Home to diverse population with more than 160 separate ethnic groups.
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Largest and most popular of which is the United Kingdom.
Includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
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Smaller include Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and
Denmark
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First people to arrive were early Celtics, an Indo- European group, who arrived 2,500 to 3,000 years ago.
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Other invaders arrived later- Romans and the Normans.
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Lately region welcomed immigrants and refugees, especially after WWII.
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Although Swedes, Norwegians and Danes have separate countries and languages, they all share a similar heritage and cultures.
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Has changed in recent years because of the arrival of immigrants from eastern Europe

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– United Kingdom’s 60 million people make it most densely populated in the region. Has a population density of 635 people per square mile. Due to the temperate climate and fertile soil.
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Other areas struggle with harsh terrain and climate, forcing much of the population to live on the coast.
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There has been an increase in migration from the regions rural areas to the regions cities. Urbanization has been driven by poverty in rural areas. People have also been forced to flee the region due to economic troubles.
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The regions most important metropolitan areas are also the regions economic centers. London, Stockholm, Sweden and Copenhagen,
Denmark are some of the regions most important.

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Early Peoples
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People arrived on mainland over 500,000 years ago. Celts arrived on
British Isles around 500 B.C. Sami are natives of Scandinavia and occupied region for thousands of years.
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The Rise of Northern Europe
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Began developing in 43 A.D. Romans arrived and captured region, developing roads, towns and cities. Brought Christianity. As Romans began to decline in region, became vulnerable to foreign invasion.
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Angles, Saxons and Jutes, Germanic groups, were amongst those who took advantage of situation. Known as the Middles Ages, and it lasted form about A.D. 500 to 1500 A.D.
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A new power came to rule Britain in 1066, when it was conquered by
William the Conqueror. Increase in Norman (French) culture and establishment of feudalism. Laid foundation for strong government and began establishing foreign trade.
– During the1500’s the region experienced the Reformation and introduced
Protestantism to Europe. Led by Martin Luther and began in Germany

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Experience a change in the early 1700’s known as Enlightenment.
Movement to value reason and question tradition.
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At time Europeans began fighting for a voice in government.
• Parliament passed Bill of Rights in late 1600’s, became model for governments around the world.
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Europe was also transformed by Industrial Revolution. creation of an economic system known as industrial capitalism. Owners used profits to expand their companies.
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Factory workers were not so lucky, poorly paid and lived in crowded, unhealthy conditions. Call for economic equality was a factor that led to rise of communism
– two world wars in early 1900s killed millions and left the region in ruins.
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A New Era
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In recent decades, the northern European region has rebounded to build strong democratic countries with strong economies.
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Today, the region belongs to the European Union (EU).
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A united Europe where goods, services and workers move freely amongst members.

Culture
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Language and Religion
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The languages in the region consist of Indo- European languages
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Such as Swedish and English, but local dialects still exist
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Religious freedom is highly valued in the region, but most countries are Protestant
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Education and Health Care
– One of world’s most educated population, with nearly 100 percent literacy rates. Children are required to attend for at least 10 years.
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Enjoys excellent health care because they offer welfare programs.
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The Arts
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British writings have shaped the literacy world.
• work of people like William Shakespeare have influenced the world
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Hans Christian Anderson renowned for his fairy tales.
– romanticism began in the late 1700’s

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The People Population Patterns
– Trace its roots to earliest migrants. Most of populations are made up of two or more ethnicities. Many were at one time ethnically homogenous
• attracted many immigrants for various reasons. 1950s- Germany invited guest workers to be part of the workforce
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Density and Distribution
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Most is densely populated with most people living in urban areas.
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Supported by manufacturing and trade and generous stretches of fertile land.
• Germany is most populous country with population of 82.5 million.
• Netherlands and Belgium have highest population density.
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Since WWII, immigration has led to urban growth. Large numbers of immigrants and guest workers have come for new opportunities
– home to some of world’s most famous cities, such as, Paris and Amsterdam.

