5 facts about europe's topography

Germany's location at the heart of Europe has shaped its history both for good and bad. Geography of Europe Europe is traditionally defined as one of seven continents. These events had a devastating effect on Denmarks reputation as a progressive and welcoming country. 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. Fast Facts: France Official Name: French Republic Capital: Paris Population: 67,364,357 (2018) Note: This figure is for metropolitan France and five overseas regions; the metropolitan France population is 62,814,233 As a continent with hugely diverse topography, the geographical facts about Europe are going to be an interesting collection. It is 1733 meters (5,686 feet) deep and is located near the Swiss and Italian borders, in the area of the Savoy Alps close to the village of Samoens. 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. Gouffre Mirolda is the 3rd deepest cave in the world after Krubera Cave and Illyuzia-Mezhonnogo-Snezhnaya Cave, both in Georgia (former Soviet Republic). Encyclopedic entry. She or he will best know the preferred format. The United States began to lead the Western world, while the Soviet Union, with its capital in the Eastern European city of Moscow, Russia, led the so-called Eastern Bloc. 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. Automobile companies such as BMW, Mercedes, and Audi are known throughout the world for creating cars with dynamic designs and an engaging driving experience. 21,946 km 2 (8,473 sq mi) Georgia is a country in the Caucasus region, on the coast of the Black Sea. 4. Topography studies the . The northern lowlands are areas of glacial deposition, and, accordingly, their surface is diversified by such features as the Valdai Hills of western Russia; by deposits of boulder clay, sands, and gravels; by glacial lakes; and by the Pripet Marshes, a large ill-drained area of Belarus and Ukraine. As Ive talked about fire (volcanoes), it wouldnt be right to leave ice out of the geography facts of Europe. Greeces many earthquakes, and the tsunamis they caused, were connected to the sea god Poseidon, known as the Earth Shaker. Cults and temples centered on Poseidon were built throughout the Aegean and Mediterranean seas as a means of appeasing the god.As maritime trade and exploration developed in the region, winds and currents connected to Poseidon became important in Greek mythology. Because of their remoteness, however, all these regions have distinct dialects that differ slightly from their parent language. Europe is the second-smallest continent, but the third-largest in population. 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. 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 Figures for the population of Europe vary according to which definition of European boundaries is used. Topography is the study of the Earth's surface. Russia is Europe's largest country. The spacious eastern steppes and, to the west and north, primeval forests as yet only marginally touched by human occupancy further underlined environmental contrasts. 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. Can you think of anything notable you think I should have included? The link between these peninsulas has made Europe a dominant economic, social, and cultural force throughout recorded history.Europes physical geography, environment and resources, and human geography can be considered separately.Today, Europe is home to the citizens of Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), and Vatican City.Cultural GeographyEurope has a long history of human development and is considered the birthplace of Western Civilization. The Iron Curtain was an ideological boundary that divided Europe into two blocsWestern countries influenced by the United States, and Eastern countries influenced by the Soviet Union. Western Europe and parts of Central Europe generally fall into the temperate maritime climate (Cfb), the southern part is mostly a Mediterranean climate (mostly Csa, smaller area with Csb), the north-central part and east into central Russia is mostly a humid continental climate (Dfb) and the northern part of the continent is a subarctic climate (Dfc). They have always been called Eastern Europe which was also, always assumed to be communist and divided by the Iron Curtain. Swiss-Italian is distinguishable from Italian.Romansch, an endangered language, is also derived from Latin. The continent, excluding Russia, contains less than one-tenth of the total population of the world, but in general its people are well educated and highly skilled. Another widely endorsed scheme puts the western portion of the Caucasus region in Europe and the eastern partthat is, the bulk of Azerbaijan and small portions of Armenia, Georgia, and Russias Caspian Sea coastin Asia. Europe is the western peninsula of the giant "supercontinent" of Eurasia. Europe is the second-smallest continent. Estos incluyen el aumento del nivel del mar; la reduccin de los glaciares de montaa; aceleracin del derretimiento del hielo en Groenlandia, la Antrtida y el rtico; y cambios en los . Switzerland, federated country of central Europe. The goals of the program are local, regional, and global. Furthermore, the Mediterranean coastlands of North Africa and southwestern Asia also exhibit some European physical and cultural affinities. 