All About Europe

Europe

• The European Union (EU) works to improve people's lives.
• Europe is the second smallest continent in size.
• Approximately 743 million people live in Europe.
• Europe is the third-largest continent by population.
• There are about 44 countries in Europe, including England, France, Croatia, and part of Russia.
• Europe is about 4000 kilometers from north to south, with diverse landscapes.
• The European part of Russia covers more area than any other country.
• The three largest countries are Russia, Ukraine, and France.
• Europe has wide landscapes including forests of Russia and high mountain ranges.
• Europe has minimal deserts, therefore a greater proportion of its land is suitable for farming compared to other continents.
• More than half the land consists of fairly flat, low plains, including much of Western and Eastern Europe.
• Glaciers have created a rocky landscape in parts of Northern Europe.
• Southern Europe has land jutting into the Mediterranean Sea.
• Europe is the only continent without deserts.
• Europe has a remarkably long coastline, approximately 66,000 km.
• Many countries in the EU suffer from the same pollution problems.
• Laws have been agreed to protect the environment and reduce pollution levels.
• People can work in any EU country without special permission.
• There are laws about working hours, safety, and pay within the EU.
• After WWII much of Europe was in ruins and had to be rebuilt.
• In 1957, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands agreed on a farming and industry scheme to increase wages.
• Most countries use the Euro as currency.

Trade in the EU

• All EU countries cooperate over trade.
• Producers do not pay taxes when taking goods to another country.

Joint Projects in the EU

• EU countries work together on large, expensive projects with scientific research.
• These projects include building airplanes.

Farming in the EU

• The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) aims for reasonable food prices.
• CAP aims for farmers to be properly paid for their products.

Fishing in Europe

• Fish stocks around Europe are declining due to overfishing.
• The EU has laws regarding when and where fishing boats can operate and the types of nets they can use.

Working Conditions in the EU

• People within the EU can work in the country of their choice without special permission.
• There are laws regarding hours of work, safety and level of pay in the EU.

Environment in the EU

• Many countries in the EU suffer from the same pollution problems.
• Laws have been agreed to protect the environment and reduce pollution levels.

Data Bank

• The EU has a population of over 500 million people.
• 80,000 ships call into EU ports each year.
• The EU is the world's biggest aid donor.

Mountains in Europe

• Mount Elbrus in Russia (5,642 m/ 18,510 ft) is the tallest mountain in Europe.
• Mount Elbrus is part of the Caucasus mountain range.
• Mont Blanc is the highest peak in the European Alps.
• Mont Blanc is 4,810 m/ 15,781 ft high and sits on the border of Italy and France.
• The Alps mountain range is the longest and highest range located entirely in Europe.

Weather in Europe

• Most of Western Europe has a moist and moderate climate.
• Eastern Europe has cold winters and hot summers, especially in the southeast.
• The mediterranean countries have hot, dry summers and mild winters.

Cities in Europe

• Moscow is the largest capital city in Europe and holds more than 13 million inhabitants.
• Saint Petersburg, with 5.3 million inhabitants, is Russia's second-largest city.
• Moscow is the largest city that is entirely on the European continent!

Rivers in Europe

• The Volga River runs through Russia.
• The Volga river is the longest river in Europe at 2,294 miles long.
• In places, the Volga is very wide.
• One of the biggest battles of World War 2 was fought on the banks of the Volga River.
• Huge sturgeon fish can be found living in the Volga River water.

England

• England's climate is called temperate maritime, which means the climate is mild.
• England is located on the island of Great Britain.
• The English Channel separates England from France.
• The South coast of England has the most sunshine than any other area in England.
• Motorways and railways spread out from London to all parts of the country.
• The majority of England's population lives in cities.
• Heathrow airport has approximately 50 million people use it every year.
• Temperatures usually range from 0°C in winter to 32°C in summer.
• England is warmer and sunnier than other countries in the UK.
• The south coast has the least cloud cover, while mountainous areas in the north and west experience more cloud cover.
• The Lake District is the wettest area, and eastern England is the driest.
• England is the largest of the four parts of the United Kingdom.
• London is the capital of both England and the United Kingdom.
• Scotland lies to England's north, and Wales is to its west.
• Most of England is covered with hills, with plains in the central and southeastern regions.
• The Cumbrian Mountains are in the northwest.
• The Cumbrian Mountains include Scafell Pike.
• Scafell Pike is the highest point in England at 3,210 feet (978 meters).
• The Pennines are lower mountains in the north and center of England.
• The shores are lined with cliffs and bays.
• The longest river in England is the Thames, which flows through a large part of southeastern England.
• Other large rivers that flow through England are the Severn and the Trent.
• England has few notable lakes.
• The largest lake, Windermere, is in an area known as the Lake District in the northwest.
• Major cities include Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, and Manchester.
• The greater London area is the largest city area and center for banking and insurance.
• The West midlands and northern England are key industrial areas.