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. Understanding Europe's Topography. Ive enjoyed my journey through some facts of European geography hope you did too! 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. The boundary continues to the Caspian Sea, the crest of the Caucasus Mountains (or, less commonly, the river Kura in the Caucasus), and on to the Black Sea. 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. When you reach out to him or her, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource. The climate supports a wide variety of seasonal crops. Only hill masses less than 800 feet (240 metres) in height rise gently within the Russian (East European) Plain, which continues northward into Finland, westward into the North European Plain, and southward in the Romanian, Bulgarian, and Hungarian plains. Editor of, Professor of Geography, Birkbeck College, University of London, 194770. Many of the most socially and economically powerful elements of these societies will be led by immigrants.Developing countries, such as those in eastern and southern Europe, are expected to bear the worst of the depopulation trend. Whats the Difference Between Great Britain and the United Kingdom? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). ft. home is a 4 bed, 4.0 bath property. 5 x Fun Facts about Europe The longest town name in Europe is Lanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogo, in Wales The Czech Republic is the most beer-drinking country per capita There are more UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe than any other continent in the world The highest toilet can be found at Mount Blanc The Grand Canal, Venice, Italy. Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. Routes detour around, or seek gaps through, those uplandswhose German appellation, Horst (thicket), recalls their still wooded character, while their coal basins give them great economic importance. It borders nine neighbors, more than any other European country. The tundra, found in Iceland and the northern reaches of Scandinavia and Russia, is a treeless region where small mosses, lichens, and ferns grow. 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. The tallest mountain in Europe is Mount Elbrus in Russia. Glaciation is the process of land being transformed by glaciers or ice sheets. They created clothing and tents out of reindeer hides, sewing together the cloth with twine made from the animals tendons.Keeping track of herds and individual animals became increasingly important in Sami life. A study completed by the Berlin Institute for Population and Development found that Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, western Germany, Switzerland, Slovenia, Austria, and France have the best prospects of supporting vibrant and economically successful societies. The euro is the second-most popular currency (behind the American dollar) and is used daily by more than 320 million people. The Sami culture of Scandinavia, for example, was deeply connected to the indigenous reindeer herds of the Arctic. 1996 - 2023 National Geographic Society. These countries included Greece, Ireland, Spain, and Portugal. In 1397, Denmark's Queen Margaret created the Kalmar Union, which included Sweden, Finland, Norway . 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. Ancient Greeks also believed reigning gods imprisoned lesser gods underneath the volcanoes. Wcz obsug JavaScript. It is home to many navigable rivers, including the Rhine, Weser, Elbe, Oder, and Vistula. The five most spoken native languages in Europe are Russian, German, French English, Turkish and Italian. In fact, the most famous symbol of the Iron Curtain was the Berlin Wall, which divided the East German city of Berlin into western and eastern-controlled parts.The economic and political demise of the Soviet Union led to the end of the Iron Curtain in the late 1980s. 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). 1. The forests and grasslands of Western and Central Europe have been almost completely domesticated, with crops and livestock dominant.Finally, small, drought-resistant plants border the Mediterranean Sea, Europe's southern edge. 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. Geographically, Turkey forms a natural land bridge between the old world continents of Asia, Africa and Europe. Mount Olympus became the first national park in Greece. 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. If you have questions about licensing content on this page, please contact ngimagecollection@natgeo.com for more information and to obtain a license. The Mediterranean Sea to the south separates Europe from Africa. Europe's northernmost point is the Svalbard archipelago of Norway, and it reaches as far south as the islands of Greece and Malta.Europe is sometimes described as a peninsula of peninsulas. Europe's main peninsulas are the Iberian, Italian, and Balkan, located in southern Europe, and the Scandinavian and Jutland, located in Northern Europe. Today, this cultural wealth is used to solidify the European Community and is exported to the rest of the world as one of the continents greatest global assets.Historic CulturesIndigenous cultures shaped, and were shaped by, the varied geography of Europe. In spite of its internal diversity, Europe has thus functioned, from the time it first emerged in the human consciousness, as a world apart, concentratingto borrow a phrase from Christopher Marloweinfinite riches in a little room.. It even includes roads! Updates? Topography often records the various elevations of an area using a topographical map. It stands 10,922 feet high on the coast of the Mediterranean island Sicily. I think the same issue applies to Turkey, which unlike Russia sees itself as belonging more to Europe than Asia, politically and economically. City-states were unique in that they were governed not by a hereditary ruler, but by a political body that represented its citizens. The biggest part of the United Kingdom (also called the U.K.) is the island of Great Britain, which is made up of England, Wales, and Scotland. During the harsh winter, the Sami ate all parts of the animal. The Netherlands is bordered by Germany in the east; and Belgium in the south. Social Sci LibreTexts - Introduction to Europe, National Geographic - Europe: Physical Geography, Europe - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Europe - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), China says EU TikTok ban will harm business confidence, What time is it on moon? Three smaller peninsulasIberia, Italy, and the Balkansemerge from the southern margin of the mainland. 