The document summarizes key geographic features and economic aspects of several West Central European countries. It describes how the region has fertile farmland along the Northern European Plain and navigable rivers like the Danube and Rhine that facilitated trade and transportation. Major cities developed along these waterways. The climate is mild with rainfall and rich soil benefiting agriculture, unlike Russia's climate. Countries mentioned include France, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, noting their capitals, languages, economies focused on agriculture, industry, banking, and tourism, as well as important landmarks.

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