benelux – the low countries belgium netherlands luxembourg
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Benelux – The Low Countries
Belgium
Netherlands
Luxembourg
The Low Countries•Belgium is extremely flat and lies near sea level.
•40% of the Netherlands lies below sea level.
Extreme population density
•Area of Maine (1.5 million)
•Population = 27 million
Bicycles in Benelux
• Why does nearly everyone in the Benelux countries ride their bicycles to work?
• What might this tell you about the layout of the cities?
Belgium•Heavy coal regions in the east and west. Very industrial.
•More varied products in the north, like metals, chemicals, furniture. Also known for specialties like pianos and soaps.
•Famous for different types of beer and its exquisite cuisine.
Netherlands = “Low Lands”•Because the Netherlands has a large agricultrual base and Belgium is so industrial, together they exhibit strong complimentarity.
•Rotterdam is the world’s largest port•Amsterdam – the constitutional capital•The Hague – where the government is located and the U.N. international court•Together, they form a ring called the Randstad
Netherlands = Holland
• Holland (Hollow Country) is actually 2 regions in the heart of the Netherlands
• Dutch expand their living space, not thru war, but by wresting the land from the sea (dikes).
• Known for windmills, tulips, wooden shoes, and floods.
Luxembourg
• Highest per capita income in the world
• $80,000/year