How does location, climate, and natural resources affect population distribution on Europe?

Location of the U.K.

Location of U.K. A country of islands – Wales, England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Across the English Chanel from the UK is France West, across the Irish Sea is the Republic of Ireland East, across the North Sea is the Scandinavian Peninsula

Location of U.K. Easy to trade Its location on the Atlantic Ocean also helps trade with the US The US is the U.K.’s #1 trading partner!

Climate of United Kingdom Mild climate with rainfall through out the year Southeastern parts of Great Britain are the driest with mountains to protect from ocean winds The mild climate keeps ports free of ice and open for trade ALL YEAR.

Climate Continued… The Gulf Stream moves warm water across the Atlantic to the U.K. This allows for milder winters compared to other countries with the same latitude. Great for farming! However, less than 2% of people earn a living in farming. Most people live in urban areas where jobs are more available.

Natural Resources of the U.K. Coal, petroleum, natural gas, and iron ore – backbone of the country’s industry in auto production, steel manufacturing, and shipbuilding. Today manufacturing is declining because natural resources are being used up and competition has increased. In the U.K., nearly 80% of people work in service industries (tourism, health care, education, etc..)

Natural Resources Continued… Fishing along the shores of U.K. is profitable. 25% of land is arable (good for growing crops) Over ½ of land is used for farms – meaning the country can produce 60% of its own food Farms with sheep, cattle, and pigs.

Summarizing… 1.Which condition helped the U.K. to become a leader in world trade? A. It is an island with a mild climate located near many other countries B. 2% of the people are farmers, and there is a lot of arable land C. It is home to the world’s busiest airport and has 7 other large airports D. Urban areas are heavily populated 2. Why is it surprising that the U.K. has such a mild climate? A. It is very far north B. The ocean is always warm C. People in the U.K. like snowy winters D. It is warmer in northern parts of the world

Location of Russia

Where is Russia? Bordered by 15 countries Bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the North and Pacific Ocean to the East Most of Russia’s land is far from the sea or frozen over for most of the year – some ports must be cleared with icebreakers St. Petersburg – port on the Baltic Sea – major center for trade. Network of railroads. Home to over 5 million people. Was capital for over 200 yrs…now it is Moscow

Climate of Russia 2 seasons – Winter and Summer. Average temperature of nearly all of Russia is below freezing. Lots of permafrost – soil that is permanently frozen Siberia – land furthest east – could reach negative 40 degrees in winter and reach over 90 degrees in summer.

Climate continued… Area around the Black sea is considered subtropical…very popular. 73% of Russian population lives in western Russia. The climate, distance from the sea, and rugged terrain keep many of Russia’s resources from being used.

Natural Resources of Russia Vast Resources – Forests in the west. Gold, aluminum, coal, and iron in Ural Mountains Leading producer and exporter of gold, minerals, metals, and machinery. Cities grew up around the mining industry

Volga River – largest river in Europe – over half of Russia’s cities are along the Volga. Volga = source of hydroelectric power

Summarizing… 1.Which condition keeps Russia’s natural resources from being used? A. lack of workers B. harsh climate C. no market for them D. no government funding 2. With its long coastline, what makes shipping difficult in Russia? A. Cruise ships bring tourists to Russia B. the Volga River is used only for power, not shipping C. manufactured goods and people prefer to travel by train D. Northern ports are blocked by ice much of the year.

Comparing the U.K. and Russia Russia is larger but port cities are blocked by ice most of the year. U.K. has mild climate and may ports are accessible all year round. Fossil Fuels (coal and oil) are in both countries. However, resources are declining in U.K. and in Russia they are untouched

Comparing Continued… Capital of U.K. = London – on Thames River. It is a major financial and trading center. Capital of Russia = Moscow – center for all transportation in Russia. However, St. Petersburg is the Russian center for trade.