Application in Western European countries. Western Europe
List of Western European countries. Tourism: capitals, cities and resorts. Cards foreign countries region Western Europe.
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Blooming capitalism in all its tempting glory - this is what Western Europe is with its centuries-old monarchies, “small but proud” microstates, whose banks store astronomical foreign exchange reserves, luxury with a sense of self-esteem, forever inviolable human rights... and others, other attributes of a highly developed society. It just so happened historically that for the domestic tourist it is Western European countries have always been secretly desired, but never achievable forbidden fruit- the ideological enemy was supposed to be publicly trampled, and the maximum where socialist labor shock workers were allowed was the friendly states of Eastern Europe. Perhaps this is why today France, Germany, and Great Britain are still associated with guaranteed better life, which you really want to see! - even if only for the duration of a tourist trip. So a tourist traveling through the expanses of Western Europe is special: he wants not only to go through the sights, but also to see with his own eyes “how people live”, including whether they take a taxi to the bakery!
Geographically, the concept of Western Europe usually includes the United Kingdom (the farthest reaches, nestled in rough waters Atlantic), Belgium and the Netherlands closest to it, the “monsters” of tourism - Germany and France, as well as Luxembourg and Liechtenstein.
Of course, this division is largely arbitrary, and there are a lot of discrepancies in interpretation, even according to different versions official organizations. But let’s not get bogged down in conventions; we’d rather talk about the merits of Western Europe as a tourist destination.
To begin with, let’s designate a potential tourist. First of all, wealthy clients come here: tours to Western European countries are traditionally expensive and price reductions are not expected in the foreseeable future - the destinations are not widespread and can offer an exclusive, varied vacation - beach, excursion, and wellness. Not in last resort Western Europe is attractive for businessmen: French, German and Dutch companies have long since “mastered” Mother Russia, which is expressed in the mutual influx and outflow of managers and other administration. In winter, here you can find excellent conditions for skiing (yes, we are talking about the French Alps), as well as for the associated “après” lifestyle. By the way, it is best to indulge in all seriousness in Western Europe - we are talking about the Netherlands, where, it seems, most of the vices are legalized! And of course, it would be remiss not to mention the study foreign languages V literally“Where did it come from..” - they will teach you to speak English in the UK, in German - in Germany, and impeccable French pronunciation can be purchased in the best language schools Paris and surroundings.
Western Europe in 3 minutes
One of the difficulties of the destination is the “trouble” with entry documents: even putting Schengen aside, in the process of obtaining just an English visa you can turn gray, and although it is not long, it is an expensive flight - however, like the total cost of Western European voyages. In return, you will be offered impeccable service, quality hotels even with low star ratings, and that same beneficial atmosphere of the Old World that has such a positive effect on creative people- You can see this in any of the local museums.
Western European countries are considered the most developed region in the world. Residents of other countries have always associated these states with beauty, wealth, serenity and prosperous capitalism. Which countries are included in the Western group, what are their characteristics and prospects, we will consider further.
The phenomenon of emergence European civilization has been causing controversial opinions for many centuries. There are several theories. According to one of them, the ancient Greeks became the founders of Western European civilization. According to another opinion, its origins occurred in the 15th–16th centuries during the period of major geographical discoveries and the emergence of capitalist reformations.
European countries have gone through a series of turning points.For many centuries this territory passed through numerous stages of development. She changed many moral principles and goals. For modern man it is the most developed region on the planet.
The main list of Western countries includes powers that are conditionally divided into four groups:
- large;
- small;
- smaller;
- dwarf.
A total of about 300 million people live in all countries. Many of them are immigrants who came to the West in search of good jobs. Migrant workers account for about 20 million people.
Most of the powers of Western Europe are members of the European Union. This is the largest association of states, which is a leader in the volume of industrial and small-scale production. The countries are economically developed, so the region is considered financially secure.
Important! Western countries have a very rich culture. In this territory the world was born famous musicians, artists, writers, athletes.
Differences from other regions of the planet
The countries of Western Europe have a number of features that distinguish them from other countries of the world:
- Language. Almost every nation in Western Europe uses languages that belong to the Germanic and Romance languages for communication and writing. The most common is English. This language is considered native to almost 400 million inhabitants. Even non-Germanic languages once underwent strong Germanization. These include Hungarian, Slovak and Czech languages.
- Alphabet. Indigenous people western region, as well as their colonies that were once under their control, use the Latin alphabet, which appeared in the 7th century BC.
- Religion. Most of The nationalities of Europe embrace Protestantism and Catholicism. Among the population there is a huge percentage of atheists who do not welcome any religion. Catholicism in the 10th century became independent part Orthodoxy. After 400 years, Catholics began to abuse their religious views, so Protestantism arose as a counterweight.
