This is the largest landlocked country in the world. Sub-regions such as Iberia and Italy contain their own complex features, as does mainland Europe itself, where the relief contains many plateaus, river valleys, and basins that complicate the general trend. An arc of uplands also exists along the northwestern seaboard, beginning in southwestern Ireland, continuing across through western and northern Great Britain, and up along the mountainous, fjord-cut spine of Norway. The principal articles discussing the historical and cultural development of the continent include history of Europe; European exploration; Western colonialism; Aegean civilizations; ancient Greek civilization; ancient Rome; Byzantine Empire; and Holy Roman Empire. The eastward limits now adopted by most geographers exclude the Caucasus region and encompass a small portion of Kazakhstan, where the European boundary formed by the northern Caspian coast is connected to that of the Urals by Kazakhstans Emba River and Mughalzhar (Mugodzhar) Hills, themselves a southern extension of the Urals. You cannot download interactives. Examples of such physiographic features can be found in the Southern Uplands of Scotland, the Massif Central of France, the Meseta Central of Spain, and the Bohemian Massif. All rights reserved. Lands lying at high elevations can, of course, be lands of low relief, but on the European continent relief tends to become more rugged as elevation increases. Europe Europe, second smallest of the world's continents, composed of the westward-projecting peninsulas of Eurasia (the great landmass that it shares with Asia) and occupying nearly one-fifteenth of the world's total land area. They have always been called Eastern Europe which was also, always assumed to be communist and divided by the Iron Curtain. 33 forms the majority of the population while 54 are ethnic minorities. The continent is awash with stunning beaches so its only right that the facts of European geography include its longest beach. San Marino and Vatican City, two fully sovereign nations, are both completely surrounded by Italy. The Volga River in Russia. Furthermore, the Mediterranean coastlands of North Africa and southwestern Asia also exhibit some European physical and cultural affinities. Encyclopedic entry. Another widely endorsed scheme puts the western portion of the Caucasus region in Europe and the eastern partthat is, the bulk of Azerbaijan and small portions of Armenia, Georgia, and Russias Caspian Sea coastin Asia. The former is of North Atlantic volcanic formation, while the latter consist of upland areas once joined to the mainland until cut off by rising sea levels. During the Middle Ages, dominant European powers conquered the strategically important mountain territory of the Alps. [3] [4] It is bordered to the north and northeast by Russia, to the . [2] A prehistoric perspective would include Britain and Ireland as the core of a further very significant European peninsula prior to the post-glacial rise in sea-levels.[3]. City-states were unique in that they were governed not by a hereditary ruler, but by a political body that represented its citizens. It's a multi-lingual continent. The proportion of people older than 65 will grow from 16 percent to 28 percent. In many places, including the Mediterranean and North seas, waters have been overfished. Certain countries and regions have even developed an identity or branding focused on specific products and exports.Scandinavian design, for instance, is primarily focused on fashion and home wares. Traders and travelers also reported that the Europe beyond Greece possessed distinctive physical units, with mountain systems and lowland river basins much larger than those familiar to inhabitants of the Mediterranean region. The Netherlands is bordered by Germany in the east; and Belgium in the south. Inhabited plains, with only the minor interruption of the worn-down Urals, extend from central Europe to the Yenisey River in central Siberia. This rescue package has caused tensions to rise between economically competitive countries and the indebted countries that they are helping to rescue. The most important rivers in Europe are Danube, Volga, Rhine, Elbe, Oder and Dnieper, among others. 0. Some geographical texts refer to a Eurasian continent given that Europe is not surrounded by sea and its southeastern border has always been variously defined for centuries. ft. home is a 4 bed, 4.0 bath property. