European Geography

Country Borders

• Europe has a total of 50 countries, with some borders being disputed or undefined
• The European continent is bounded by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Asia to the east, and Africa to the south
• Some notable country borders include:
  • The Pyrenees Mountains, which separate France and Spain
  • The Alps, which separate France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria
  • The Oder-Neisse line, which separates Germany and Poland

River Systems

• Europe has numerous river systems, including:
  • The Danube River, which flows through 10 countries and is the second-longest river in Europe
  • The Rhine River, which flows through Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands
  • The Volga River, which flows through Russia and is the longest river in Europe
• River systems are important for transportation, irrigation, and hydroelectric power

Island Nations

• Iceland is the largest island nation in Europe, with a population of around 360,000 people
• Other notable island nations include:
  • Ireland, which is divided into the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland
  • Malta, which is an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea
  • Cyprus, which is divided into the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Capital Cities

• Some notable capital cities in Europe include:
  • Paris, France, known as the "City of Light"
  • Berlin, Germany, known for its rich history and cultural attractions
  • Rome, Italy, known for its ancient history and architecture
  • London, United Kingdom, a global financial hub
  • Moscow, Russia, known for its grand architecture and cultural attractions

Mountain Ranges

• Europe has several prominent mountain ranges, including:
  • The Alps, which stretch across eight countries and are home to the highest peaks in Europe
  • The Carpathian Mountains, which stretch across Central and Eastern Europe
  • The Pyrenees Mountains, which separate France and Spain
  • The Apennine Mountains, which run along the Italian peninsula
  • The Balkan Mountains, which stretch across Southeastern Europe

Country Borders

• Europe has 50 countries with some disputed or undefined borders
• Europe is bounded by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Asia to the east, and Africa to the south
• Notable country borders include the Pyrenees Mountains (France-Spain), Alps (France-Switzerland-Italy-Austria), and Oder-Neisse line (Germany-Poland)

River Systems

• Europe has numerous river systems, including the Danube River (10 countries, 2nd longest), Rhine River (Switzerland-Austria-Germany-France-Netherlands), and Volga River (Russia, longest)
• River systems are important for transportation, irrigation, and hydroelectric power

Island Nations

• Iceland is the largest island nation in Europe, with a population of around 360,000 people
• Notable island nations include Ireland (divided into Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland), Malta (Mediterranean Sea archipelago), and Cyprus (divided into Republic of Cyprus and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus)

Capital Cities

• Notable capital cities in Europe include Paris (France, "City of Light"), Berlin (Germany, rich history and cultural attractions), Rome (Italy, ancient history and architecture), London (United Kingdom, global financial hub), and Moscow (Russia, grand architecture and cultural attractions)

Mountain Ranges

• Prominent mountain ranges in Europe include the Alps (eight countries, highest peaks), Carpathian Mountains (Central and Eastern Europe), Pyrenees Mountains (France-Spain), Apennine Mountains (Italian peninsula), and Balkan Mountains (Southeastern Europe)