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. 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. During the Middle Ages, dominant European powers conquered the strategically important mountain territory of the Alps. The cold water surrounding northern Britain and Scandinavia is home to unique species of cold-water corals. Brussels is considered to be the largest city of Belgium, according to the population of the Brussels-Capital Region. Topographic maps show a wide range of human and physical features of the Earth. Steppe plains cover the north of Kazakhstan. The tallest mountain in Europe is Mount Elbrus in Russia. Europe's highest peak, Mount Elbrus at 5,642 meters (18,510 feet), is in the Caucasus Mountains of Russia. 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. 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. This is the largest landlocked country in the world. Topography often records the various elevations of an area using a topographical map. Important Scandinavian companies focused on designed products include Electrolux, which makes home electronics, and Ikea and H&M, famous around the world for inexpensive but well-designed home furnishings and clothing, respectively. 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. To read all future answers to your comment, please bookmark this page. 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. 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. I think this makes it easy to assume they are not part of continental Europe. MLS # 1863863 5. geography of Scandinavia facts. 7 Fun and Fashionable DIY Animal Ears That You Should Make Look like a Fashionista by Color Coordinate Your Outfits like a Pro Introverts Vs Extroverts Which One Are You. 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. World War I (1914-1918) left about 16 million people dead. This is to be found at Le Baule-Escoublac, on the southern coast of Brittany. 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 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). Updated: 07/28/2022 Table of Contents These physical features allowed for early communication, travel, and agricultural development. 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. Examination of Turkey's topographic structure on a physical map of the world shows clearly the . The southeast boundary with Asia is not universally defined, but the modern definition is generally the Ural River or, less commonly, the Emba River. Check out this amazing list of Austria facts that include history, food, culture, and more. The North European Plain, common to much of Poland, northern Germany, and Denmark, broadens in western France and continues, across the narrow seas, in southeastern Great Britain and Ireland. 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. The Netherlands is a country located in Northwestern Europe. The Sami culture of Scandinavia, for example, was deeply connected to the indigenous reindeer herds of the Arctic. Some of these facts about Europe are newer than others. The volcanoes of Lemnos, an island in the Mediterranean, and Mount Etna, on the island of Sicily, were believed to be the forges of Hephaestus, the Greek god of fire. 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. Whats the Difference Between Great Britain and the United Kingdom? The Sami followed and cared for these herds during their grazing cycle. It borders nine neighbors, more than any other European country. Fewer than a million people are fluent in Romansch. Europe has a diversity of terrains, physical features, and climates. By the 7th and 8th centuries, Sweden was known for its trade but in the 9th century, the Vikings raided the region and much of Europe. [3] [4] It is bordered to the north and northeast by Russia, to the . Nonetheless, in manufacturing and agriculture Europe still occupies an eminent, if no longer necessarily predominant, position. Topography describes the physical features of an area of land. Another important physical feature is the southeast-northwest zone of windblown loess deposits that have accumulated from eastern Britain to Ukraine. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. The biggest is Lake Ladoga, which covers just under 7,000 square miles and sits close to St. Petersburg. The 4,506 sq. 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. 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. By size, Germany is the seventh-largest European country. Trade relations beyond its frontiers also drew the remoter regions into its sphere. 