European Geography: Key Facts on Nations and Economies

C.EU. Poland

Population: 95% Polish (homogenous), strong Roman Catholic presence.

Industry: Located in Upper Silesia (industrial heart) and Gdańsk/Gdynia (seaports).

Resources: Hard coal, copper, salt, sulfur.

Airports: Warsaw, Kraków.

Term: Conurbation (interlinked cities like Katowice).

Czechia (CZ) Regions

Regions: Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia.

Religion: Mostly Atheist.

Spas: Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, Františkovy Lázně.

Industry Highlights:

• Auto: Škoda (Mladá Boleslav)
• Beer: Plzeň, Budějovice
• Glass: Jablonec

Hungary (HU)

Religion: Catholic and Calvinist.

Agriculture: Wheat, maize, sunflowers, peppers (paprika).

Wine Regions: Tokaj, Eger (Bull's Blood), Lake Balaton.

Austria (A) & Germany

Austria (A)

Resources/Industry: Alps (Tourism). Magnesite, iron ore, salt. Steel production in Linz (Voestalpine).

Germany

Structure: 16 Federal States.

Industry Centers: Ruhr Area (industry).

Key Sectors: Cars (VW, BMW), Chemicals (BASF), Technology (Siemens).

Airports: Frankfurt, Munich.

Switzerland

Structure: 26 Cantons. 4 Official Languages (German, French, Italian, Romansh).

Geography: Lakes: Geneva, Constance. *Note: No lowlands.*

Economy: Banking (CHF), Watches, Pharmaceuticals.

Liechtenstein

Status: Principality.

Economy: Low tax (haven status). High-tech (Hilti), Dentures (Ivoclar).

Southern Europe Monarchies & Mini-States

• Vatican City: Smallest country, ruled by the Pope (Theocracy).
• San Marino: Republic, considered the oldest in the world.
• Andorra: Principality (co-led by the Spanish Bishop and French President).
• Malta: Republic.
• Spain: Monarchy. Languages: Spanish, Catalan, Basque.

Agriculture (Subtropical Mediterranean Climate)

Climate & Crops: Subtropical Mediterranean climate. Crops include olives, citruses, and vine.

Country Highlights:

• Italy: Biggest Rice producer in the EU. North (Industrial - Milan, Turin/Fiat/Ferrari) vs. South (Agricultural). Port: Genoa. Volcanoes: Etna, Vesuvius, Stromboli.
• Spain: Top Olive producer.
• Portugal: World leader in Cork production.
• Greece: Religion: Greek Orthodoxy. Economy: Tourism (Rhodes), Olive oil. Characterized by small businesses (< 50 people).

Southeastern Europe

Slovenia (1991): Highest GDP in the region, focus on services.

Serbia (2006): Independent. Many Slovaks reside in Vojvodina.

Kosovo (2008): Recognized by UK/Germany; *not* by Slovakia, Spain, Russia.

Bosnia & Herzegovina: Split into the Federation of B&H and Republika Srpska. Brčko is a neutral district established to maintain peace.

Tourism & Infrastructure in SE Europe

• Croatia: Tourism (Plitvice, Paklenica). Adriatic Sea Ports: Rijeka, Split, Dubrovnik.
• North Macedonia: Lake Ohrid is the main tourism draw.
• Romania: Main port: Constanta. Region: Transylvania. Features the Iron Gates (Hydro-power station).
• Bulgaria: Known for Rose Oil (perfumes) and food industry.
• Albania: Least developed, high national increase, underdeveloped tourism due to infrastructure limitations.

Religion and Eastern Europe

Mainly Muslim Countries: Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Eastern Europe (E Europe):

• Moldova: Underdeveloped, focus on Vine/Grapes export.
• Ukraine: Donbas region (Iron ore, coal mining). Agriculture: Wheat, Barley, Cereals.
• Belarus: One-party state. Focus on heavy industry, salt mining, and Bee-keeping.

Islands and Principalities

Islands: Italy (Sicily, Sardinia, Elba); Spain (Balearics, Canaries).

European Principalities: Monaco, Liechtenstein, Andorra.

Currency and Membership Status

Using Euro (€): 20 countries.

NOT using Euro: Poland, Czechia, Hungary, Sweden, Denmark.

Non-EU Members: UK, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine.