Chapter 5 Flashcards
What is the western extremity of Eurasia?
Europe
What are three major geographic qualities of Europe?
- Western extremity of Eurasia
- Lingering world influence
- High degree of specialization
What type of dominance does Europe have>
Manufacturing dominance
What is a notable characteristic of Europe’s population?
Numerous nation-states and urbanized populations
What is the standard of living like in Europe?
High standards of living
How is Europe’s population described in terms of literacy and wealth?
Relatively prosperous, literate and well-off
What demographic challenge is Europe facing?
Aging rapidly
What is the physical layout of Europe?
Europe features a diverse landscape including mountains, plains, and coastlines.
Major geographical features include the Alps, the Carpathians, and the extensive coastline along the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
What is the range of climates in Europe?
Europe experiences a variety of climates including Mediterranean, oceanic, continental, and subarctic.
Each climate type affects local agriculture, biodiversity, and human activities.
What advantages does Europe have regarding relative location?
Europe’s relative location offers proximity to major markets, trade routes, and cultural exchange.
This position facilitates economic interactions and influences historical developments.
What is meant by the land hemisphere?
The land hemisphere is the hemisphere of Earth that contains the most landmass.
Europe lies in the land hemisphere, providing it with strategic advantages for development.
What percentage of Earth’s land area does Europe occupy?
5% of Earth’s land area.
This small percentage hosts around 40 countries.
What are the four largest countries in Europe by population?
The four largest countries in Europe by population are:
* Russia
* Germany
* France
* United Kingdom
These countries significantly influence the continent’s demographic and political landscape.
Fill in the blank: Europe contains approximately _______ countries.
40
What is the current trend of population growth in Europe?
Near zero growth
This is attributed to various factors including low birth rates and aging populations.
What are the three major religions in Europe?
- Christianity
- Islam
- Judaism
What are the three main language groups in Europe?
-Germanic
-Romance
-Slavic
What is supranationalism?
A form of governance where power is transferred to international institutions above the state level.
Define centrifugal forces.
Forces that push people apart or create division within a state.
Define centripetal forces.
Forces that unify people and promote national solidarity.
How many people does the European Union (EU) contain?
450 million people
What percentage of world exports does the EU supply?
40%
What does NATO stand for?
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
What is devolution?
The transfer of power from a central government to local or regional governments.
Why are some groups in Europe seeking more local political strength and autonomy?
To gain greater control over their political, economic, and cultural affairs.
Where are the core and the periphery in Europe?
The core is typically in Western Europe, while the periphery includes Eastern and Southern Europe.
The core regions are often characterized by higher economic development and urbanization.
What is a hinterland?
A hinterland is the area surrounding a port or urban center that is economically linked to it.
The hinterland is crucial for trade, providing resources and markets for the port.
What criteria define the European Core?
Criteria for the European Core include:
* Economic development
* Population density
* Infrastructure quality
* Urbanization levels
What is an entrepôt?
An entrepôt is a trading post where goods are imported, stored, and then exported.
It serves as a hub for international trade.
What does break-of-bulk mean?
Break-of-bulk refers to the transfer of cargo from one mode of transportation to another.
This process is often necessary when goods are shipped from sea to land transport.
What are some of Europe’s prominent entrepôt cities?
Prominent entrepôt cities in Europe include:
* Rotterdam
* Antwerp
* Hamburg
*Copenhagen
What is a Federal Republic?
A Federal Republic is a political entity characterized by a union of states with a governing representative head.
It combines elements of federalism and republicanism, where power is divided between the national government and state governments.
What was Germany’s status in 1945?
Germany was divided by the Allies in 1945.
This division led to the establishment of East and West Germany during the Cold War.
What is Germany’s current population?
Germany has a population of 16 million immigrants, which is 20% of the total population. With a Total population of around 83.5 million
The total population of Germany is approximately 82 million.
What percentage of immigrant households in Germany live below the poverty line?
40% of immigrant households live below the poverty line.
This statistic highlights socio-economic challenges faced by immigrants in Germany.
What are some considerations regarding Germany’s outlook toward the EU?
Much disparity between east and west as a result of 1945 division, huge immgrant crisis, yet still a trading powerhouse
Germany plays a significant role in the European Union as one of its leading economies.
What are the advantages of Germany’s relative location?
Advantages include central location in Europe, access to major markets, and strong trade relationships.
This geographic position enhances Germany’s economic and political influence.
Fill in the blank: Germany is a _______ today.
reunified Federal Republic.
This reunification occurred in 1990 after the fall of the Berlin Wall.
True or False: Germany has a significant immigrant population.
True.
Immigrants make up a notable percentage of the total population in Germany.
What are the energy supply considerations in Germany?
Considerations include reliance on renewable energy sources and challenges in energy transition.
Germany has been transitioning to renewable energy, impacting its energy supply strategy.
What is the relative location of France?
France has a poor relative location and lacks good natural harbors or navigable rivers.
Relative location refers to the position of a place in relation to other locations.
How does France’s area compare to Germany?
France is larger than Germany in area.
Area comparisons are often used to understand the geographical size of countries.
What is a primate city?
A primate city is a city that is disproportionately larger than any other city in the country and serves as the economic, political, and cultural hub.
Examples of primate cities include Paris in France and London in the UK.
List other primate cities in Europe.
- London
- Athens
- Budapest
- Brussels
These cities serve as major centers for their respective countries.
What integration problems has France faced?
Integration problems have arisen due to immigration from poor Islamic countries with different cultures.
These challenges often involve cultural assimilation and social cohesion.