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? 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. Sweden has a long history that began with prehistoric hunting camps in the southernmost part of the country. Biology, Ecology, Earth Science, Geology, Geography, Physical Geography. The European Union created a $957 billion rescue package for the EU economy, primarily for countries that had unsustainable debt rates. It includes parts of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Poland, the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), and Belarus.Most of the Great European Plain lies below 152 meters (500 feet) in elevation. 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. Fr die fehlerfreie Verwendung der CORDIS-Website muss JavaScript aktiviert sein. It is bounded by the North Sea in the north and west. The Holocaust was the mass murder of Jews under the Nazi regime. Many of Europe's fjords are located in Iceland and Scandinavia.North European PlainThe North European Plain extends from the southern United Kingdom east to Russia. Three smaller peninsulasIberia, Italy, and the Balkansemerge from the southern margin of the mainland. Note: Italy's capital, Rome, is the country's largest city if only the municipality (comune) is considered. FAST FACTS OFFICIAL NAME: Ireland FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Constitutional Democracy CAPITAL: Dublin POPULATION: 5,068,050 MONEY:. 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. Flourishing immigrant communities are bringing in new languages to the continent, including Arabic, Hindi, and Mandarin.A 2006 European study showed that 53 percent of respondents could speak a second language, while 28 percent could speak two foreign languages. Here are 21 things about this amazing continent that may just surprise you. Arts and Music, Geography, Human Geography, Social Studies, Economics, World History. Europe's shape is in a constant change: The Mediterranean basin is shrinking, the Alps are rising and pushing North, and Scandinavia is still rebounding after having been crushed by the weight of a thick and huge ice sheet in the ice ages. Editor of, Professor of Geography, Birkbeck College, University of London, 194770. 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). The Apennines, Dinaric Alps, and Balkan Mountains, as well as the arc-shaped Carpathian Mountains and their southern portion, the Transylvanian Alps, also exhibit high elevations. The five most spoken native languages in Europe are Russian, German, French English, Turkish and Italian. Europes continuing economic achievements are evidenced by its high standard of living and its successes in science, technology, and the arts. Strict EU regulations place a heavy burden on developing countries to compete with their more developed neighbors.The global financial crisis, which began around 2008, has caused these tensions to elevate dramatically. 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. The language survives in Switzerland because of the remote location of its native speakers.Contemporary CulturesEuropes rich and diverse cultural heritage continues to flourish today. Le site web de CORDIS ncessite lactivation de JavaScript pour fonctionner correctement. It's a multi-lingual continent. The land in those areas, however, is of little use for crops. The EU works to create a unified structure for social, environmental, military, and economic policies of its member states.Today, the European Union is composed of 27 member states, with new members mainly coming from central and eastern Europe. More than 200 languages are spoken in Europe. You can actually get very close to the falls and safely, thanks to a well maintained hiking trail. The 15 rivers of Europe by average discharge, including only rivers directly flowing into the World Ocean or Endorheic basins: Aegean Islands, land, Balearic Islands, Corsica, Crete, Cyprus (Adjacent to Asia), Fyn, Faroe Islands, Gotland, Great Britain, Hinnya, Iceland, Ionian Islands, Ireland, Malta, North Jutlandic Island, Saaremaa, Sardinia, Senja, Sicily, Svalbard and Zealand. Imperialism is a policy of extending a nations power and influence through diplomacy or military force. Germany's largest wooded area,. During this time, a number of anti-communist revolutions swept central and eastern Europe. These ideas have been tested during times of peace and military conflict, and continue to be redefined today.Historic IssuesEuropes early political history can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, both of which profoundly affected how Western civilizations govern their territories and citizens.Described as the birthplace of democracy, ancient Greece revolved around the polis, or city-state. Number of anti-communist revolutions swept central and eastern Europe and Plato, discussed democratic ideals in their writings swiss-italian distinguishable... And -kratos, meaning people, and the tsunamis they caused, connected! Biggest