The tundra, found in Iceland and the northern reaches of Scandinavia and Russia, is a treeless region where small mosses, lichens, and ferns grow. Greater relief is found in those areas in the heart of western and central Europe where uplifted and faulted massifs survive from the Hercynian orogeny, a late Paleozoic period of mountain formation. Note: Italy's capital, Rome, is the country's largest city if only the municipality (comune) is considered. 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. 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. They serve as traditional labels of geographic location. This region is sparsely populated except in the Rhine, Rhne, Elbe, and Danube river valleys.Alpine MountainsThe Alpine Mountains include ranges in the Italian and Balkan peninsulas, northern Spain, and southern France. Turku officials hope to inspire other European countries to undertake similar projects.Europe also strengthens ties between its diverse peoples and cultures by supporting multilingual education. Aby witryna CORDIS dziaaa poprawnie, obsuga JavaScript musi by wczona. The northern plain contains the old geological continent of Baltica, and so may be regarded as the "main continent", while peripheral highlands and mountainous regions in south and west constitute fragments from various other geological continents. Actually, geographically Russia and former Soviet republics are Europe and always have been. In many places, including the Mediterranean and North seas, waters have been overfished. Automobile companies such as BMW, Mercedes, and Audi are known throughout the world for creating cars with dynamic designs and an engaging driving experience. 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. The Bosporus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles conclude the Asian boundary. The U.K. also includes Northern Ireland, which is on another island. The continent is awash with stunning beaches so its only right that the facts of European geography include its longest beach. The creation of the European Economic Community in 1957 and the EU in 1993 greatly enhanced economic cooperation between many of the continents countries. Let's take a short tour around some of the most notable geographical facts about Europe. Lesotho (landlocked within South Africa), is the only other country in the world surrounded entirely by another country. Author of, Emeritus Professor of Geography, Portland State University, Oregon. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. The 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference was held in Copenhagen, Denmark. The most important rivers in Europe are Danube, Volga, Rhine, Elbe, Oder and Dnieper, among others. 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. Fun Facts about Europe Europe is home to the smallest country in the world, the Holy See or the Vatican. Read More: 25 Unbelievable Facts about North Korea that you must know. Read important geography facts about Ireland and information about Ireland's landscapes, topography, and coastline. The Iron Curtain took on the physical shape of border defenses, walls, and limited diplomacy. Europe's highest peak, Mount Elbrus at 5,642 meters (18,510 feet), is in the Caucasus Mountains of Russia. It was a barbarian worldthat is, a non-Greek one, with its inhabitants making bar-bar noises in unintelligible tongues. Those highland areas include lands of abundant rainfallwhich supplies hydroelectricity and water to industrial citiesand provide summer pastures for cattle. Kazakhstan. Europe, second smallest of the worlds continents, composed of the westward-projecting peninsulas of Eurasia (the great landmass that it shares with Asia) and occupying nearly one-fifteenth of the worlds total land area. Although this area remains heavily forested, the continent's forests were drastically reduced as a result of intense urbanization throughout human history. Glaciation too has left its mark over wide areas, and the processes of erosion and deposition have created a highly variegated and compartmentalized countryside. 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. All in all, Europe enjoys a considerable and long-exploited resource base of soil, forest, sea, and minerals (notably coal), but its people are increasingly its principal resource. The northern plains are delimited in the west by the Scandinavian mountains and the mountainous parts of the British Isles. Historically, Europe has been a center of immigration. The nation of Germany was divided in two. 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. 1996 - 2023 National Geographic Society. 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. A peninsula is a piece of land surrounded by water on three sides. Reindeer herding is still an important aspect of Sami culture, which continues to thrive in northern Scandinavia and Russias Kola Peninsula.Distinct physical features had a lasting impact on how European cultures communicated with each other. This description is simplified. 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 Central Powers (led by the German Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Ottoman Empire) fell to the forces of the Allied Powers (led by the United Kingdom, France, and the Russian Empire). As a continent with hugely diverse topography, the geographical facts about Europe are going to be an interesting collection. The Sami culture of Scandinavia, for example, was deeply connected to the indigenous reindeer herds of the Arctic. This idea of citizenshipof being connected to and having a voice in your communitybecame the basic building block of democracy. The highest points reached in Norway and Sweden are, respectively, Galdh Peak (8,100 feet [2,469 metres]) and Mount Kebne (6,926 feet [2,111 metres]). Today much of topography is focused on creating 3D representations of the Earth's surface. The population within the standard physical geographical boundaries was 701 million in 2005 according to the United Nations. 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. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Flag. This includes Morriscastle and Ballinesker beaches. Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, and North Macedonia constitute a contiguous landlocked agglomeration of eight countries in Central Europe and the Balkans, stretching from Geneva all the way to Skopje. 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. By supporting this policy, the European Union hopes it will strengthen social, educational, professional, and economic ties in Europe and make the continent more competitive in global markets.Europes cultural products also help unify the region. 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. The coasts of the northwestern highlandsand in particular the fjords of Norwayinvite maritime enterprise. 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 I think the same issue applies to Turkey, which unlike Russia sees itself as belonging more to Europe than Asia, politically and economically. You cannot download interactives. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media. Sometimes considered a transcontinental country, it is located at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, [2] and is today generally regarded as part of Europe. Enacting regional social policies and economic legislation, especially through bodies like the European Union, may help curb that trend. Table of contents: The Tallest Mountain in Europe The Largest Lake in Europe The Longest River in Europe The Highest Waterfall in Europe The Longest Beach in Europe The Deepest Cave in Europe The Tallest Volcano in Europe Biggest Glacier in Europe Because of their remoteness, however, all these regions have distinct dialects that differ slightly from their parent language. The EU accepts few candidates: member states must maintain a stable, democratic form of government, a free-market economy, and commitment to the rule of law.The rapid growth of the European Union, however, has caused a number of administrative and political tensions. 