Human Geography of Europe

Human Geography 47 countries and micro-states 800 million people One of the most densely populated regions in the world. The core of Western civilization: Greece and Rome

Population Dilemma -0.2 natural increase (Stage 5) 9% drop by 2050 Aging/graying population More people over 60 in some countries than under 20 Immigration from North Africa and Middle East is complicated and divisive.

Population Density Netherlands over 1000 ppsm United Kingdom 630 ppsm Germany 599 ppsm France 282 ppsm United States 80 ppsm

The European Union 28 countries Brought together primarily as an economic and political venture. Capitals – Brussels and Strasbourg Seemingly borderless continent Dropping of tariffs but increasingly legalistic with rules and controls Cultural nation-state issues are still very important.

The EURO 22 European countries use the currency UK, Denmark, Sweden 16 EU countries plus several smaller non-EU countries use it. Which major EU countries chose not to use it? UK, Denmark, Sweden Established in 1999 Banknotes and coins began in 2002 Paper money looks the same throughout, coins have national symbols on them.

The EURO

Nation-States Related to the ethnic and cultural aspects that have evolved throughout history. Directly tied to a piece of territory. Conflict and war have been associated with boundary systems of the nation-state. Dates to the Peace of Westphalia in 1648

Multi-Lingual Region Latin (Romance): Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Romanian Germanic: German, English, Dutch, Scandinavian (N,S,I,D) Slavic: Russian, Polish, Czech, Ukrainian, Slovenian, Serbo-Croatian

Celtic: Irish Gaelic, Scot Gaelic, Welsh Finno-Ugric: Finnish, Estonian, Hungarian Hellenic: Greek

Religion dominated by Christianity

Religion’s Geographic Division Division of Europe is essentially a North/South divide. Southern Europe remains largely Catholic as a result of the influence of the Roman Empire and the Vatican City’s importance. Northern Europe developed into a Protestant region after the Protestant Reformation beginning with Martin Luther in 1519.

Eastern Orthodox Christianity Primarily found in Eastern Europe. Countries such as: Greece, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, Montenegro, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Belarus, Romania, and Moldova.

Islam in Europe Islam is on the rise with over 30 million in Europe today. Primarily coming from North Africa, Middle East, and South Asia. Significant numbers in France, United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, Denmark. Pre-dominant Muslim countries include: Albania, Kosovo, and Bosnia.

Clash of Cultures France and the headscarf issue Train bombing in Spain – post 9/11 Subway and bus bombings in the UK Murder of Dutch filmmaker Theo Van Gogh Danish cartoon controversy Paris 11/13/15

The Jews of Europe Jews once numbered over 9.5 million. The Holocaust cost 6 million Jews their lives Only 1.2 million Jews remain in Europe (excluding Russia). Largest concentrations in cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Antwerp.

Recent Conflict & Resolution The Cold War and the Fall of the Iron Curtain The Balkanization (Break-up) of Yugoslavia The “Troubles” of Northern Ireland

The Iron Curtain and its Fall Communist Soviet Union set up satellite governments in Eastern Europe after WWII

East Germany becomes a flashpoint of the Cold War Berlin Blockade: June 1948 – May 1949 – the Soviets & E Germans cut off road & rail routes to W Berlin – why? Berlin Airlift: US, UK, Aussies, Kiwis, & SA fly 200,000 flights to supply W Berlin USSR embarrassed by fiasco , lift blockade 1st major conflict of Cold War

The Berlin Wall Erected in 1961 in an attempt by the East German government to prevent people from fleeing to the West; another crisis

The Fall of the Wall After the failure of communism becomes evident, East German police no longer stop people as they begin to tear down the wall. Starts on the night of November 9, 1989

The Chain Effect From 1989 – 1991 a domino effect across E Europe & the Soviet Union led to the dissolution of communist governments. Subsequently, new (old) nations emerged, boundaries changed, & new maps were created.

On the Map 15 independent countries came from the 1 former Soviet Union Germany was re-unified as one country Czechoslovakia would become two nations Yugoslavia would violently become 7 independent nations

The Balkanization of Yugoslavia 10 years after the death of Yugoslavia’s dictator Marshal Joseph Tito, & as the Iron Curtain fell, Yugoslavia would begin a violent implosion. Several former independent nations starting with Slovenia & Croatia in 1991, begin to declare their independence. Yugoslav President and Serbian nationalist Slobodan Milosevic reacts with military force.

The Bosnian War After Bosnia-Herzegovina declares its independence, Serb militias, with the backing from Slobodan Milosevic, begin an attack on ethnic Bosnian Muslims that became a modern day genocide (ethnic cleansing). From 1992-95 over 250,000 people would be killed & the beautiful capital city of Sarajevo would be nearly destroyed.

Sarajevo – 1984 Winter Olympics

Kosovo (90% ethnic Albanian)

Northern Ireland Part of the United Kingdom Northern 6 counties of Ireland Only part of the UK in 1921 1960’s began to see violence in Northern Ireland between Catholic/Irish and Protestant/British. 3,400 people were killed in fighting over the years. Irish Republican Army v Ulster Defense League

Future? Currently approximately 48% British/Protestant 45% Irish/Catholic Birthrates suggest a more balanced and possible Irish majority in the years to come. Will it lead to Ulster becoming part of the Republic of Ireland?