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited. The Netherlands is a country located in Northwestern Europe. A convenient division is made by a line linking the base of the peninsula of Jutland with the head of the Adriatic Sea. Historically, Europe has been a center of immigration. Nonetheless, in manufacturing and agriculture Europe still occupies an eminent, if no longer necessarily predominant, position. The five most spoken native languages in Europe are Russian, German, French English, Turkish and Italian. The population within the standard physical geographical boundaries was 701 million in 2005 according to the United Nations. A contrast exists between the configuration of peninsular, or western, Europe and that of eastern Europe, which is a much larger and more continental area. Latin, the language of Rome, evolved into French in the western region, and Italian in the south. In the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada of Spain, the highest of the peaks exceed 11,000 feet (3,400 metres). Europe is home to the birthplace of democracy and Western culture in the ancient civilizations of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service. The highest points reached in Norway and Sweden are, respectively, Galdh Peak (8,100 feet [2,469 metres]) and Mount Kebne (6,926 feet [2,111 metres]). National Geographic Headquarters 1145 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20036. Because of their remoteness, however, all these regions have distinct dialects that differ slightly from their parent language. Turku officials hope to inspire other European countries to undertake similar projects.Europe also strengthens ties between its diverse peoples and cultures by supporting multilingual education. These projected changes will have two major effects: There will be a smaller work force to create a dynamic and industrious economy, and governments and citizens will have to care for more elderly people.These changes will affect different regions of Europe in different ways. Philosophers and politicians have used these writings to uphold and defend the democratic tradition ever since.Roman civilization had a major influence on Western concepts of law, government, and the military. Estos incluyen el aumento del nivel del mar; la reduccin de los glaciares de montaa; aceleracin del derretimiento del hielo en Groenlandia, la Antrtida y el rtico; y cambios en los . The relationship between the United States, with a free-market economy, and the Soviet Union, with a communist economy, was known as the Cold War.The Iron Curtain represents Europes political geography during the Cold War. Even though the country borders have been redrawn since the Soviet days, the continental borders never have. The Netherlands shares its maritime borders with UK and France. European Commission: European Capital of Culture. In terms of shape, Europe is a collection of connected peninsulas and nearby islands. The Louvre is the most visited attraction in Europe It is 1733 meters (5,686 feet) deep and is located near the Swiss and Italian borders, in the area of the Savoy Alps close to the village of Samoens. National Geographic News: New Fault Found in EuropeMay 'Close Up' Adriatic Sea, National Geographic News: Volcanic Ash Stops Europe FlightsWhy Ash Is Dangerous, European Environment Agency: European Land Cover, National Geographic Education: Mapping EuropeLand Mammal Range. The Iron Curtain took on the physical shape of border defenses, walls, and limited diplomacy. Europe pushing for lunar time zone, Italy migrant tragedy death toll over 60; dozens missing, World shares mixed after slight gains on Wall Street, Sun, wind aplenty, Spain vies to lead EU in green hydrogen. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Fewer than a million people are fluent in Romansch. It even includes roads! Some of these facts about Europe are newer than others. Roma are a people and culture native to central and eastern Europe. Intense trade introduced many species, which often overtook native plants. 2. Those highland areas include lands of abundant rainfallwhich supplies hydroelectricity and water to industrial citiesand provide summer pastures for cattle. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media. The Danubian and northern Italian lowlands are thus mountain-ringed islands. Luxembourg is landlocked, separated from the North Sea by Belgium.. The gods could both reward and punish travelers and traders with favorable or unfavorable sea conditions. Check out this amazing list of Austria facts that include history, food, culture, and more. The EU accepts few candidates: member states must maintain a stable, democratic form of government, a free-market economy, and commitment to the rule of law.The rapid growth of the European Union, however, has caused a number of administrative and political tensions. Europes eastern boundary, however, is not a cultural, political, or economic discontinuity on the land comparable, for example, to the insulating significance of the Himalayas, which clearly mark a northern limit to South Asian civilization. Other political institutions of Rome persist throughout Europe and former European colonies. The program has provided a lasting economic boost to cities and regions, raised their international profiles, and enhanced their images in the eyes of their own inhabitants.Each year, two or three cities are chosen to produce a year-long program of cultural events. The debate surrounding the cartoons also intensified strained relations between the Islamic world and the West.In 2010, the French government dismantled illegal immigrant camps throughout