Introduction to Europe

• Europe is the second smallest continent in size.
• There are around 44 countries in Europe, including England, France, Croatia and part of Russia.
• Approximately 743 million people live in Europe.
• Europe is the third largest continent by population.
• Most countries in Europe use the Euro as their currency
• Europe is about 4000 kilometers from north to south.
• Europe has a wide variety of landscapes, including vast forests and high mountain ranges.
• Europe has very little desert area.
• A high proportion of land in Europe is suitable for farming compared to other continents.
• More than half of the land is fairly flat, low plains.
• Glaciers have created a rocky landscape in parts of Northern Europe.
• Southern Europe occupies land that juts into the Mediterranean Sea.
• The European Union (EU) works to improve people's lives.

Trade within the EU

• All countries in the EU cooperate over trade.
• Producers do not have to pay a tax when they take their goods into another country.

Joint Projects within the EU

• Different countries in the EU work together on big, expensive projects.
• Joint projects include building aeroplanes and scientific research.

Farming in the EU

• The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) ensures people receive food at reasonable prices.
• Farmers are properly paid for the goods they produce.

Working Conditions in the EU

• People can work in any EU country without special permission.
• There are laws about working hours, safety, and levels of pay.

Fishing in the EU

• Many fish have been caught around Europe
• Fish stocks are running low.
• The EU has passed laws about when fishing boats can go out to sea, where to fish, and the type of nets they can use.

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.

EU Data

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

Highest Mountain in Europe

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

Additional Data about Europe

• Europe is the only continent without deserts.
• Europe has a remarkably long coastline of about 66,000 km.
• Finland is 5 percent forested and has the most trees in Europe.

The European Union's Formation

• After World War II (1939-1945), Europe was in ruins.
• Countries decided that working together would help to keep the peace.
• In 1957, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands agreed on a plan.
• The plan was to develop farming and industry and increase wages.
• This was the start of the European Union (EU).

Climate of Europe

• Most of Western Europe has a moist and moderate climate.
• Eastern Europe has cold winters and hot summers, especially in the southeast.
• The winter can be long and very cold in the far north.
• Countries near the Mediterranean Sea have hot, dry summers and mild winters.

Largest Country in Europe

• The European part of Russia covers more area than any other country.
• The three largest countries are Russia, the Ukraine, and France.
• The largest capital city is Moscow.
• The Russian capital city houses more than 13 million inhabitants within the city limits.
• Saint Petersburg is Russia's second-largest city with 5.3 million inhabitants.
• Moscow is the largest city that is entirely on the European continent.

The Volga River

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

What is England?

• England is one of four parts of the United Kingdom.
• London is the capital of both England and the United Kingdom.
• England is located on the island of Great Britain, west of the main continent of Europe.
• The English Channel separates England from France.
• Scotland is to England's north and Wales to its west.
• Most of England is covered with hills, but the central and southeastern regions have plains.
• The Cumbrian Mountains are in the northwest, including Scafell Pike, the highest point in England.
• The Pennines are lower mountains in the north and center of England.
• The shores are lined with cliffs and bays.
• The Thames is the longest river in England, flowing through a large part of southeastern England.
• Other large rivers are the Severn and the Trent.
• The largest lake, Windermere, is in an area known as the Lake District in the northwest.

Settlement in England

Motorways and railways spread out from London to all parts of the country.

• About 50 million people use Heathrow airport (24 km west of London) every year.
• The majority of England's population lives in cities.
• London is the largest city area
• Other major English cities include Birmingham, in the center of the country, and Leeds, in the northeast
• Liverpool and Manchester are the main industrial cities of the northwest.
• London, the West Midlands, and northern England are important industrial areas.
• London is a worldwide center for banking and insurance.

Climate in England

• The climate in England is temperate maritime, or moderate.
• Temperatures will not go far below 0°C in winter and not much above 32°C in summer.
• England is warmer and sunnier than the other countries that make up the United Kingdom.
• The south coast of England has the least cloud cover.
• Mountainous areas, alongside the north and west of England, experience more cloud cover.
• The Lake District is the wettest area, and eastern England is the driest.
• The south coast has more sunshine than any other area in England.

Transport in England

• Motorways and railways connect London to all parts of the country.
• About 50 million people use Heathrow airport (24 km west of London) every year.