Culture of Western Europe An overview

Population Growth Europe has maintained a zero population growth for several years. Europe has maintained a zero population growth for several years. Reasons: People wait longer for marriage and kids; Many couples do not have kids; emigration to better climates and more opportunities. Reasons: People wait longer for marriage and kids; Many couples do not have kids; emigration to better climates and more opportunities.

Multicultural Because Europe is small and has many nations with different cultures… it is very multicultural. Because Europe is small and has many nations with different cultures… it is very multicultural. Many nations speak multiple languages. Many nations speak multiple languages. Why? Proximity and good transportation. Why? Proximity and good transportation.

Transportation Europe’s public transportation system is effective and affordable. Europe’s public transportation system is effective and affordable. This is one of the main causes of cultural diffusion and convergence in the region. This is one of the main causes of cultural diffusion and convergence in the region. Trains, buses, roads etc. Trains, buses, roads etc.

Economy Mixed- Socialism dominates most nations. Mixed- Socialism dominates most nations. Government operates utilities, healthcare etc. Government operates utilities, healthcare etc. Everything else controlled by the private industry. Everything else controlled by the private industry. This promotes economic equality and competition. This promotes economic equality and competition.

European Union Began in 1952 Began in European nations are members. 27 European nations are members. Economic organization designed to align and improve European economy. Economic organization designed to align and improve European economy. Developed the Euro as currency. Developed the Euro as currency.

NATO North Atlantic Treaty Organization North Atlantic Treaty Organization Designed as a defense/military alliance. Designed as a defense/military alliance. United States, Canada, and most of Europe are members. United States, Canada, and most of Europe are members.

Secular Secular is the separation of religion and all else in life. Their religion stays private for the most part and not in the workplace. Secular is the separation of religion and all else in life. Their religion stays private for the most part and not in the workplace. Why? Reformation, centuries of church control. Why? Reformation, centuries of church control.

Culture Differentiation What are some of the main reasons for northern and southern Europe to have such different cultures? What are some of the main reasons for northern and southern Europe to have such different cultures?

Answers Climate- Southern Europe is mostly highlands and Mediterranean while Northern is all Marine West Coast and Humid Continental. Climate- Southern Europe is mostly highlands and Mediterranean while Northern is all Marine West Coast and Humid Continental. Natural Barriers- Mountain ranges like the Alps and Pyrenees impede cultural diffusion. Natural Barriers- Mountain ranges like the Alps and Pyrenees impede cultural diffusion. History- Each nation in Europe has its own distinct history that provides a foundation for the present-day culture. History- Each nation in Europe has its own distinct history that provides a foundation for the present-day culture.