Section 1: The British Isles

Section 2: France

Section 3: The Benelux Countries

Section 4: Scandinavia

CHAPTER 14

Northern and Western Europe

SECTION 1

The British Isles

Question:What are the similarities and differences between the cultures of Ireland and Great Britain?

SECTION 1

The British Isles

Ireland and Great Britain—Similar CulturesIreland and Great Britain—Similar Cultures

• republic• predominantly

Roman Catholic• some Gaelic

speakers

• constitutional monarchy

• predominantly Protestant

• democratic governments

• English predominant language

• similar social life, sports

Ireland Great Britain

SECTION 2

France

Question:What major issues and challenges does France face today?

SECTION 2

France

Issues and Challenges Facing France Today

government’s influence over the

economy

integrating increasing numbers of new immigrants into French society

relations with former colonies, problems

with overseas

departments

SECTION 3

The Benelux Countries

Question:What are the characteristics of the major cities and economies of the Benelux countries?

SECTION 3

The Benelux Countries

The Benelux CountriesThe Benelux Countries

Major CitiesBelgium: Brussels,

headquarters of EU and NATONetherlands: Amsterdam, capital; Rotterdam, busy

seaport; The Hague, Dutch Parliament, International Court

of JusticeLuxembourg: none listed

EconomyBelgium: industry, agriculture,

international business, diamond cutting, carpets, chocolate

Netherlands: agriculture (dairy and flowers), diversified

activities, many exports, natural gas

Luxembourg: steel, international banking

SECTION 4

Scandinavia

Question:What cultural characteristics do the Scandinavian countries share?

SECTION 4

Scandinavia

mostly Lutheran Protestants

languages closely related (except Finnish)

democratic systems of government

healthy, well-educated populations

long life spans and low birthrates

mostly urban populations

Scandinavia

1. How did Britain control a vast empire? How is it tied to former colonies today?

2. How has Ireland’s economy changed in recent years? How have these changes influenced migration?

3. What features make Paris the primate city of France?

4. What are Belgium’s two language regions?5. How is the population of Scandinavian countries

distributed with regard to cities?

1. How did Britain control a vast empire? How is it tied to former colonies today?

2. How has Ireland’s economy changed in recent years? How have these changes influenced migration?

3. What features make Paris the primate city of France?

4. What are Belgium’s two language regions?5. How is the population of Scandinavian countries

distributed with regard to cities?

CHAPTER 14

Chapter Wrap-Up