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Early Peoples
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Several ancient people to first populate the region. Celts populated much of the region. In early years, Romans held much of the land, but several Germanic groups led to the demise of the empire. Amongst first to arrive were Frisians who arrived in the Netherlands around 400 B.C.
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The Rise of Western Europe
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After collapse of Roman Empire several groups rose in power.
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The Franks, a Germanic tribe, established an empire that spread across region.
Accepted Roman Catholicism. Charlemagne expanded the kingdom, but it did not survive long after his death. System of land distribution became basis of feudalism.
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Area formerly known as the Holy Roman Empire, lasted from about 962 until about
1806, but was plagued by power struggles for dominance.
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In order to take Holy Land from Muslim rule, European armies combined to fight a series of brutal religious wars. Beginning in early 1000’s, Crusades were ultimately unsuccessful in winning permanent control of the area.
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Beginning in late 1400s, new interest in Greek and Roman culture. Renaissance
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Reformation was very popular in the region. New Protestant religions began appearing in the region and by the mid- 1500’s Protestant churches dominated western Europe.

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Winds of Change
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Ravaged by Thirty Years War, but France emerged as a major power.
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Enlightenment spurred democratic and social change. Led to French
Revolution and the overthrow of the French monarchy. By 1815, monarchy was restored but never again had absolute power.
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In mid- 1800s Prussia succeeded in unifying Germany.
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Europe was driven to war 1914 when rivalry between European powers erupted. Following the war, Germany was found guilty of starting the war and ordered to make reparations.
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Hostility towards Germany led to rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, and ultimately the start of WWII (1939- 1945)
• A New Area
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Following WWII, Europe was divided between Communism and democracy.
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Germany remained split until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.
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This division led several countries to grow closer economically and politically, and eventually led to the creation of the European Union in the 1990s

Culture
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The Arts
– World leaders in literature, architecture, music and visual arts.
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Realism and impressionists are two influential artistic movements. Realism accurately depicted everyday life, while impressionists focused on capturing the natural world.
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Language and Religion
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Most of population speaks a strand of the Indo-European language family, Like
German and French. Many countries recognize more than one official language.
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Western Europe is a primarily Christian region, with a large portion being
Roman Catholicism. However, many are Christian in name only.
• Education and Health Care
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Compulsory education and comprehensive health care are traditions highly valued. Enjoys 98-100% literacy rate and laws that provide education for all students. Social welfare system funded by government is typical.
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Family Life and Leisure
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Most enjoy high standard of living. However, also has an aging population with declining birthrates and death rates
– Enjoy a variety of sports and leisure activities. Soccer is one of the many national passions

Population Patterns
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The People
– Majority are descendants of early settlers. Italy home to regions first civilization, settled by ancient Etruscans and Romans. Spain is inhabited by many different inhabitants including the Iberians.
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Natives of Greece can trace language and culture back 3500 years to early seafaring civilizations like the Minoans and the Mycenaeans.
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Due to location of Portugal, enjoys a mix of early European ethnic groups.
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Density and Distribution
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Italy is most populated country, 58 million people and population density of 505.
– Home to world’s smallest independent state, Vatican City, with population of approximately 1000 people.
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In comparison to rest of Europe, Spain has a relatively low population density with only 207 people per square mile.
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In 1800 and 1900s, millions of southern Europeans left to find a better life in
Americas.
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Rome is world’s most historic cities. Once the center of Roman Empire, now is a commercial center and popular tourist attraction. Southern Europe is home to several other historic and powerful cities including, Athens, Madrid and Venice

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History and Government
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Two civilizations laid foundation for European civilizations, ancient Greece and Roman republic. Ancient Greece reached peak in 400 and 300 B.C., while Romans reached height between 27 B.C. and 180 A.D.
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Greeks formation of city- states introduced idea of democracy. Linked by language and culture
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Romans made breakthroughs in government and law. Christianity became official religion of Roman Empire shortly before its collapse. Despite its collapse, Roman form of Christianity flourished.
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Despite collapse of Rome, the eastern portion of the empire survived and was called the
Byzantine Empire. Its capital city Constantinople, was one of the richest and most powerful of its time.
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Romans were not only group that experienced invasions from foreign forces
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Span invaded in 711 by a Muslim group called the Moors, they held the area for more than 700 years.
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In 1300s Europe experienced a period of artistic and intellectual achievements, movement that began in Italy. wealth and stability of Italy gave people the freedom to study and pursue new ways of thinking. Renaissance
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In the 1400s many European countries began to explore and colonize the world
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In the 1500s, Spain and Portugal grew wealthy from establishing trade routes and colonies.