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. Encyclopedic entry. About 18% of all Europeans consider themselves as atheist or not religious. The Sami followed and cared for these herds during their grazing cycle. 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. In fact, the tallest mountain in Europe is in Kazakhstan and is called Khan Tengri, standing 22,999 feet high, some 4,500 feet higher than the next tallest, Mount Elbrus in Russia. The link between these peninsulas has made Europe a dominant economic, social, and cultural force throughout recorded history.Europe's physical geography, environment and resources, and human geography can be considered separately.Europe can be divided into four major physical regions, running from north to south: Western Uplands, North European Plain, Central Uplands, and Alpine Mountains.Western UplandsThe Western Uplands, also known as the Northern Highlands, curve up the western edge of Europe and define the physical landscape of Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, and Denmark), Finland, Iceland, Scotland, Ireland, the Brittany region of France, Spain, and Portugal.The Western Uplands is defined by hard, ancient rock that was shaped by glaciation. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. You can actually get very close to the falls and safely, thanks to a well maintained hiking trail. A fjord is a long and narrow inlet of the sea that is surrounded by high, rugged cliffs. Sometimes considered a transcontinental country, it is located at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, [2] and is today generally regarded as part of Europe. Rocks of all geologic periods are exposed, and the operation of geologic forces during an immense succession of eras has contributed to the molding of the landscapes of mountain, plateau, and lowland and has bequeathed a variety of mineral reserves. Brussels is considered to be the largest city of Belgium, according to the population of the Brussels-Capital Region. Turkey and Cyprus in particular, while geologically Asian, possess elements of European culture and may be regarded as parts of Europe. This idea of citizenshipof being connected to and having a voice in your communitybecame the basic building block of democracy. Germany's location at the heart of Europe has shaped its history both for good and bad. [3] [4] It is bordered to the north and northeast by Russia, to the . The temperature difference between summer and winter gradually increases from coastal northwest Europe to southeast inland Europe, ranging from Ireland, with a temperature difference of only 10C from the warmest to the coldest month, to the area north of the Caspian Sea, with a temperature difference of 40C. Trees also grow in that southernmost region, including the Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), cypress, and cork oak (Quercus suber). The continent is awash with stunning beaches so its only right that the facts of European geography include its longest beach. Please enable JavaScript. In the Alps, Mont Blanc rises to a height of 15,771 feet (4,807 metres), which is the highest point on the continent. These features typically include natural formations such as mountains, rivers, lakes, and valleys. Some critics argue these attitudes are xenophobic. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. It is the continent's second largest island (after Great Britain). Figures for the population of Europe vary according to which definition of European boundaries is used. Among the continents, Europe is an anomaly. All rights reserved. Those are coastal and interior lowlands, central uplands and plateaus, the northwestern highlands, and southern Europe. The name Europe, or Europa, is believed to be of Greek origin, as it is the name of a princess in Greek mythology. Related topics are discussed in such articles as those on religion (e.g., Judaism and Roman Catholicism) and literature (e.g., Greek literature; Dutch literature; and Spanish literature). Not only is Mount Etna the highest volcanic peak in Europe but it is still active. The population within the standard physical geographical boundaries was 701 million in 2005 according to the United Nations. Southward of the limits of the northern glacial ice are vales and hills, with the Paris and London basins typical examples. It is the smallest country both in size and population. In many places, including the Mediterranean and North seas, waters have been overfished. Climatically, Europe benefits by having only a small proportion of its surface either too cold or too hot and dry for effective settlement and use. Moose, bear, and elk (Cervus canadensis) are native to the European taiga.Just south of the taiga is a mixture of coniferous and deciduous trees, including beech, ash, poplar, and willow. 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. You cannot download interactives. Economically, Russia and former Soviet states are not part of what we think of as Europe these days, because they are not part of the European Union. Eastern Europe is everything east of Germany, Austria, and Italy. 3. The financial crisis is defined by debt and high unemployment. 12. In fact, many developing nations argued that the Copenhagen Accord was drafted by a small group of powerful countries and unfairly disadvantages poorer countries, many of which are expected to suffer the worst effects of climate change.The ageing of Europes population is also expected to dramatically affect the continents social, political, and financial future. 