Western Europe France, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein

France Luxembourg Belgium Netherlands Austria Germany Switzerland Liechtenstein

Baltic Sea English Channel Alps Pyrenees Mt. Blanc Bay of Biscay Black Sea Mediterranean Sea Danube River Seine River Rhine River

France Few people are farmers, but agriculture = vital part of the economy (#1 = USA, #2 = France in farm exports) World leader in the variety of wines produced & exported

Famous for perfumes, jewelry, glassware, furniture, fashion design Tourism is a large part of the economy (French Alps, Riviera, Paris) Paris – capital… founded more than 2,000 years ago Paris is the transportation center of France  hub to all major rail, canal, air and highway systems Home to the modern subway system The Metro France is also the transportation hub of Western Europe (Euro-rail)

Germany Europe’s largest economy Leads Europe in steel production The German people are the country’s most important economic resource –Among the world’s best paid and best educated (world leader in scientific, technological, & organizational skills)

World leader in electronics, chemicals, & optical & surgical instruments World leader in the production & export of automobiles –Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, Mercedes, BMW (Bavarian Motor Works)

World admired transportation network – modern railroads, airports, & the autobahn (freeway system, known for no speed limit)

5 REGIONS OF GERMANY –Northwestern Germany –The Ruhr (coal and industry) –The Rhineland –Southern Germany –Eastern Germany

THE BERLIN WALL 1961 – 1989

Berlin Wall News Clips

Belgium Two language regions –North is Flemish (a language related to Dutch) –South is French (people called Walloons) Brussels is the capital & largest city –One of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities (city that is characterized by its many foreign influences) –Numerous organizations have their headquarters in Brussels EU (European Union) NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

Known for quality carpets, cut diamonds, fine chocolate, & waffles/ pastries. Depends on international trade to maintain its high standard of living

The Netherlands also called Holland, its people are called the Dutch Means “low lands” – nearly ½ of the country lies below sea level –Constructed system of canals removes water –The people pumped the area dry by using windmills, which became a symbol of the country

Highly industrialized export market –One of the world’s largest oil refineries & the headquarters for one of the world’s largest oil companies  Shell Amsterdam is the capital – famous for canals and museums Rotterdam – world’s busiest seaport

Modern democratic society Dutch is the national language, but most all citizens know English, German and French as well Europe’s most expensive social security system Gov’t benefits for education, unemployment & medical care are among the highest in the world

Luxembourg Bordered by France, Germany & Belgium Has a per capita GDP (gross domestic product) that is among the world’s highest –Measures nation income and output for a country

Switzerland A confederation of 26 cantons (states)  A confederation is a group of states joined together for a common purpose One of the world’s most stable countries

Mostly covered by mountains  the Swiss Alps Economy depends largely on foreign trade Famous for chocolate, cheese, and watches International banking brings in the most foreign funds –The country’s peaceful history has made it a stable world finance center – Neutral country – has not joined the UN, EU, or NATO

Austria German speaking & Roman Catholic Capital is Vienna – heart of commerce and culture Nation’s most valuable natural resource is its scenic beauty, which supports a vital tourist industry Backdrop for the movie “The Sound of Music”

Lichtenstein Microstate (An independent country that is very small in area and population) Is known for a giant wooden cross in Naafkopf Peak, where visitors can sit in three different countries at once (Liechtenstein, Austria, & Switzerland)

Monaco Microstate People are drawn from around the world to Monaco’s beautiful Mediterranean beaches, ports, casinos, and cultural attractions

The Grand Prix de Monaco – auto race through the streets of Monaco held every June