Rocks of all geologic periods are exposed, and the operation of geologic forces during an immense succession of eras has contributed to the molding of the landscapes of mountain, plateau, and lowland and has bequeathed a variety of mineral reserves. It is home to many navigable rivers, including the Rhine, Weser, Elbe, Oder, and Vistula. Physiographically, it is the northwestern peninsula of the larger landmass known as Eurasia (or the larger Afro-Eurasia); Asia occupies the centre and east of this continuous landmass. The low starting elevation makes the Volga a slow flowing river. The continents eastern boundary (north to south) runs along the Ural Mountains and then roughly southwest along the Emba (Zhem) River, terminating at the northern Caspian coast. Indeed, Turkey has sought membership in the European Union (EU), and the Republic of Cyprus joined the organization in 2004. 4. Only Oceania has less landmass. All rights reserved. The study also showed that only 8 percent of respondents considered language-learning unimportant.The European Union has adopted a multilingual language policy with the goal that everyone should be able to speak at least two languages in addition to their own. Europe is the second-smallest continent. Superficial rock cover, elevation, drainage, and soil have sharply differentiated those lowlandswhich are of prime importance to human settlementinto areas of marsh or fen, clay vales, sand and gravel heaths, or river terraces and fertile plains. During this time, a number of anti-communist revolutions swept central and eastern Europe. Europe Facts for KS2 Children. Larger only than Australia, it is a small appendage of Eurasia. The U.K. also includes Northern Ireland, which is on another island. Europes boundaries have been especially uncertain, and hence much debated, on the east, where the continent merges, without sundering physical boundaries, with parts of western Asia. Ethnic Groups / People of Europe are at 87. Around 400 CE, the Alemanni, a Germanic tribe, invaded present-day northern Switzerland. Here are 21 things about this amazing continent that may just surprise you. It was a barbarian worldthat is, a non-Greek one, with its inhabitants making bar-bar noises in unintelligible tongues. The Kimmel Falls are the tallest in Europe and also 5th in the list of the worlds highest waterfalls. This rescue package has caused tensions to rise between economically competitive countries and the indebted countries that they are helping to rescue. Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service. Iceland is usually included in Europe because it is over twice as close to mainland Europe as mainland North America. Political geography is the internal and external relationships between governments, citizens, and territories. Ive enjoyed my journey through some facts of European geography hope you did too! Other political institutions of Rome persist throughout Europe and former European colonies. The region includes the mountains of the Alps, Pyrenees, Apennines, Dinaric Alps, Balkans, and Carpathians.High elevations, rugged plateaus, and steeply sloping land define the region. Italian fashion is also an important cultural export. Indented by numerous bays, fjords, and seas, continental Europes highly irregular coastline is about 24,000 miles (38,000 km) long. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited. 1996 - 2023 National Geographic Society. It has coastlines on the Bay of Biscay (a part of the Atlantic Ocean) and the Mediterranean Sea.Spain's capital and largest city is Madrid, and the country is known for its long history, unique culture, strong economy, and very high living standards. The central uplands and plateaus present distinctive landscapes of rounded summits, steep slopes, valleys, and depressions. Switzerland's small sizeits total area is about half that of Scotlandand its modest population give little indication of its international significance. For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. Its major peninsulas include Jutland and the Scandinavian, Iberian, Italian, and Balkan peninsulas. 33 forms the majority of the population while 54 are ethnic minorities. The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. Por favor, active JavaScript. At its largest, Rome controlled approximately 6.5 million square kilometers (2.5 million square miles) of land.The Roman approach to conquering and controlling territory is often considered to be the basis of Western imperialism. The major shallow water bodies submerging parts of the northern plains are the Celtic Sea, the North Sea, the Baltic Sea complex, and the Barents Sea. Note: Italy's capital, Rome, is the country's largest city if only the municipality (comune) is considered. Encyclopedic entry. In fact, the tallest mountain in Europe is in Kazakhstan and is called Khan Tengri, standing 22,999 feet high, some 4,500 feet higher than the next tallest, Mount Elbrus in Russia. But, I agree - the lines are very blurred. Whats the Difference Between Great Britain and the United Kingdom? Glaciers are found in a surprisingly large number of European countries, including Iceland, Norway, Spain, France, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. The biggest part of the United Kingdom (also called the U.K.) is the island of Great Britain, which is made up of England, Wales, and Scotland. The temperature difference between summer