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Winds of Change
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Increased nationalism, independence movements, civil wars, dictatorships and world wars marked a period of dramatic change for southern Europe.
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Spain and Portugal lost most of their over sea territories
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Greece gained its independence and Italy became unified in 1870.
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Southern Europe served as a battle field for much of both World Wars
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Spain was able to remain neutral, but suffered from its own civil war in the 1930s
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The road to political and economic stability in the region has been difficult.
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However, they have made strides in recent years and are now members of EU.

Culture
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Education and Health Care
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Similar to the rest of Europe, the region enjoys a very high literacy rate, due mainly to strong government support
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Health care varies throughout southern Europe.
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Spain has more doctors per person than any other European nation, while Greece struggles to deliver health care to its people
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Language and Religion
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Indo- European languages that are derived from Latin dominate the region
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Was the language of the Roman Empire
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The majority of Italy, Spain and Portugal practice Roman Catholicism, while most people in Greece belong to the Greek Orthodox Church.
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The Arts and Leisure
– Many of the world’s greatest works of art have come from this region.
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Both Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo came form Italy.
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Many basic architectural elements were developed in this region including columns, arches and domes
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In Italy, soccer is the most popular sport, while bullfighting is important in Spain and Portugal.

Population Patterns
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The People
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Most are ethnically Slavic, descended from people who migrated from Asia.
• Three groups, eastern, western and southern Slavs.
• Central portion is occupied by countries that once formed Yugoslavia.
Eastern Orthodox Serbs, Roman Catholic Croats and Bosnian Muslims.
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Northern portion are Czech Republic, Poland Hungary and Slovakia
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Eastern portion home to people of Russian and Ukrainian origins, as well as
Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. Russians are largest ethnic group in Europe, and trace roots to ancient Slavic groups near the Black Sea.
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Density and Distribution
– Population density influenced by geographical features.
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Countries like Ukraine and Poland enjoy fertile soil and ample water resources, capable of supporting large populations. Ukraine boasts largest population density
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Economic and political difficulties prompted large- scale internal migration and emigration. Poland’s population decreased dramatically following WWII as people fled Soviet control. Most of population lives in or around large cities, and cities have experienced a rebirth since end of Soviet Union.

History and Government
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Early Peoples and Empires
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Earliest Slavs arrived from Asia several thousands of years ago and settled in presentday Ukraine and Poland.
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Lived amongst Celtic and Germanic groups before eventually spreading south and west around 450 A.D.
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By 500 A.D. Slavic Czechs settled Bohemia, and by 700 A.D. Moravia settled by Slavic groups. Formed Great Moravia , a united empire that covered much of central Europe.
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On mountainous Balkan Peninsula independent states of Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia settled by Slavic groups. However, beginning in 1400 Ottoman Empire ruled area for nearly 500 years.
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In northern- central Ukraine and southern Belarus the eastern began settling in forests and plains. One of these settlements was Kiev, and eventually expanded to become
Kievan Rus, the earliest of the Slavic states.
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Romans conquered territory between that became Romania.
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However, Romania failed to unify until 1100s because of constant invasions.
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After collapse of Roman Empire, eastern portion of the kingdom survived and eventually became the Byzantine Empire. Flourished for a 1000 years, and profoundly shaped the region.
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Monks from empire established missionaries and spread Eastern Orthodox across eastern Europe. However, in 1453 the empire fell to Ottoman empire.

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Conflict, Union, and Division
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Modern countries struggled through power struggles and ethnic divisions.
– Balkan Peninsula long been a region of instability.
• In early 1900s, Balkan Slavs overthrew Ottoman Empire, but still struggled to unite the region. A term has even been coined to define the hostility in the region. Balkanization first arose from result of Balkan Wars.
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During WWII eastern Europe was site of frequent battles and occupation.
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Following war, fell under control of Communist Soviet Union. Led to division between Communist eastern Europe and democratic western Europe, and brought on Cold War.
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Yugoslavia fractured along ethnic lines in 1990 and led to ethnic cleansing.
• Some republics declared independence, sparking violence over ethnic hatreds. Leaders expelled or killed rival ethnic groups, however, international efforts allowed refugees to return.
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A New Era
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Revolts against Communism swept through from 1950s thru 1980s.
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Communist governments collapsed in 1989 because of public demonstrations.
• Democratic governments were installed in 1990 by free elections. New leaders encouraged rise of market economies. Slowly caught rest of Europe, and some have joined EU

