1. Physical Features of Europe

2. Shannon River Longest river in Ireland
Divides western Ireland from the east and south
Major physical barrier
Important waterway for 1000s of years

3. Seine River Important commercial waterway in France
Flows through Paris and empties into the English Channel
Famous for its 37 Parisian bridges
Main water supply for Paris

4. Rhone River One of the major rivers of Europe
Begins in Switzerland and runs through southeast France
Before roads the Rhone was a major transportation route

5. Rhine River Runs from the Swiss Alps and into Germany
Vital and navigable waterway for centuries
One of the most important rivers in the world for industrial transport

6. English Channel Separates southern England from northern France
Site of many invasions into and out of England
Over 500 ships cross a day
Site of the Channel Tunnel

7. Mediterranean Sea Means = in the middle of land
To the north is Europe and to the south is North Africa
Reaches the Atlantic via the Strait of Gibraltar
Very important trade route
Resources like oil
Cultural exchange

8. Strait of Gibraltar Connects the Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea
Separates Spain and North Africa/Morocco by 8.9 miles
Immigration issues into Europe from N. Africa

9. Pyrenees Forms the natural border between France and Spain
305 miles long
Renowned for hot springs

10. Alps
Cross eight countries, however, the Swiss and French Alps are the most well known
Highest peaks are Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn
Strong Alpine cultural identity
Discovery of Otzi- 3,300 BCE

11. Volga River Longest river in Europe (2,294 miles)
Flows through central Russia
11/20 of the largest cities in Russia, including the capital Moscow are in the drainage basin of the Volga
Viewed as the national river of Russia, referred to as ‘Mother Volga”