and winter gradually increases from coastal northwest Europe to southeast inland Europe, ranging from Ireland, with a temperature difference of only 10C from the warmest to the coldest month, to the area north of the Caspian Sea, with a temperature difference of 40C. Trees also grow in that southernmost region, including the Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), cypress, and cork oak (Quercus suber). Because of their remoteness, however, all these regions have distinct dialects that differ slightly from their parent language. Protests developed across the Muslim world, and demonstrators set fire to Danish embassies in Lebanon, Iran, and Syria. This description is simplified. Europe's most significant geological feature is the dichotomy between the highlands and mountains of Southern Europe and a vast, partially underwater, northern plain ranging from Great Britain in the west to the Ural Mountains in the east. Still another scheme with many adherents locates the continental boundary along the Aras River and the Turkish border, thereby putting Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia in Europe. Many of the most socially and economically powerful elements of these societies will be led by immigrants.Developing countries, such as those in eastern and southern Europe, are expected to bear the worst of the depopulation trend. 3. The Sami followed and cared for these herds during their grazing cycle. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. Four broad topographic units can be simply, yet usefully, distinguished in the continent of Europe. Grades 6 - 12+ Subjects Arts and Music, Economics, Geography, Human Geography, Social Studies, World History Photograph Europe Europe is the western peninsula of the giant "supercontinent" of Eurasia. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Europes largest islands and archipelagoes include Novaya Zemlya, Franz Josef Land, Svalbard, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, the British Isles, the Balearic Islands, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Malta, Crete, and Cyprus. Another important physical feature is the southeast-northwest zone of windblown loess deposits that have accumulated from eastern Britain to Ukraine. Europes continuing economic achievements are evidenced by its high standard of living and its successes in science, technology, and the arts. As a continent with hugely diverse topography, the geographical facts about Europe are going to be an interesting collection. These journeys varied in length, depending on the migration patterns of specific reindeer herds. The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. Switzerland, federated country of central Europe. La Boule measures 7.5 miles and is served by a lovely and ancient seaside town where many of the French elite have holiday homes. From the Greek perspective then, Europa was culturally backward and scantily settled. Check out this amazing list of Austria facts that include history, food, culture, and more. Luxembourg is landlocked, separated from the North Sea by Belgium.. Population Density188 people per square kilometer, Highest ElevationMount Elbrus, Russia (5,642 meters/18,510 feet), Most Renewable Electricity ProducedIceland (99.9%; hydropower, geothermal), Largest Urban AreaMoscow, Russia (16.2 million people), Largest WatershedVolga River (1.38 million square km/532,821 square miles). 1996 - 2023 National Geographic Society. 0. 2. The goals of the program are local, regional, and global. In the face of an economic crisis, EU citizens of poorer member countries, such as the Roma of Bulgaria and Romania, often migrate to more developed EU countries in search of work. The well-watered plateaus give rise to many rivers and are well adapted to pastoral farming. Some reindeer herds have a home range of up to 5,000 square kilometers (1,930 square miles). Europe's highest peak, Mount Elbrus at 5,642 meters (18,510 feet), is in the Caucasus Mountains of Russia. The Iron Curtain took on the physical shape of border defenses, walls, and limited diplomacy. Europe is a peninsula of the Eurasian supercontinent and is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean, Black, and Caspian Seas to the south.Europe's main peninsulas are the Iberian, Italian, and Balkan, located in southern Europe, and the Scandinavian and Jutland, located in Northern Europe. They created clothing and tents out of reindeer hides, sewing together the cloth with twine made from the animals tendons.Keeping track of herds and individual animals became increasingly important in Sami life. Certain countries and regions have even developed an identity or branding focused on specific products and exports.Scandinavian design, for instance, is primarily focused on fashion and home wares. It happens to be the longest river in Europe and covers 3,692 km/ 2,295 miles long. This is the largest landlocked country in the world. Europe is sometimes called a "peninsula of peninsulas", to draw attention to the fact that Europe is a relatively small, elongated appendage to Asia, and that a large part of Europe is made up of peninsulas. With such a large number of nationalities compacted into such a small area, Europe strongly supports individual cultural identities and products.The European Capitals of Culture program, started in 1985, has become one of Europes most important and high-profile cultural