France. Western Europe and parts of Central Europe generally fall into the temperate maritime climate (Cfb), the southern part is mostly a Mediterranean climate (mostly Csa, smaller area with Csb), the north-central part and east into central Russia is mostly a humid continental climate (Dfb) and the northern part of the continent is a subarctic climate (Dfc). The most common way to show this is using topographical maps. The only primate native to Europe, the Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus), inhabits this Mediterranean basin. The city is home to the headquarters of luxury brands such as Valentino, Gucci, Versace, and Prada. [citation needed] These two halves are separated by the mountain chains of the Pyrenees and the Alps/Carpathians. It looks at mountains and valleys, as well as rivers and oceans. January average range from 13C in southern Spain and southern Greek islands to -20C in the northeastern part of European Russia. She or he will best know the preferred format. Associated vegetation and soil forms also show continual variety, but only portions of the dominant woodland that clothed most of the continent when humans first appeared now remain. Automobile companies such as BMW, Mercedes, and Audi are known throughout the world for creating cars with dynamic designs and an engaging driving experience. Critics argue the move was racist.Future IssuesAn important predictor of Europes political and economic future is its efforts to minimize the effects of climate change.Europe is often seen as a world leader in environmentally friendly technologies and legislation. It is the continent's second largest island (after Great Britain). There is ongoing debate on where the geographical centre of Europe falls. From there it flows to the Caspian Sea. To read all future answers to your comment, please bookmark this page. Professor of Geography, University of Connecticut, Storrs. Greece is well known for the thousands of islands dotting the three seas that surround the country. The financial and diplomatic success of the EU has led to its rapid growth across the continent.The euro is one of the strongest currencies in the world. It is bordered on the north by the Arctic Ocean, on the west by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the south (west to east) by the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, the Kuma-Manych Depression, and the Caspian Sea. The other landlocked countries are "standalone" landlocked, not bordering any other such European one (the emphasis is necessary, since Kazakhstan borders Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, thus forming a vast landlocked expanse in Central Asia). Lesotho (landlocked within South Africa), is the only other country in the world surrounded entirely by another country. Other European islands are much smaller. All in all, Europe enjoys a considerable and long-exploited resource base of soil, forest, sea, and minerals (notably coal), but its people are increasingly its principal resource. The euro is the second-most popular currency (behind the American dollar) and is used daily by more than 320 million people. It is bounded by the North Sea in the north and west. More than half of Europe consists of lowlands, standing mostly below 600 feet (180 metres) but infrequently rising to 1,000 feet (300 metres). At its largest, Rome controlled approximately 6.5 million square kilometers (2.5 million square miles) of land.The Roman approach to conquering and controlling territory is often considered to be the basis of Western imperialism. Omissions? In order to distinguish herds, families and communities developed a pattern of cuts and notches on the animals ears.Reindeer were also the Samis main method of transporting goods during their nomadic journeys. Four broad topographic units can be simply, yet usefully, distinguished in the continent of Europe. Not only is it pretty huge (2.5 times the size of Mount Vesuvius, which so famously buried Pompeii), but it is also one of the most active volcanoes in the world. This article treats the physical and human geography of Europe. The study also showed that only 8 percent of respondents considered language-learning unimportant.The European Union has adopted a multilingual language policy with the goal that everyone should be able to speak at least two languages in addition to their own. CORDIS website requires JavaScript enabled in order to work properly. The language survives in Switzerland because of the remote location of its native speakers.Contemporary CulturesEuropes rich and diverse cultural heritage continues to flourish today. Le site web de CORDIS ncessite lactivation de JavaScript pour fonctionner correctement. Topography describes the physical features of an area of land. There are also central highlands and deserts features in the south. East of the Vistula River, Europes expansive lowlands have something of the scale and character of those of northern Asia. Establishing fishing limits, protecting threatened habitats, and encouraging sustainable