1.  Agriculture in Europe  Crop yield means how much food can be grown per square mile or hectare. Crop yields are higher in Europe because: A.They have chemical fertilizers B.They have tractors and machines C.They have genetically enhanced plants

2.  Polders  The Netherlands and Belgium are called the Low Countries because they are low in elevation. These countries are small and do not have a lot of land for farming. In these countries the people have made polders in order to farm. Polders are reclaimed land from the sea.

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4.  Developed or Developing?  All of the countries in Europe are considered developed.  Developed – countries having many industries and relatively few poor people who are unable to buy the things they need (or a high standard of living)

5.  Demographics A.High per capita GDP GDP stands for Gross Domestic Product GDP - the total value of goods produced and services provided in a country during one year. BHigh life expectancy C.Low population growth rate D.Low infant mortality (means death) E.Low percentage of population under age 15 F.High literacy rate (the ability to read and write)

6.  Infrastructure - basic equipment and structures that are needed for a country to function properly  The countries in Europe have well developed infrastructures. Some examples are: A.The Chunnel B.Rivers are connected with canals C.Efficient rail system D.Large percentage of internet connections and cell phone use

7.  Economic Systems  There are three major types of economic systems: A.Free market economy (operates on the idea of supply and demand and private ownership) B.Mixed economy (government owns important industries & private ownership of others) C.Command economy (government owns all means of production)

8.  Economic Systems  After WWII ended in 1945, the Soviet Union controlled much of Eastern Europe and forced the countries to be communist and have a command economy. In 1991, these countries regained independence.