Culture
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Language and Religion
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Most people speak some strand of Indo- European languages
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Common Slavic languages include Polish and Czech
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Baltic languages include Latvian and Lithuanian.
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Education and Health Care
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Literacy rates are high throughout the region
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School mandatory for children and free of charge
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Former Soviet countries suffer from funding challenges
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Most residents have access to health care, but system challenged during switch to democracy
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The Arts and Leisure
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Among Czech, Hungarian, Slovak and Slovene people, folk music is very important.
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In larger cities, modern music from western Europe and U.S. are popular.
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In most parts of region, family size has diminished in recent years.
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Many athletic facilities that remain were built during Soviet reign.
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Soviet Union encouraged sports and physical education programs.

Economic Activities
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Industry- Europe birthplace of modern industry, due mainly to Industrial
Revolution.
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Today, service industry provides a large portion of GDP
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Manufacturing
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Availability of raw material led to industrial development in Europe, and led region into Industrial Revolution
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Development of heavy industry sparked by large deposits of coal and iron ore.
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Introduction of steam power fueled primarily by coal, wider utilization of water wheels and powered machinery. New advancements particularly affected textile industry
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Those countries that lack natural resources, specialized in light industry. Things like high- end electronics and specialty tools.
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Service and Technology
• service industry employs more than 60% of workforce.
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International banking and insurance are the one of regions most important service industry
• Tourism very important part of Europe’s economy, especially in areas with historical heritage.

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Agriculture
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Large amounts of fertile land, but still remains highly industrialized.
– % of farmers varies greatly. Less than 2% of U.K.’s population engages in farming, while more than 48% of Albanian’s are farmers.
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Types of crops dependent on location of farms. Wheat and other grains grown in north, while olives, grapes and citrus fruits are grown around Mediterranean. Scandinavian countries amongst world’s leading fish suppliers.
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Farming Techniques
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To get most out of limited space, partake in mixed farming. Raise several kinds of crops and livestock on same farm. Most farms small in size averaging 30 acres, but usually owned private farmers. Joining farming cooperatives to cut down on costs.
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Farming drastically changed after communism. Outdated equipment and lack of incentives led to low crop yields. However, with democracy came an increase in private ownership and food production.
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Agricultural Issues
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Genetically modified food area of major concern for many Europeans. Feel that not enough is known about them and oppose crops that are genetically altered or grown in fields that use chemicals. In response, many farmers rely on organic farming.
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United Kingdom suffered from an outbreak of foot- and- mouth disease in 2001, requiring the killing of thousands of animals.
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European government’s put billions of dollars a year into agricultural industry.

Transportation and Communication
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Railways and Highways
– Natural resources linked to major industrial centers, major cities and airports are tied together due to development of railroads. In 1981, France began using high- speed trains known as TGVs. Less damaging to environment.
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Bridges and tunnels used to carry traffic through various mountains, water barriers or valleys. The Chunnel runs under English Channel.
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Europe linked by a well-developed highway system. Europe ranks only behind
United States in number of automobile owners.
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Seaports and Waterways
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Because of long coastline, has long and historic seafaring tradition. Handle more than half of the world’s international shipping.
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Transport goods at a lower cost because of navigable rivers. Rhine River and tributaries carry more freight than any other river system in Europe.
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Communications
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After fall of communism Eurovision of eastern Europe and Intervision of western Europe combined to form European Broadcasting Union.
– Media service varies. Western Europe high quality telephone service including fiber optics and satellite images, however eastern Europe does not enjoy such luxuries. Cell phones, internet and e-mail are common in western Europe.