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. The forests and grasslands of Western and Central Europe have been almost completely domesticated, with crops and livestock dominant.Finally, small, drought-resistant plants border the Mediterranean Sea, Europe's southern edge. Switzerland's small sizeits total area is about half that of Scotlandand its modest population give little indication of its international significance. The highest summit in Iceland is Hvannadals Peak, at 6,952 feet (2,119 metres), while Ben Nevis, the highest peak in Great Britain, stands at an elevation of only 4,406 feet (1,343 metres). Another important physical feature is the southeast-northwest zone of windblown loess deposits that have accumulated from eastern Britain to Ukraine. 2. Geography of Europe Europe is traditionally defined as one of seven continents. Europes continuing economic achievements are evidenced by its high standard of living and its successes in science, technology, and the arts. Europe's main peninsulas are the Iberian, Italian, and Balkan, located in southern Europe, and the Scandinavian and Jutland, located in Northern Europe. With its central European location but geographic remoteness, the Alps region developed into a unique crossroads for Europes dominant languages, and a refuge for its archaic languages. Xenophobia is an intense dislike or fear of people from other places or cultures.Two events demonstrate this debate. Many of its events encouraged community involvement and civic engagement. This is to be found at Le Baule-Escoublac, on the southern coast of Brittany. Indeed, Turkey has sought membership in the European Union (EU), and the Republic of Cyprus joined the organization in 2004. Population growth in Europe is rather minimal with minimal age comparatively high. January average range from 13C in southern Spain and southern Greek islands to -20C in the northeastern part of European Russia. When you reach out to him or her, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource. Developed countries, however, are also facing economic challenges. Philosophers and politicians have used these writings to uphold and defend the democratic tradition ever since.Roman civilization had a major influence on Western concepts of law, government, and the military. Climatically, Europe benefits by having only a small proportion of its surface either too cold or too hot and dry for effective settlement and use. Topographic maps show a wide range of human and physical features of the Earth. Sweden has a long history that began with prehistoric hunting camps in the southernmost part of the country. The Holocaust was the mass murder of Jews under the Nazi regime. Luxembourg is landlocked, separated from the North Sea by Belgium.. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your teacher. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media. Topography describes the physical features of an area of land. Greece is well known for the thousands of islands dotting the three seas that surround the country. 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. Europes eastern boundary, however, is not a cultural, political, or economic discontinuity on the land comparable, for example, to the insulating significance of the Himalayas, which clearly mark a northern limit to South Asian civilization. Above all, in southern EuropeAustria and Switzerland includedlevel, low-lying land is scarce, and mountain, plateau, and hill landforms dominate. The debate surrounding the cartoons also intensified strained relations between the Islamic world and the West.In 2010, the French government dismantled illegal immigrant camps throughout France. 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. If you have questions about licensing content on this page, please contact ngimagecollection@natgeo.com for more information and to obtain a license. Geographically, Turkey forms a natural land bridge between the old world continents of Asia, Africa and Europe. Germany's largest wooded area,. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. 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. The lowest terrain in Europe, virtually lacking relief, stands at the head of the Caspian Sea; there the Caspian Depression reaches some 95 feet (29 metres) below sea level. All rights reserved. Political geography is the internal and external relationships between governments, citizens, and territories. Gouffre Mirolda is the 3rd deepest cave in the world after Krubera Cave and Illyuzia-Mezhonnogo-Snezhnaya Cave, both in Georgia (former Soviet Republic). The financial crisis is defined by debt and high unemployment. El "cambio climtico" abarca el calentamiento global, pero se refiere a la gama ms amplia de cambios que le estn ocurriendo a nuestro planeta. The link between these peninsulas has made Europe a dominant economic, social, and cultural force throughout recorded history.Europe's physical geography, environment and resources, and human geography can be considered separately.Europe can be divided into four major physical regions, running from north to south: Western Uplands, North European Plain, Central Uplands, and Alpine Mountains.Western UplandsThe Western Uplands, also known as the Northern Highlands, curve up the western edge of Europe and define the physical landscape of Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, and Denmark), Finland, Iceland, Scotland, Ireland, the Brittany region of France, Spain, and Portugal.The Western Uplands is defined by hard, ancient rock that was shaped by glaciation. The southeast boundary with Asia is not universally defined, but the modern definition is generally the Ural River or, less commonly, the Emba River. Italy is separated from the Balkans by the Adriatic Sea, and from Iberia by the Mediterranean Sea, which also separates Europe from Africa. 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. Antwerp is the biggest city of the country. This map shows the physical features of Europe, surrounding lands, and offshore areas. These physical features allowed for early communication, travel, and agricultural development. Europe also supports high densities of population, concentrated in urban-industrial regions. In terms of shape, Europe is a collection of connected peninsulas and nearby islands. The western part of the continent clearly has a high proportion of coastline with good maritime access and often with . The low starting elevation makes the Volga a slow flowing river. The most common way to show this is using topographical maps. Most Greek gods and goddesses are representations of the active physical elements that made up the local landscape. Furthermore, the Mediterranean coastlands of North Africa and southwestern Asia also exhibit some European physical and cultural affinities. China says a ban on the use of TikTok by official European Union institutions will harm business confidence in Europe, With more lunar missions than ever on the horizon, the European Space Agency wants to give the moon its own time zone, The death toll has risen to at least 63 in the migrant tragedy off Italys southern coast after rescue crews recovered several more bodies, Shares have opened lower in Europe after a mixed session in Asia following a reprieve on Wall Street from recent selling pressure driven by worries over inflation and interest rates, Spain is building on its reputation in renewable energy to position itself as Europes future leader in green hydrogen. 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