List of Western European countries
According to geographical location The list of Western countries includes the following states:
- Austria;
- Belgium;
- United Kingdom;
- Germany;
- Ireland;
- Liechtenstein;
- Luxembourg;
- Monaco;
- Netherlands;
- France;
- Switzerland.
The powers belonging to the West are also located on the territory of Northern and Central Europe. Therefore, the list can be supplemented:
- Greece;
- Denmark;
- Iceland;
- Cyprus;
- Malta;
- Norway;
- Portugal;
- Finland.
The listed countries are part of the European Union.
Many people also include the United States in the Western Euroregion, New Zealand, South Korea, Australia, Canada and Japan. However, not all states meet the criteria by which they can be considered representatives of Western territories.
Western civilization
Western civilization is usually called a complex of cultural, economic and political aspects. It is inherent for her constant development and the unbridled desire of a person for new achievements. It is distinguished by expanded democracy, market relations, and developing production.
The West is characterized by such features as prosperity, cultural wealth, and developed infrastructure. Residents of the region live in conditions of freedom, high salaries and a decent standard of living.
The West is the most advanced in the economic sphere. 25 European countries are located in leading positions in the world economy. Story economic development began after the approval in 1957 of the Rome Agreement establishing the European economic community. After this historical moment, these countries experienced rapid economic growth.
Today's Western Europe adheres to one economic mechanism. The share of these states in world GDP is 24%. There are four most developed in the region economically powers. They own 70% of GDP. This large countries, populated a large number people.
Germany is the first of the four. Each resident accounts for more than 47 thousand dollars of GDP. The German economy is the largest in Europe. She exports greatest number machines, equipment and chemicals.
The UK is a leader in the services sector. Almost 75% of the population works in the field of insurance, banking and other services. The share of industry is decreasing every year. Today, manufacturing and mining remain the developed industries in the UK. Agriculture provides only 1% of GDP.
France is in third place. It is also represented by the service sector, as well as transport and oil and gas production.
Italy closes the top four. But the country is gradually plunging into a state of crisis, and it remains to be seen whether it will be able to regain its position. According to many experts, Italy is weak link the European Union, since both economic and demographic indicators are declining. In the event of a default, the state will become main reason collapse of the world economy.
Other countries
The remaining powers on the list are small-industrial. The share of GDP in these countries is much lower than that of the top four:
- The Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium – 20%;
- residents of Norway, Austria, Finland, Denmark and Greece get 8%;
- for Malta, Portugal, Iceland, Luxembourg, Cyprus and Ireland the GDP is only 2%.
The vector of economic development of Western European countries is not uniform. It is characterized by leaps, rapid growth and equally rapid decline.
Today, the region has plunged into a state of crisis, which arose due to a decrease in production and trade volumes in the sphere of ferrous metal, coal mining and the textile industry.
IN Western countries there is good scientific and technical potential, which opens up great prospects for them. Europe is accustomed to investing heavily in science financial resources, the size of which often reaches 2% of GDP. By the way, the USA invests up to 16%, while Japan invests less than the West.
Important! Today the Eurozone is actively increasing the number nuclear power plants, produces large volumes medicines, is a leader in certain branches of mechanical engineering and the production of communications equipment.
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Let's sum it up
The agricultural sector accounts for 8%. But the number of people involved in cultivating land and raising livestock has been rapidly declining over the years, although production volumes are growing. Germany, the United Kingdom and France remain the leaders in agricultural production.
Western Europe is the name given to a group of European states united along certain political, cultural and geographical lines. In the years Cold War The division was established based on participation in the NATO bloc. After the breakup " Warsaw Pact“A new division of countries took hold. The region of Western Europe now includes Belgium, Monaco, and according to some sources, according to others, this includes as many as 26 countries.
The countries of Western Europe are united not only geographical location, but also close economic and political connections. According to the form of government, about half of the countries are still monarchies, the rest are republics.
Geographical location
Western Europe ranks western part Eurasian continent, washed mainly by waters Atlantic Ocean and only in the north of the Scandinavian Peninsula - by the waters of the Arctic Ocean. Despite all the “mosaic” nature of the relief of the territory of Western Europe, the borders between individual countries, as well as the border separating Western Europe and Eastern Europe, passes mainly along such natural boundaries that do not create serious obstacles to transport links.
Economic and geopolitical situation region is very favorable. This is due to the fact that,
- firstly, the countries of the subregion either access the sea or are located at a short distance from it (no further than 480 km), which contributes to the development of economic ties.