Trade and Interdependence
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The European Union
• Following WWII movement for European unity. France’s push for links between Europe’s coal and steel industries seen as first step.
• Movement so successful that in 1957 Belgium, West Germany, Luxembourg,
France, Italy and the Netherlands created European Economic Community.
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EU was set up in 1992 when European governments met in the Netherlands to sign Maastricht Treaty.
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Goal of EU was to remove restrictions on movement of goods, services and people across its members borders. Wanted to pave way for single currency, central bank and foreign policy.
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Worked to boost trade and make economies more efficient.
– In 2004 members of EU attempted to establish an EU Constitution and that addressed several topics. Voting on European issues, creation of EU president, formal Charter of Fundamental Rights, confirmation that EU law is more powerful than national law, EU can sign international treaties on behalf of its members, common policies on foreign affairs and defense matters.
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Constitution came to a stand still when France and the Netherlands rejected it.
EU has continued to operate on the original structure.

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A New Eastern Europe
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Since fall of communism, region has been moving towards market economies. Economies have had to overcome outdated equipment and inefficient production methods. Many workers had to be retrained as industries switched to new technology.
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Change has come at a toll for many workers
• Lost their health care, lifetime jobs and other social benefits they received under communism. Led to a rise in death rates and a decline in life expectancy. Despite setbacks, eastern Europeans have begun to adjust to new lifestyles.
– EU poses several challenges to eastern Europe.
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Have to meet strict EU standards, and as members must compete with existing members who are years ahead of them.

Managing Resources
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Flooding
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Mud slides and heavy flooding common occurrences due to heavy rains.
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Led to loss of life, property and transportation networks. Several factors blamed for this, including natural climate cycle and global warming.
– Northwestern European countries that border Atlantic Ocean and North Sea experience violent storms.
• Since a severe Atlantic storm killed nearly 2,000 people in the Netherlands, engineers have carried out the Delta Plan. Goal to prevent severe flooding.
System of dams and dikes built to seal off coast.
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Soil Erosion
– Soil erosion accelerated by human’s misuse of land. Over-farming, bad farming practices, over grazing livestock and removing too much vegetation
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Serious problem in Mediterranean basin and affects Mediterranean countries.
Forest destruction in the area is one cause.
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Deforestation
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Four-fifths of Europe was once covered by forests, however, today more than two-thirds of these forests have been removed.
• People in the region have removed trees to create cities and farms.
– Many nations have made steps towards reforestation in recent years.
• Takes 70 years in southern Europe to replace full grown spruce and pine, and 140 years in the north.
– Other countries have taken steps to make tree cutting more responsible.

Human Impact
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Acid Rain
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To carry pollution away from industrial sites, built smoke stacks. Worked locally but drifted across national borders. Combined with moisture and created acid rain. In recent years many countries have made switch to natural gas. Countries in Eastern
Europe still rely heavily on coal, thus making acid rain a major problem.
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These chemicals carried by snow, which melts into groundwater, lakes and rivers.
Lakes and rivers experiencing declining fish populations, and in extreme cannot support life.
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Automobile exhaust also compounds problem of acid rain. In recent years EU has set strict emissions regulations.
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Air and Water Pollution
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Air pollution led to various problems including asthma and other respiratory problems. Factories built during communist times emit soot, sulfur and carbon dioxide. Many working to close outdated factories.
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Water pollution another issue.
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Particular problem in Mediterranean region, where countries use sea as a dumping site. Become more of an issue as pollution and tourism increased.
Mediterranean Sea experiences only small tides and weak currents which worsens problem by keeping pollution there. Harms marine and animal life and creates problems for people
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Mediterranean faces problems of over fishing, and nonnative species being introduced to waters. Raw sewage being dumped into water supplies is a problem.

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Global Warming
– Europe’s air quality creates global consequences. In recent years, global temperatures have increased because of raised amounts of carbon dioxide in atmosphere. Caused by burning of fossil fuels. Temperatures could rise as much as 10° in next 100 years. If climate continues to get warmer, polar ice caps and glaciers, causing ocean levels to rise.
– Exact cause of global warming cannot be agreed upon, which led international world to do very little. EU is a supporter of Kyoto Protocol. amendment to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by specific countries.
• Future Challenges
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Few areas remain unchanged and unaltered by human activity. Europeans dedicated to preserving these. Largest area still in its natural state is Bialowieza
Forest in Belarus and Poland. Home to animals rarely seen other places.
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Have made strides to clean up environment. Members of EU face legal actions if they do not respect environment
– Many power plants have resorted to burning natural gas instead of coal
• By start of 2010, all members of EU responsible for lowering emission levels by 15%. Western European countries and United States have been supplying eastern Europe with technology and investment to help modernize the region.