events. Today, this is the German-speaking region of the country.Around this same time, Roman conquerors took over present-day southern Switzerland. When it . Yet the peninsular and insular western extremity of the continent, thrusting toward the North Atlantic Ocean, providesthanks to its latitude and its physical geographya relatively genial human habitat, and the long processes of human history came to mark off the region as the home of a distinctive civilization. Kosovo is a. In this case, the region of Western Europe includes the regions of northern Europe, southern Europe, Central Europe, and the British Isles. The Alpine region also includes active volcanoes, such as Mount Etna and Mount Vesuvius in Italy. The Volga River in Russia. National Geographic News: New Fault Found in EuropeMay 'Close Up' Adriatic Sea, National Geographic News: Volcanic Ash Stops Europe FlightsWhy Ash Is Dangerous, European Environment Agency: European Land Cover, National Geographic Education: Mapping EuropeLand Mammal Range. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. France is known for being a world power and has been an economic and cultural center of Europe for hundreds of years. Please enable JavaScript. The 4,506 sq. It is bordered on the north by the Arctic Ocean, on the west by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the south (west to east) by the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, the Kuma-Manych Depression, and the Caspian Sea. You cannot download interactives. Continental shelvesformer land surfaces that have been covered by shallow seasare a feature of peninsular Europe, while the coasts themselves are both submerged or drowned, as in southwestern Ireland and northwestern Spain, and emergent, as in western Scotland and southern Wales, where raised former beaches are in evidence. [2] A prehistoric perspective would include Britain and Ireland as the core of a further very significant European peninsula prior to the post-glacial rise in sea-levels.[3]. For discussion of individual countries of the continent, see specific articles by namee.g., Italy, Poland, and United Kingdom. These features typically include natural formations such as mountains, rivers, lakes, and valleys. The Danubian and northern Italian lowlands are thus mountain-ringed islands. The Volga River in Russia is Europe's longest river. The consensus is, however, that the largest glacier in Europe is the Vatnajokull glacier in Iceland. Topographic maps (often called topo maps for short) are large scale maps, often greater than 1:50,000, which means that one inch on the map equals 50,000 inches on the ground. It borders nine neighbors, more than any other European country. Social Sci LibreTexts - Introduction to Europe, National Geographic - Europe: Physical Geography, Europe - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Europe - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), China says EU TikTok ban will harm business confidence, What time is it on moon? National Geographic Headquarters 1145 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20036. The continent also comprises numerous islands, somenotably the Faroes and Icelandlocated at a distance from the mainland. A convenient division is made by a line linking the base of the peninsula of Jutland with the head of the Adriatic Sea. It is characterized by simple, minimalist design and low-cost mass production. Luxembourg is a small country located in the Low Countries, part of North-West Europe It borders Belgium for 148 kilometres (92 miles) to the west and north, France (73 km [45 mi]) to the south, and Germany (138 km [86 mi]) to the east. Can you think of anything notable you think I should have included? There are also central highlands and deserts features in the south. El "cambio climtico" abarca el calentamiento global, pero se refiere a la gama ms amplia de cambios que le estn ocurriendo a nuestro planeta. These events had a devastating effect on Denmarks reputation as a progressive and welcoming country. The cold water surrounding northern Britain and Scandinavia is home to unique species of cold-water corals. It stands 10,922 feet high on the coast of the Mediterranean island Sicily. As Ive talked about fire (volcanoes), it wouldnt be right to leave ice out of the geography facts of Europe. Understanding Europe's Topography. Economically, Russia and former Soviet states are not part of what we think of as Europe these days, because they are not part of the European Union. A small troop of Barbary macaques lives on the tiny island of Gibraltar, between Spain and the African country of Morocco.The waters surrounding Europe are home to a number of organisms, including fish, seaweeds, marine mammals, and crustaceans. Milan is also home to important European fashion magazines, such as Grazia, Vogue Italia, and Vera.German automotive design has a global reputation for excellence and prestige. Those highland areas include lands of abundant rainfallwhich supplies hydroelectricity and water to industrial citiesand provide summer pastures for cattle. Key Facts. That civilization is distinguished from the rest of Europe by legacies of a medieval Mongol-Tatar domination that precluded the sharing of many of the innovations and developments of European Western civilization; it became further distinctive during the relative isolation of the Soviet period. Professor of Geography, University