- secondly, the neighboring position of these countries in relation to each other is very important.
- thirdly, natural conditions The region as a whole is favorable for the development of both industry and agriculture.
Natural conditions and resources
The territory of Western Europe lies within tectonic structures of different ages: Precambrian, Caledonian, Hercynian and the youngest - Cenozoic. As a result of complex geological history formation of Europe within the subregion, four large orographic belts were formed, successively replacing each other in the direction from north to south (plateaus and highlands of Fennoscandia, the Central European Plain, the middle mountains of Central Europe and the alpine highlands and middle mountains occupying it southern part). Accordingly, the composition of minerals in the northern (platform) and southern (folded) parts of the region differs significantly.
The region plays a very prominent role in the world economy and world politics; it has become one of the centers of world civilization, the birthplace of great geographical discoveries, the industrial revolution, and urban agglomerations. Western Europe is a dynamic region of the world economy, characterized by the specifics of international economic relations.
The hydropower resources of Western Europe are quite large, but are concentrated mainly in the Alps, Scandinavian and Dinaric mountains.
In the past, Western Europe was almost completely covered diverse forests: taiga, mixed, broad-leaved and subtropical forests. But centuries-old economic use territory led to the fact that natural forests cleared, and in their place secondary forests have grown in some countries. The largest natural prerequisites for maintaining forestry Sweden and Finland have it, where typical forest landscapes predominate.
Western Europe. Population
In general, Western Europe (like Eastern Europe) is distinguished by a complex and unfavorable demographic situation. Firstly, this is explained by the low birth rate and, accordingly, low level natural growth. The lowest birth rates are in Greece, Italy, and Germany (up to 10%). In Germany there is even a population decline. At the same time, the age composition of the population is changing towards a decrease in the proportion of children and an increase in the proportion of older people. New for Europe is the influx of so-called refugees from Syria, Iraq and other countries affected by ISIS.
Before that national composition The population was quite homogeneous, since the vast majority of the 62 peoples of the region belong to the Indo-European language family.
In all countries of Western Europe, the dominant religion is Christianity.
Western Europe is one of the most densely populated regions of the world; the distribution of its population is primarily determined by the geography of its cities. Urbanization level - 70-90%
- part of the Eurasian continent, washed by two oceans at once - the Arctic and the Atlantic.
The area of the EU is approximately 10 million square meters, and its population accounts for approximately 10% of the total population of the planet, which is approximately 740 million people.
General information
How many parts are there in Europe:
- Northern Europe;
- Southern Europe;
- East Europe;
- Central Europe.
Depending on existing opinions, European countries can be classified as one part of it or another.
The highest point in Europe is Mount Elbrus, whose height reaches 5642 m, and lowest point– Caspian Sea, whose height is present moment approximately equal to 27 m.
The main territory is dominated by flat terrain, and only 17% of all Europe is mountainous. The climate of most of Europe is temperate, but in the north there are glaciers, and in Caspian lowland- desert.
Europe is the region with the greatest cultural diversity, despite its small territory.
East Europe
The European part of Eurasia, located within the borders of central and eastern Europe, is usually referred to as Eastern Europe. Lives in this area larger number people than in other European regions, and occupies about 2/3 of Europe.
The bulk of the population are people of Slavic appearance. Due to political actions, the territory is constantly subject to change.
So, in Soviet era, the countries of the USSR were included in Eastern Europe, but after the collapse of the Soviet Union, some countries separated and began to be considered foreign.
The climate here is drier and less warm. However, the soils of this part of Europe are much more fertile than those of Western Europe. IN Eastern Europe the most large number black soils all over the world.
Eastern Europe is the closest part of the Old World to Russia in spirit and territory. The plane flight will not take more than two hours. Go on vacation to nearest countries You can even drive your own car.
Habitual climate and native language will be a pleasant bonus for those who decide to spend their holidays in Eastern European countries.
Western Europe is the territory where everyone is located Western countries Europe. Typically, this includes countries that are related to each other culturally and geographical principles, and who were able to escape Soviet influence during the Cold War.
The climate in Western European countries is generally temperate, with mild winters and warm summers.
Western Europe is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Urbanization here is at 80%. The largest agglomerations here are London and Paris.
Western Europe is considered the most popular for tourism. About 65% of tourists flock here. In this area you can see everything: from sandy beaches, to mountain landscapes. The mosaic nature of the landscapes is striking in its beauty.
The large flow of tourists has led to the formation of special tourist zones that specialize in providing tourism services to guests.
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Everyone will be able to indicate on the map exactly where Europe is located. However, setting clear boundaries, as it turns out, is not so easy.