consumption habits are some efforts supported by European conservationists. This is a main theme of The Odyssey, an epic poem written by Homer, in which these key elements of the sea both help and hurt the hero.Other cultures developed around the unique resources at their disposal. Above all, in southern EuropeAustria and Switzerland includedlevel, low-lying land is scarce, and mountain, plateau, and hill landforms dominate. All of the events must come together under a common theme or themes. Europe is traditionally defined as one of seven continents. Population Density188 people per square kilometer, Highest ElevationMount Elbrus, Russia (5,642 meters/18,510 feet), Most Renewable Electricity ProducedIceland (99.9%; hydropower, geothermal), Largest Urban AreaMoscow, Russia (16.2 million people), Largest WatershedVolga River (1.38 million square km/532,821 square miles). Sweden has a long history that began with prehistoric hunting camps in the southernmost part of the country. Whats the Difference Between Great Britain and the United Kingdom. Yet it was not until the 19th and 20th centuries that modern science was able to draw with some precision the geologic and geographic lineaments of the European continent, the peoples of which had meanwhile achieved domination overand set in motion vast countervailing movements amongthe inhabitants of much of the rest of the globe (see Western colonialism). Around 10% of the world's population lives in Europe. 4. Geography of Europe Europe is traditionally defined as one of seven continents. Enacting regional social policies and economic legislation, especially through bodies like the European Union, may help curb that trend. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Turkey and Cyprus in particular, while geologically Asian, possess elements of European culture and may be regarded as parts of Europe. The Grand Canal, Venice, Italy. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media. If you have questions about licensing content on this page, please contact ngimagecollection@natgeo.com for more information and to obtain a license. The empire of ancient Rome, at its greatest extent in the 2nd century ce, revealed, and imprinted its culture on, much of the face of the continent. Southward of the limits of the northern glacial ice are vales and hills, with the Paris and London basins typical examples. The Holocaust was the mass murder of Jews under the Nazi regime. 5. geography of Scandinavia facts. Przemek. These revolutions eventually lead to the end of the Cold War, symbolized by the falling of the Berlin Wall in 1989.Contemporary IssuesEurope is now broadly defined in the context of the European Union (EU), an economic and political body officially created by the Maastricht Treaty in 1993. Europes boundaries have been especially uncertain, and hence much debated, on the east, where the continent merges, without sundering physical boundaries, with parts of western Asia. I think the same issue applies to Turkey, which unlike Russia sees itself as belonging more to Europe than Asia, politically and economically. The ancient, often mineral-laden rocks of the northwestern highlands, their contours softened by prolonged erosion and glaciation, are found throughout much of Iceland, in Ireland, and in northern and western Britain and Scandinavia. This description is simplified. 12. The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. La Boule measures 7.5 miles and is served by a lovely and ancient seaside town where many of the French elite have holiday homes. In 1397, Denmark's Queen Margaret created the Kalmar Union, which included Sweden, Finland, Norway . Critics believe the process of attaining EU membership is too difficult for Europes developing economies. El sitio web de CORDIS requiere tener activado JavaScript para funcionar correctamente. The tundra, found in Iceland and the northern reaches of Scandinavia and Russia, is a treeless region where small mosses, lichens, and ferns grow. Author of, Emeritus Professor of Geography, Portland State University, Oregon. The major peninsula of Scandinavia is mostly upland and highland, with its relief greatest at the descent to the Norwegian fjords and the sea; eastward and southward the seas are approached more gently. For discussion of individual countries of the continent, see specific articles by namee.g., Italy, Poland, and United Kingdom. Europe occupies some 4 million square miles (10 million square km) within the conventional borders assigned to it. Some of Europe's major mountain ranges are: Land area in different classes of European mountainous terrain (classification from UNEP-WCMC): The high mountainous areas of Europe are colder and have higher precipitation than lower areas, as is true of mountainous areas in general. The Republic of Ireland occupies 80 percent of this landmass, while a large chunk of land in the north, called Northern Ireland, is part of the United Kingdom.All together, the island of Ireland is made up of 32 counties. 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