Location, Climate, and Natural
Resources of the United Kingdom,
Russia, Germany, and Italy
GPS Standard: The student will explain the
impact of location, climate, natural
resources, and population distribution on
Europe.
Location of the United Kingdom





An island nation with
many ports and harbors.
Location has helped the
U.K become an
international banking and
insurance center
Location on Atlantic
Ocean helps its trade
with U.S.
London (capital) has the
busiest airport in the
world.
Population – 61 million
The Channel Tunnel



The Channel Tunnel is a
large tunnel (under the
water) which runs between
Britain and France, under
the Strait of Dover in the
English Channel.
Great impact on England’s
economy
The channel is about 31
miles long. The tunnel is
about 131 feet below the
sea bed.
Climate of the U.K





Mild climate with rainfall throughout the year.
The gulf stream moves warm water from the Gulf of Mexico
up north across the Atlantic to the west coast of the U.K.
The Gulf stream makes winters in the U.K much milder.
The climate and the land is good
for farming.
(however < 2% are farmers)
Over half of the land is used for farms.
Think Pair Share

Why do think most people in the U.K live in
urban areas rather than rural?
Natural Resources of the U.K




Coal, petroleum, natural
gas, and iron ore.
Fishing is profitable
(cod,crabs, and
mackerel)
Most people live in
urban areas to find jobs
80% of people work in
service industries.
Location of Russia




In two continents, Europe
and Asia
European Russia and
Asian Russia are
separated by the Ural
Mountains
Russia is unfavorably
located in relation to
major sea lanes of the
world which hurts trade
Population – 142 million
Climate of Russia





Really only two seasons winter
and summer. Average yearly
temp is below freezing.
Many areas have soil that is
permanently frozen (called
permafrost)
About 73% of population lives
in Europe Russia (weather not
quite as bad)
Siberian
Asian Russia climate is
Tigers – only
extremely cold. Temps can be
about 500 in
-40 F. Summers are mild
the wild.
Its ports cities are locked by ice
most of the year.
Natural Resources of Russia




Gold, aluminum ore, coal, and
iron are found in the Ural
Mountains (lots of factories
located here)
Oil in Siberia
Over half of the major cities
are located on the Volga River.
Russia has formidable
obstacles of climate, terrain,
and distance which hinder
exploitation of natural
resources.
Gold
Volga River
Summary Writing

Answer the question below in paragraph form.

How does the location, climate, and natural
resources of Russia and the U.K affect their
economies?
Location of Germany





Germany’s location in center of
Europe makes it a crossroad of
travel and trade (excellent
highway system)
Densely populated, most live in
urban areas
Many cities lie along the Rhine
River, which is important for
trade.
The Alps mountains make
transportation more difficult in
the South, though they have built
tunnels to improve trade.
Population – 82 million
Climate of Germany




Marine climate
Gulf stream warms the
region
The seas also cool the land
in the summer.
The ocean also brings
moisture to the land to
produce good crops
European Plains
Natural Resources of Germany




Coal, iron ore and
potash from mining
Uranium used for
nuclear fuel
1/3 of the land is arable.
Coal helped to build
large industrial areas
mainly along the Rhine
River
Location of Italy




Northern border is in the
Alps Mountains
70% of population lives in
urban areas, mostly in
North Italy
Italy’s location on
Mediterranean sea allows
effective trade with Africa,
Asia, and other countries
in Europe.
Population –60 million
Climate of Italy






Mostly a Mediterranean
climate
Mediterranean sea keeps
temperatures comfortable
most of the year.
Dry summers
Alps mountains block cold air
from the north
The Sahara desert sends warm
air from North Africa
Alps and Apennines mountains
have snowy winters because of
elevation
Apennines Mtns
Mediterranean Sea
Alps
Natural Resources of Italy
Vineyard in Italy




Natural gas most valuable
natural resource
Marble and granite used
for construction and
artwork
Grapes and olives are
important crops
Fishing industry, (sardines
and anchovies) important
for the economy
Anchovy
Sardines