The geographical boundaries of Europe are northern, western and south sides are the coastline of the seas of the Arctic Ocean, as well as the Atlantic Ocean. These are the Baltic, Northern, Irish, Mediterranean, Black, Marmara and Azov seas.
The eastern border is usually drawn along the slope Ural mountains to the Caspian Sea. Some sources also include the territories of the Caucasus as Europe.
List of countries in Europe
The number of European countries is quite extensive.
If listed in alphabetical order, the list would be as follows:
- Austria;
- Albania;
- Andorra
- Belarus;
- Belgium;
- Bulgaria;
- Bosnia
- Vatican;
- United Kingdom;
- Hungary
- Germany;
- Holland;
- Greece;
- Georgia
- Denmark
- Ireland;
- Spain;
- Italy;
- Iceland
- Latvia;
- Lithuania;
- Liechtenstein;
- Luxembourg
- Macedonia;
- Malta;
- Moldova;
- Monaco
- Norway
- Poland;
- Portugal
- Russia;
- Romania
- San Morino;
- Serbia;
- Slovakia;
- Slovenia
- Ukraine
- Finland;
- France
- Croatia
- Montenegro;
- Czech Republic
- Switzerland;
- Sweden
- Estonia.
This is a complete list of states that are European.
Number of European countries
The number of states included in Europe today is 44. But based on the political and economic situations taking place in the world, it cannot be said that this list will not change.
We can take as an example Soviet Union, which at one time broke up into 15 independent states , while the GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany, for example, on the contrary, united into a single whole, and today are called Germany.
Difficult these days political situation takes place in Spain, where the Catalan part is trying to separate itself into a state independent from Spain and be called Catalonia.
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National symbols
As national symbols countries display their flags and coats of arms. As a rule, the basis of coats of arms includes animalistic symbols. The image of a horse symbolizes speed and movement.
All European countries are familiar with the myths about the sun god, who traveled on his horse-drawn carriage. But, for example, an elephant expresses reliability and strength. It is his image that can be found on the coat of arms of the city of Coventry in Great Britain.
The state symbols of England are the oldest of all European countries. The coat of arms, which is now official in Great Britain, originated in the 19th century.
The coat of arms of England looks like a shield, in the upper left and lower right corners of which there are three gold leopards on a red background, in the upper right - a fiery lion, located on a gold background - the Scottish coat of arms, and, finally, in the lower left - a harp of gold on a blue field - Irish symbols.
This shield is held by a golden lion with a crown in its mane and a snow-white unicorn.
The symbolism of the Scandinavian countries reveals the history of the countries of the European North. The coat of arms of Denmark has been formed over several centuries. It is a shield with a crown on top, and inside the shield there are four blue leopards in a row from top to bottom.
The flag of Denmark is divided by a red and white cross, in the center of which is its coat of arms.
On state emblem Sweden, until the 13th century, depicted three leopards in crowns, standing on a field one after another, which was very reminiscent of the coat of arms of Denmark.
Only at the beginning of the 14th century a coat of arms appeared depicting three golden crowns, which later became the state symbol.
The original coat of arms of Iceland was a white falcon, but in 1944 a new symbol was chosen: a shield held by a bull, a dragon, an eagle and an old man.
The main symbol of Albania is a black eagle with two heads, which is the Albanian coat of arms.
The symbol of Bulgaria is a golden lion located on a red shield, which is a symbol of masculinity.
The Polish coat of arms looks like a white eagle, whose head is decorated with a gilded crown.
The symbol of Serbia was created during the period of unification of the lands of Serbia. It depicts a boar's head pierced by an arrow.
Macedonia became independent only in the second half of the 20th century, so before this period, symbolism was represented only by territorial symbols. Nowadays the coat of arms of Macedonia features a golden crowned lion.
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Population and area of countries
The main giant by all criteria among European countries is Russia. Its area is approximately 17 million square meters, which is almost equal to the area South America, and the population is about 146 million.
However, Russia’s entry into Europe is considered controversial, because most of it is located in Asia, and only about 22% is in Europe.
Next on the list of the largest countries in Europe by territory it is worth mentioning Ukraine. It occupies an area of almost 604 thousand square meters. The population of Ukraine is about 42 million people.
France, Spain, Sweden, Germany, Finland, Norway, Poland and Italy present a list of the 10 largest European countries. However, in terms of the number of inhabitants of these countries, after Russia comes Germany, whose population is about 81 million people.
The population of France is in third place in terms of size. There are about 66 million people within its borders.
The most major cities In Europe, London is considered, with its population of 7 million people, Berlin - 3.5 million people, followed by Madrid, Rome, Kyiv and Paris with a population of 3 million.
