed as celebrities in Europe.

United Kingdom Notes Great Britain established a global empire based partly on their naval strength “The sun never sets on the British Empire” Government: Constitutional Monarchy –Queen is symbolic leader –Prime Minister and Parliament (like Congress) have real power

UK Notes, Continued London (capital) is located on the River Thames English Channel Tunnel (Chunnel) connects England to France