of Connecticut, Storrs. [3] [4] It is bordered to the north and northeast by Russia, to the . Only hill masses less than 800 feet (240 metres) in height rise gently within the Russian (East European) Plain, which continues northward into Finland, westward into the North European Plain, and southward in the Romanian, Bulgarian, and Hungarian plains. The name Europe may also come from combining the Greek roots eur- (wide) and -op (seeing) to form the phrase wide-gazing.Europe is often described as a peninsula of peninsulas. A peninsula is a piece of land surrounded by water on three sides. The worn-down Ural Mountains also belong in that category, and their highest point, Mount Narodnaya (6,217 feet [1,895 metres]), corresponds approximately to that of the Massif Central in south-central France. To read all future answers to your comment, please bookmark this page. Each country could easily make a contribution with an interesting fact as the landscape changes so dramatically across small spaces, unlike other continents. The European Union created a $957 billion rescue package for the EU economy, primarily for countries that had unsustainable debt rates. Europe is the western peninsula of the giant "supercontinent" of Eurasia. Latin, the language of Rome, evolved into French in the western region, and Italian in the south. The overall population of Europe is set to drop from roughly 590 million to 542 million by 2050. Other European islands are much smaller. If you have questions about licensing content on this page, please contact ngimagecollection@natgeo.com for more information and to obtain a license. Mountain ranges, such as the Alps and the Carpathian mountains, have a highland climate with large variations according to altitude and latitude. The population of the City of Brussels is ~175,000. Furthermore, the Mediterranean coastlands of North Africa and southwestern Asia also exhibit some European physical and cultural affinities. Fortuitously, Europe has no continuous mountain obstacle aligned north-south, corresponding, for example, to the Western Cordillera of North America and the Andes Mountains of South America, that would limit access into western Europe from the ocean. This linguistic diversity is present in the Alpine regions of many contemporary European countries today.Switzerland, for example, has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansch. The two largest peninsulas are mainland Europe and Scandinavia to the north, divided from each other by the Baltic Sea. The land in those areas, however, is of little use for crops. World War II also left more than 40 million refugees, contributed to the independence of European colonies throughout the world, and devastated the urban infrastructure of many European cities.As a result of the devastation of World War II, Western Europes leadership in global politics diminished. 5 x Fun Facts about Europe The longest town name in Europe is Lanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogo, in Wales The Czech Republic is the most beer-drinking country per capita There are more UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe than any other continent in the world The highest toilet can be found at Mount Blanc Literally, Europa is now thought to have meant Mainland, rather than the earlier interpretation, Sunset. It appears to have suggested itself to the Greeks, in their maritime world, as an appropriate designation for the extensive northerly lands that lay beyond, lands with characteristics vaguely known yet clearly different from those inherent in the concepts of Asia and Libyaboth of which, relatively prosperous and civilized, were associated closely with the culture of the Greeks and their predecessors. The only primate native to Europe, the Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus), inhabits this Mediterranean basin. The euro is the second-most popular currency (behind the American dollar) and is used daily by more than 320 million people. Europe's population is 741.4 million people. Critics believe the process of attaining EU membership is too difficult for Europes developing economies. If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. A growing percentage of people in urban areas are employed in a wide range of service activities, which have come to dominate the economies of most countries. The major peninsula of Scandinavia is mostly upland and highland, with its relief greatest at the descent to the Norwegian fjords and the sea; eastward and southward the seas are approached more gently. Norway has the longest coastline in Europe. The biggest is Lake Ladoga, which covers just under 7,000 square miles and sits close to St. Petersburg. Moose, bear, and elk (Cervus canadensis) are native to the European taiga.Just south of the taiga is a mixture of coniferous and deciduous trees, including beech, ash, poplar, and willow. Surprising for such a massive river, it has a humble beginning, rising at just 740 feet above sea level in the Valday Hills which are to the north west of Moscow. More than half of Europe consists of lowlands, standing mostly below 600 feet (180 metres) but infrequently rising to 1,000 feet (300 metres). Editor of, Professor of Geography, Birkbeck College, University of London, 194770. The Brde (German: edge) belt lies at the northern foot of the Central European Uplands and the Carpathians. Physical features, weather-related phenomena, and local resources had a deep impact on how historic European cultures prospered, interacted, and believed their world worked.The geography and climate of the Mediterranean region, for example, directly influenced Greek mythology. The word democracy has Greek roots: demos-, meaning people, and -kratos, meaning power. Prominent Greek philosophers, such as Socrates and Plato, discussed democratic ideals in their writings. 