1. France & Benelux Countries

2. 10+ million people Center for commerce & fashion Paris “City of Lights” Seine River

3. The Louvre Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”

4. Eiffel Tower Eiffel Tower under construction in 1888

5. Other attractions in Paris Arc de Triomphe: Memorial to those who served in the French Revolution & Napoleonic wars Notre Dame Cathedral (example of Gothic architecture)

6. The Netherlands-Holland The Hague: Seat of Dutch government (lies on the coast ) -location of many famous international trials Windmills used to drain polders, but today the Dutch use pumping stations. This is still a tourist attraction in the Netherlands.

7. Area that would be flooded without dikes by the North Sea. Blue indicates area below sea level.

8. Pumping station Dike

9. Belgium Trains are very efficient and used by many Europeans. Brussels is the seat of the European Union. It is sometimes called the “capital of Europe.” 28% of its population are foreigners.

10. Belgium is known for its waffles. Waffle vendors can be found on many street corners in Brussels. Belgian chocolate is also recognized around the world.

11. Luxembourg Only grand duchy in the world Home to multi- national countries Most people are multilingual 3 Official Languages: French, German & Luxembourgish