is Lake Ladoga, which covers just under 7,000 square miles and sits close to Sea. Difference Between Great Britain and the United Kingdom and safely, thanks to a maintained. And west population of the remote location of its native speakers.Contemporary CulturesEuropes rich and diverse cultural continues! Extending a nations power and influence through diplomacy or military force 2 ( 8,473 sq mi Georgia! That have accumulated from eastern Britain to Ukraine 21,946 km 2 ( 8,473 sq mi ) Georgia is country! That differ slightly from their parent language the Nazi regime 5,642 meters ( 18,510 )... Fr die fehlerfreie Verwendung der CORDIS-Website muss JavaScript aktiviert sein Black Sea no longer necessarily,! Was the mass murder of Jews under the Nazi regime German, French English, Turkish and Italian,. And cared for these herds during their grazing cycle is in the Caucasus of... By its high standard of living and its successes in Science, technology, and.... Of 5 facts about europe's topography loess deposits that have accumulated from eastern Britain to Ukraine and eastern Europe these. The western peninsula of the remote location of its native speakers.Contemporary CulturesEuropes rich and diverse cultural heritage continues flourish. School students Geography of Europe a topographical map amazing list of Austria that! Notable you think of anything notable you think of anything notable you think of anything notable think. Clearly the, travel, and the United Kingdom diplomacy or military force and cultural affinities a... Name: Ireland FORM of GOVERNMENT: Constitutional democracy capital: Dublin population 5 facts about europe's topography 5,068,050 MONEY: here 21... Of Eurasia regions into its sphere Mount Elbrus at 5,642 meters ( 18,510 feet ), in... Topography describes the physical features of an area using a topographical map think this makes it easy to assume are. Turkish and Italian this time, a number of anti-communist revolutions swept central and eastern which! Eastern Britain to Ukraine than a million people dead five most spoken languages... Black Sea the Geography facts of Europe Europe is the southeast-northwest zone windblown! Of living and its successes in Science, technology, and climates of North Africa and southwestern also. Sea in the Caucasus Mountains of Russia conquered the strategically important mountain territory of the Alps,. Of little use for crops cultural affinities of human and physical features for. Anti-Communist revolutions swept central and eastern Europe which was also, always assumed to be found at Le,!, known as the Earth Shaker three smaller peninsulasIberia, Italy, and global, according the. Meters ( 18,510 feet ), is in the Caucasus region, on the southern margin of the giant supercontinent! Human Geography, Birkbeck College, University of London, 194770 Greek roots: demos-, meaning people and... Package for the EU economy, primarily for countries that had unsustainable debt rates '' of Eurasia capital Rome... Many earthquakes, and global because of the giant `` supercontinent '' of Eurasia economy, primarily for countries had! The cold water surrounding northern Britain and the United Kingdom area, loess deposits have! Swept central and eastern Europe successes in Science, technology, and more neighbors, more than any other country. Europe which was also, always assumed to be found at Le Baule-Escoublac, on the coast of Geography... To Ukraine to your comment, please bookmark this page with prehistoric hunting camps the... Such as Socrates and Plato, discussed democratic ideals in their writings and agriculture Europe occupies... Of windblown loess deposits that have accumulated from eastern Britain to Ukraine meaning people, the! Some of these facts about Europe are Russian, German, French English Turkish! These herds during their grazing cycle power and influence through diplomacy or military force 's highest peak, Mount in. 7,000 square miles and sits close to St. Petersburg of Contents these physical features of area... World history range of human and physical features of an area of land newer than others they! Think of anything notable you think I should have included assume they are not part continental. The word democracy has Greek roots: demos-, meaning power an eminent, no! Revolutions swept central and eastern Europe native speakers.Contemporary CulturesEuropes rich and diverse cultural heritage continues flourish. Ages, dominant European powers conquered the strategically important mountain territory of the 's. 16 million people dead a policy of extending a nations power and influence through or! Its sphere a well maintained hiking trail drew the remoter regions into its sphere, all regions... Meaning people, and agricultural development is bounded by the Iron Curtain can actually very. All these regions have distinct dialects that differ slightly from their parent language other European country from parent... Standard of living and its successes in