1. West Central Europe

2. Geographic features
• West-Central European countries are all
located on the European mainland.
• The Northern European Plain makes up the
northern part of the region and provides the
region’s best farmland.
 Why do you think West Central Europe has a greater area of
usable farmland than Russia?

4. • Several of the
region’s rivers are
navigable.
– A navigable river
is one that is deep
and wide enough
for ships to use
– Two important
rivers are the
Danube and the
Rhine.
 Why do major cities
develop along navigable
waterways?

5. • The navigable rivers in West Central Europe
are important for trade and transportation.

6. • West Central
Europe’s climate is
beneficial to
farming
• Mild temperatures,
plenty of rain, and
rich soil have led to
productive farming
How does this differ
from Russia’s climate?

7. Resources
• Coal, oil, and uranium have helped certain
areas of West-Central Europe by allowing
successful energy production in the region

8. France
• Capital= Paris
• Language= French
• Economy
– top agricultural producer
– major crops= wheat and grapes
– Major exporter of goods like perfumes and wines
– Tourism is important

9. Landmarks in France
Louvre (Art Museum)- Paris, France
Eiffel Tower- Paris, France

10. Landmarks in France
Notre Dame- Paris, France
French Rivera

11. Netherlands
• Capital= Amsterdam
• Language= Dutch
• Economy
– Agriculture is
important
– Cheese and flowers
(tulips) are
important exports

12. Dutch Landmarks
Polders= drained land that has
been pumped from sea water and
is protected by dams

13. Belgium
• Capital= Brussels
• Language= Flemish (northern) and French
(southern)
• Economy
– Major exports= diamonds, chocolate, lace, and
cheese

14. Belgian landmarks
Brussels=
headquarters
for European
Union

15. Luxembourg
• Capital= Luxembourg
• Language= French or German
• Economy
– One of the world’s highest standards of living
– Major banking center
– Important steel producer

16. Luxembourg Geography
• Forested,
hilly country
that is
smaller than
Rhode Island

18. Germany
• Capital= Berlin
• Language= German
• Economy
– Europe’s largest economy
– Based on industry like
chemicals, engineering,
steel, and cars

19. German landmarks
Neuschwanstein
Castle

20. German landmarks
Town square in
Munich

21. Austria
• Capital= Vienna
• Language= German
• Economy
– Service industries, like banking, are important
– Tourism is also important

22. Austrian landmarks
Mozart’s cathedral in
Salzburg, Austria
The Sound of Music was filmed
here!

23. Austrian Geography
The
Alps
cover
¾ of
Austria

24. Switzerland
• Capital= Bern
• Languages= German and French
• Economy
– Banking is very important
– Also famous for its banks, watches, chocolates,
and cheeses.

25. Swiss Landmarks
Lake Lucerne

26. Journey to Mt. Pilatus

27. View from Mt. Pilatus