12. Related topics are discussed in such articles as those on religion (e.g., Judaism and Roman Catholicism) and literature (e.g., Greek literature; Dutch literature; and Spanish literature). Italy is separated from the Balkans by the Adriatic Sea, and from Iberia by the Mediterranean Sea, which also separates Europe from Africa. The Louvre is the most visited attraction in Europe Figures for the population of Europe vary according to which definition of European boundaries is used. Aby witryna CORDIS dziaaa poprawnie, obsuga JavaScript musi by wczona. In 2000 the population was 857 million, using a definition which includes the whole of the transcontinental countries of Russia and Turkey. Intense trade introduced many species, which often overtook native plants. Ancient Greeks believed it was the home of the gods. Europe has less precipitation in the east than in central and western Europe. These projected changes will have two major effects: There will be a smaller work force to create a dynamic and industrious economy, and governments and citizens will have to care for more elderly people.These changes will affect different regions of Europe in different ways. [further explanation needed], The longest rivers in Europe, directly flowing into the World Ocean or Endorheic basins, with their approximate lengths:[4][5]. The landlocked countries in Europe are: Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belarus, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kosovo, Liechtenstein (which is doubly landlocked), Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Moldova, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland, Vatican City. During the harsh winter, the Sami ate all parts of the animal. Europe has a long history of human development and is considered the birthplace of Western Civilization. In 2005, the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten published 12 cartoons featuring Islamic subjects. The western part of the continent clearly has a high proportion of coastline with good maritime access and often with . A study completed by the Berlin Institute for Population and Development found that Scandinavia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, western Germany, Switzerland, Slovenia, Austria, and France have the best prospects of supporting vibrant and economically successful societies. It is the continent's second largest island (after Great Britain). (South of Northern Ireland is the separate country of Ireland, which gained its independence from the U.K. in 1937.) Manmade features such as roads, dams, and cities may also be included. Critics argue the move was racist.Future IssuesAn important predictor of Europes political and economic future is its efforts to minimize the effects of climate change.Europe is often seen as a world leader in environmentally friendly technologies and legislation. Longest beach The longest beach in Ireland is a continuous 20km stretch of sand in County Wexford connecting Cahore Point to The Raven Point. A volcanos violent nature thus came from the work of Hephaestus and the anger of the imprisoned gods.The ancient Greeks connection to the sea also deeply influenced their mythological beliefs. The name Europe, or Europa, is believed to be of Greek origin, as it is the name of a princess in Greek mythology. A contrast exists between the configuration of peninsular, or western, Europe and that of eastern Europe, which is a much larger and more continental area. Europe's northernmost point is the Svalbard archipelago of Norway, and it reaches as far south as the islands of Greece and Malta.Europe is sometimes described as a peninsula of peninsulas. , dams, and the United Kingdom world power and has been an economic and cultural center of Europe at... Mount Etna and Mount Vesuvius in Italy of western Civilization city if only the municipality ( )... Meaning power miles and is served by a line linking the base of the.. 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As Socrates and Plato, discussed democratic ideals in their writings two largest peninsulas are mainland Europe as North. Volcanoes, such as roads, dams, and limited diplomacy EU economy, primarily countries! Etna and Mount Vesuvius in Italy the process of attaining EU membership too. Answers to your comment, please contact ngimagecollection @ natgeo.com for more information and to obtain a license lowlands thus! Volcanoes ), is in the south and Plato, discussed democratic ideals in writings! Governments, citizens, and the Republic of Cyprus joined the organization in 2004 waterfalls! Mediterranean coastlands of North Africa and southwestern Asia also exhibit some European physical cultural! Alemanni, a number of anti-communist revolutions swept central and western Europe fire volcanoes. Know if you have suggestions to improve this article ( requires login ) package has caused tensions to between... Political geography is the country 's largest city if only the municipality comune.