1. (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)
UNIT 4 CHAPTER 14
SECTION 3 (pg )
The Benelux Countries
(Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)
The two flags are quite identical. According to "holy texts," the Netherlands' flag has a 2:3 ratio while the classical ratio of Luxembourg's is 3:5. Moreover, the nuance of blue is defined as "cobalt blue" for both the flags, even if in Luxembourg's flag it is often lighter than in that of the Netherlands'.

2. The Benelux Countries HISTORY & CULTURE What historical ties do the Benelux countries share?
Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg used to all be part of Netherlands.
They were all fought over due to their location between France, Germany & the United Kingdom.
After WWII, they established a political and economic union which eventually led to the creation of the European Union.
What is the European Union?

3. The Benelux Countries HISTORY & CULTURE What historical ties do the Benelux countries share?
Land Reclamation
“Netherlands”=“low lands” because much of the country is below sea level leading to marshes and wetlands.
People there work to reclaim the land from the sea. They build polders. What are polders?
Dutch Concerns: floods, rising sea levels
Language
Dutch spoken in Northern Belgium (dialect called Flemish)
Dutch spoken in Netherlands
Belgians also speak French
Luxembourg has 3 official languages: German, French, Luxembourg
(Luxembourgian is related to German & Dutch)

4. The Benelux Countries URBAN & ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTS What are the cities and economies of the Benelux countries like?
Belgian Cities
Brussels-headquarters for EU & NATO; considered cosmopolitan-influenced by many
Belgian Economy-industry, agriculture, & services for international business, diamond cutting, quality carpets, chocolate
Dutch Economy-agriculture, especially dairy and flowers, natural gas on coast
Dutch Cities
Amsterdam & Rotterdam & The Hague
Luxembourg
Forested and hilly, constitutional monarchy, from steel producing to international banking

5. (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) (Finland & Iceland)
UNIT 4 CHAPTER 14
Iceland
Finland
SECTION 4 (pg )
Scandinavia
(Denmark, Norway, Sweden) (Finland & Iceland)
Among Scandinavian flags, all flags show the Scandinavian Cross (also called Nordic Cross or Crusader's Cross). The vertical bar of the Scandinavian Cross isn't centered on the flag, but is moved toward the flag's left side (hoist).

6. Scandinavia HISTORY & CULTURE How are the cultures of Scandinavia the same and different from each other?
Used to be known for vikings, now known for high standards of living
Most are Protestant Lutheran religion
Many languages are similar except for Flemish (Danish Swedish and Norwegian understand each other)
Democratic governments

7. Scandinavia HISTORY & CULTURE In what areas do most people in Scandinavia live?
Most live in southern parts of their countries
Most people live in urban cities (85% in Sweden)
Greenland-territory of Denmark
Icy interior region is uninhabitable, people live on rocky coast
Iceland
People live on coastal plains due to ice covered lava rock interior
Volcanic activity generates geysers

9. Scandinavia ECONOMY What does the economy of this region rely on?
Denmark is one of the most prosperous countries in the EU due to high tech industries
Finland-used to export natural resources, now it manufactures high tech goods, also dairy and meat packing
Sweden-paper & wood due to forests
Iceland – fishing
Norway –fishing, offshore oil & gas (export surplus of electricity)

10. Scandinavia ECONOMY What does the economy of this region rely on?
End of the 1900’s Sweden’s economy=capitalism + socialism
Socialism=government owns and controls means of producing goods
High taxes pay for social welfare, environmental protection, sports & the arts
Benefits-national health insurance, help parents raise kids