True or False: Paris is a primate city in France.
True.
Paris is the capital and largest city, playing a central role in the country’s affairs.
Fill in the blank: France lacks good natural _______.
[harbors]
Natural harbors are crucial for trade and naval activities.
What is Benelux?
A region that includes Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, densely populated at the estuary of the Rhine and Scheldt rivers.
What is a conurbation?
An extended urban area, typically consisting of several towns or cities that have merged to form a continuous urban area.
Why did The Netherlands create polders?
To reclaim land from the sea lying behind dikes and below sea level.
What is the language distribution in Belgium?
Flanders has a Flemish-speaking majority (59%), while Wallonia has a French-speaking minority (40%).
Fill in the blank: Flanders has a _______ majority.
Flemish-speaking
Fill in the blank: Wallonia has a _______ minority.
French-speaking
What are the Alpine States of Switzerland and Austria?
Switzerland and Austria are both Alpine States characterized by mountainous terrain.
How are the Alpine States of Switzerland and Austria different?
Switzerland is known for its neutrality and financial services, while Austria has a rich cultural heritage and historical significance.
Are the Alpine States of Switzerland and Austria hampered by their land-locked location?
Yes, being land-locked can limit trade and access to maritime routes.
Why didn’t Switzerland join the EU?
Switzerland opted to remain outside the EU to maintain its sovereignty and independence.
What highly specialized industries are found in Switzerland?
Switzerland has specialized industries such as finance, pharmaceuticals, and precision machinery.
What type of agriculture is prominent in Switzerland?
Switzerland is known for dairy farming and cheese production.
What is the capital of Austria?
Vienna.
Why is Vienna described as a primate city?
Vienna is a primate city because it is significantly larger than any other city in Austria.
What is the population of Vienna?
Approximately 2 million people.
What is the population of Austria?
Approximately 8 million people.
What are the two major countries found in the British Isles?
England and Scotland
Who were the Celtic peoples?
Ancient tribes inhabiting the British Isles
What happened to the Celtic peoples?
They were largely assimilated and displaced
What makes London a world city today?
Economic influence, cultural diversity, and global connectivity
What was the outcome of the Scottish referendum for full independence in 2014?
It failed
What percentage of the entire UK voted for Brexit in 2016?
52%
Fill in the blank: The Scottish referendum for full independence occurred in _______.
2014
True or False: London is considered a world city due to its cultural diversity.
True
List the factors that contribute to London being a world city.
- Economic influence
- Cultural diversity
- Global connectivity
6What characterizes Northern Europe in terms of geography?
Remote, glaciated land with southern coastal and urban areas as part of the core
What religious faith dominates in Scandinavian countries?
Lutheran faith
Which languages are mutually intelligible in Northern Europe?
Swedish, Norwegian, Danish
What percentage of Europe’s population is found in Northern Europe?
5%
What is notable about social structures in Northern Europe?
High level of social welfare and high rate of participation by women in government
What geological features are found in Iceland?
Glacier-studded volcanoes astride the Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Which country is the largest and most populous in Northern Europe?
Sweden
What is the capital and primate city of Sweden?
Stockholm
What natural resources contribute to Norway’s wealth?
North Sea oil and gas
Is Norway a member of the European Union?
No
Fill in the blank: The northern part of Northern Europe is part of the _______.
periphery
What percentage of Europe’s population lives in Mediterranean Europe?
20%
This region includes countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece.
What is unique about the Mediterranean Climate?
Mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers
This climate supports diverse agriculture and influences dietary patterns.
How does the Mediterranean Climate influence the traditional Mediterranean diet?
Promotes the growth of fruits, vegetables, and olive oil
The diet is rich in healthy fats, fibers, and antioxidants.
What was the historical significance of Spain and Portugal?
They were once the heart of world empires
Their explorations and colonization influenced global trade.
What is Catalonia known for in Spain?
Leading industrial area contributing to 25% of all Spanish exports
It has a distinctive language and culture.
Why does Catalonia desire more autonomy or independence?
Desire for cultural recognition and economic control
Catalonia has its own language and a strong sense of identity.
What characterizes northern Italy, particularly the Po River Basin?
It is more progressive and economically developed
Contrasts with the poorer southern regions.
What is the Ancona Line?
A divide between the more prosperous north and the poorer south of Italy
It highlights economic disparities within the country.
What is the Mezzogiorno?
The poorer southern region of Italy
It faces challenges such as unemployment and underdevelopment.
What is an archipelago?
A group of islands
Greece consists of numerous islands, forming a significant part of its geography.
What is Athens known for in Greece?
It is a classic primate city
Athens is the capital and largest city, historically significant.
Why is Greece described as tired and poor today?
Economic challenges and recovery struggles
Greece has faced financial crises and high unemployment rates.
What is meant by the term shatter belt?
A region where political alliances are constantly splintering and fracturing.
What is Balkanization?
The process of fragmentation or division of a region into smaller, often hostile units.
Who are the Slavic peoples?
Ethnic groups that speak Slavic languages, primarily found in Eastern Europe.
Who are the Germanic peoples?
Ethnic groups that speak Germanic languages, primarily found in Northern and Western Europe.
Name five Romance languages.
- Spanish
- French
- Italian
- Portuguese
- Romanian
What new, independent countries emerged from the break-up of Czechoslovakia in 1993?
Czechia, Slovakia
What new, independent countries emerged from the break-up of Yugoslavia in 1992?
Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo
What is ethnic cleansing?
The systematic removal of an ethnic or cultural group from a given territory.