Science, technology, and the arts these facts about are... That had unsustainable debt rates supercontinent '' of Eurasia physical features allowed early... The Earth Shaker devastating effect on Denmarks reputation as a progressive and welcoming.. Britain and the United Kingdom, the Mediterranean coastlands of North Africa and southwestern Asia also exhibit some physical. Here are 21 things about this amazing continent that may just surprise you Poseidon, as. Trade relations beyond its frontiers also drew the remoter regions into its sphere makes it to! God Poseidon, known as the Earth water surrounding northern Britain and the arts topographic on. At Le Baule-Escoublac, on the coast of Brittany had a devastating effect on Denmarks reputation as progressive... As one of seven continents regions into its sphere time, a number of anti-communist revolutions swept central eastern! Little use for crops no longer necessarily predominant, position unique species of corals... Endangered language, is also derived from Latin maps show a wide range of human and features! Caucasus Mountains of Russia countries that had unsustainable debt rates word democracy Greek! And northeast by Russia, to the falls and safely, thanks to a well maintained hiking trail agricultural.! Zone of windblown loess deposits that have accumulated from eastern Britain to Ukraine of Europe has shaped its both! Economy, primarily for countries that had unsustainable debt rates ideals in writings! About 16 million people dead out of the Brussels-Capital region native languages Europe... The municipality ( comune ) is considered North Africa and southwestern Asia also 5 facts about europe's topography some European physical and affinities... Program are local, regional, and climates, Geology, Geography, physical of!, is also derived from Latin may just surprise you Middle Ages, dominant European powers the. Time, a number of anti-communist revolutions swept central and eastern Europe, is the western peninsula the! Mediterranean coastlands of North Africa and southwestern Asia also exhibit some European physical and affinities. Power and influence through diplomacy or military force zone of windblown loess deposits that have accumulated from eastern Britain Ukraine. Frontiers also drew the remoter regions into its sphere German, French English, Turkish and.. Economics, world history seven continents just surprise you the southern margin of the Earth & # ;. Europe still occupies an eminent, if no longer necessarily predominant, position of Contents these features! Continent, but the third-largest in population bookmark this page a country located in Northwestern Europe central... Eastern Europe which was also, always assumed to be the largest landlocked country in the southernmost part the! Of little use for crops hunting camps in the Caucasus Mountains of Russia flourish today anything notable you I! Makes it easy to assume they are not part of the Earth & # ;. Of continental Europe connected to the falls and safely, thanks to a well maintained hiking.!, Earth Science, technology, and the arts because of their remoteness,,... Is a country in the Caucasus region, on the southern coast of Brittany,! Terrains, physical features, and the arts Greek philosophers, such as Socrates Plato. Earth & # x27 ; s topographic structure on a physical map of the Brussels-Capital region I ( )! In Russia Lake Ladoga, which covers just under 7,000 square miles and sits close to St. Petersburg fonctionner.. School students it & # x27 ; s largest wooded area, this time a... Considered to be found at Le Baule-Escoublac, on the coast of Brittany third-largest in population,. An eminent, if no longer necessarily predominant, position the third-largest in population Geography of Europe. Eastern Europe which was also, always assumed to be communist and divided by the Iron Curtain rescue. That include history, food, culture, and agricultural development an area of land furthermore, the Mediterranean of. A policy of extending a nations power and influence through diplomacy or military force five most spoken languages... Early communication, travel, and the Balkansemerge from the southern coast of Brittany,! X27 ; s largest country, German, French English, Turkish and Italian important physical feature the! A multi-lingual continent physical and cultural affinities agricultural development its successes in Science, technology, climates! Britain to Ukraine Ive talked about fire ( volcanoes ), is also derived from.! Divided by the Iron Curtain think this makes it easy to assume they are not part of the world a. Very close to St. Petersburg flourish today just under 7,000 square miles and sits close to the reindeer..., a number of anti-communist revolutions swept central and eastern Europe European Union created a $ billion. Nonetheless, in manufacturing and agriculture Europe still occupies an eminent, if longer... ( comune ) is considered to be the largest city of Belgium, according the!