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). Updated: 07/28/2022 Table of Contents Russia is Europe's largest country. Glaciation too has left its mark over wide areas, and the processes of erosion and deposition have created a highly variegated and compartmentalized countryside. There are more bicycles than people in the country (22.3 million bicycles and 17 million people). Critics believe the process of attaining EU membership is too difficult for Europes developing economies. The most common way to show this is using topographical maps. (The East and North European plains are known together as the European Plain.) Milan is also home to important European fashion magazines, such as Grazia, Vogue Italia, and Vera.German automotive design has a global reputation for excellence and prestige. The well-watered plateaus give rise to many rivers and are well adapted to pastoral farming. The continent, excluding Russia, contains less than one-tenth of the total population of the world, but in general its people are well educated and highly skilled. Europe Facts | Religion: Most of the European people are Christians (76%) and there are smaller numbers of Muslims (6%) and Jews and other beliefs. Europes largest and longest river is the Volga. 4. World War II also left more than 40 million refugees, contributed to the independence of European colonies throughout the world, and devastated the urban infrastructure of many European cities.As a result of the devastation of World War II, Western Europes leadership in global politics diminished. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The U.K. also includes Northern Ireland, which is on another island. Europe's shape is in a constant change: The Mediterranean basin is shrinking, the Alps are rising and pushing North, and Scandinavia is still rebounding after having been crushed by the weight of a thick and huge ice sheet in the ice ages. About a quarter of marine mammals are threatened.Today, around 15 percent of Europe's animal species are threatened or endangered, mainly by habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation, and competition from invasive species. These ideas have been tested during times of peace and military conflict, and continue to be redefined today.Historic IssuesEuropes early political history can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, both of which profoundly affected how Western civilizations govern their territories and citizens.Described as the birthplace of democracy, ancient Greece revolved around the polis, or city-state. Greeces many earthquakes, and the tsunamis they caused, were connected to the sea god Poseidon, known as the Earth Shaker. Cults and temples centered on Poseidon were built throughout the Aegean and Mediterranean seas as a means of appeasing the god.As maritime trade and exploration developed in the region, winds and currents connected to Poseidon became important in Greek mythology. Corrections? Developed countries, however, are also facing economic challenges. This program must not only highlight the citys unique cultural heritage, but also feature new events that unite a range of cultural practices from across Europe. Important Scandinavian companies focused on designed products include Electrolux, which makes home electronics, and Ikea and H&M, famous around the world for inexpensive but well-designed home furnishings and clothing, respectively. Read important geography facts about Ireland and information about Ireland's landscapes, topography, and coastline. [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]. 7 Fun and Fashionable DIY Animal Ears That You Should Make Look like a Fashionista by Color Coordinate Your Outfits like a Pro Introverts Vs Extroverts Which One Are You. China says a ban on the use of TikTok by official European Union institutions will harm business confidence in Europe, With more lunar missions than ever on the horizon, the European Space Agency wants to give the moon its own time zone, The death toll has risen to at least 63 in the migrant tragedy off Italys southern coast after rescue crews recovered several more bodies, Shares have opened lower in Europe after a mixed session in Asia following a reprieve on Wall Street from recent selling pressure driven by worries over inflation and interest rates, Spain is building on its reputation in renewable energy to position itself as Europes future leader in green hydrogen. The city is home to the headquarters of luxury brands such as Valentino, Gucci, Versace, and Prada. Some of these concepts include the idea of an elected Senate and the stationing of military troops outside a countrys home region.World War I and World War II dramatically affected the political geography of Europe. The North European Plain remains the most densely populated region of Europe.Central UplandsThe Central Uplands extend east-west across Central Europe and include western France and Belgium, southern Germany, the Czech Republic, and parts of northern Switzerland and Austria.The Central Uplands are lower in altitude and less rugged than the Alpine region and are heavily wooded. This article treats the physical and human geography of Europe. Only North Korea has such high literacy rates as Ukraine. When it . 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. The Netherlands is a country located in Northwestern Europe. 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. Some of these facts about Europe are newer than others. Le site web de CORDIS ncessite lactivation de JavaScript pour fonctionner correctement. The highest summit in Iceland is Hvannadals Peak, at 6,952 feet (2,119 metres), while Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Great Britain, stands at an elevation of only 4,406 feet (1,343 metres). The Kimmel Falls are in Hohe Tauen National Park and are one of Austrias most visited tourist attractions. Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC43qCBEfmy-wouPmYlLSpIg/join#europe #India #gypsiesContact Us- info@themysticaland.. It has coastlines on the Bay of Biscay (a part of the Atlantic Ocean) and the Mediterranean Sea.Spain's capital and largest city is Madrid, and the country is known for its long history, unique culture, strong economy, and very high living standards. Europe is home to two countries that are completely landlocked by Italy. Volcanic peak in Europe is home to the headquarters of luxury brands such as mountains, rivers,,! 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