Which countries are part of the European Union?
The Union of Europe was organized during the collapse of the USSR. The EU is united together for economic reasons and political views states. Most of these countries use one type of currency - the euro.
Union is international education, which includes characteristics of the country and characteristics international community, but in fact they are neither one nor the other.
In some cases, decisions are made by supranational institutions, and in others through negotiations between countries that are members of the European Union.
At the very beginning of its emergence, the European Union consisted of only six countries - Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and France. Today, thanks to joining the agreement, the number of countries within the European Union has increased to twenty-eight.
States renounce their sovereignty and in return receive protection in various institutions of the union, which act for the common interests of all participants.
The Lisbon Treaty included rules for secession from the European Union. During the entire period of action, only Greenland left the European Union - in the late 1900s.
Currently, five countries are vying for the opportunity to leave the Union. These are Albania, Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye and Montenegro.
List of EU countries:
- Austria;
- Belgium;
- Bulgaria;
- Hungary;
- United Kingdom;
- Greece;
- Germany;
- Denmark;
- Italy;
- Ireland;
- Spain;
- Republic of Cyprus;
- Luxembourg;
- Latvia;
- Lithuania;
- Malta;
- Netherlands;
- Portugal;
- Poland;
- Romania;
- Slovenia;
- Slovakia;
- France;
- Finland;
- Croatia;
- Czech Republic;
- Sweden;
- Estonia.
Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland have not agreed to join the European Union and become member states, but they are still participating in joint economic activities.
The population of the European Union as of 2009 exceeded five hundred million people.
All over the earth European Union twenty-four languages are equally used by people. But, as a rule, the most popular languages in the European Union are English, German, and French.
As for religious views, according to surveys, about 18% of the population are atheists, 27% are unsure of their views and 52% confidently believe in the existence of God.
Western Europe is a huge part of the world with rich history and culture. Today, European countries are the most developed in the world and have more influence on international politics than others.
Antiquity
Ancient Greece is called the cradle of European civilization. It was here that the model of democratic organization of society that is familiar to us was born, and the prerequisites for the development of the economic system and cultural traditions of future countries were formed. This civilization had a huge impact not only on the Mediterranean region, but also on Asia and Africa.
The economic basis of the ancient world was the polis, where already in earlier times, unlike eastern countries, there was a separation of private property from collective property. Ancient Greece and Rome gave impetus to the formation of European law as a special regulator of relations between the state and the citizen.
The achievements of ancient culture, despite being forgotten in the Middle Ages, were later rethought and formed the basis for development various areas knowledge in Western world in New Times. In addition, during this era, tribal alliances were formed, which served as the foundation for the formation of European nations.
Medieval period
The history of Western Europe in the Middle Ages is full of wars and new scientific achievements. It was at this time on political map many have arisen in the world European states, the operating principles of individual political institutions were formed.
Europe in the Middle Ages becomes the “Christian world.” Religion has a huge influence not only on public relations, but also on political life.
At this time, such states of Western Europe as the Ostrogothic, Visigothic, Frankish and Anglo-Saxon kingdoms rose.
An important achievement of medieval European civilization is the abolition of slavery. This has opened up the possibility of innovation in social life and into production.
During the Mature Middle Ages, the Romanesque style appeared, which was reflected in architecture (for example, the famous “leaning” tower in Pisa), painting, sculpture, as well as Gothic, the cradle of which was France.
Renaissance
The Renaissance is a transitional period between the Middle Ages and the New Age, which covers from the 14th to the 16th centuries. It was then that new image European man- strong-willed, strong, intellectual.
Renaissance is special period, which the culture of Western Europe passed in its development. His main task and the goal was the revival of the ancient heritage, its rethinking and application in a new era.
Italy is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance. It was here that the famous Leonardo da Vinci, Filippo Brunelleschi, Masaccio, and Sandro Botticelli worked.
During the Renaissance, Western Europe embarked on the path of the Great Geographical Discoveries, which contributed to the expansion of the horizons of every person, the development of culture and its implementation in other parts of the world.
At this time there was special shape worldview - humanism (recognition of people as the highest value and their right to free development and realization of their capabilities).
New time
Modern times cover the period from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The development of Western Europe in this era is characterized by such concepts as “ industrial revolution", "initial capital accumulation", " colonial system", "enlightenment", etc.
In modern times there are changes in religious life European countries, which was a consequence of the Reformation (spiritual and socio-political movement directed against catholic church). The most important event This period was the Great French Revolution, which entailed a number of social and political changes in other European countries.
In the 19th century The map of Europe is changing. In the 1870s, Germany and Italy were united and Austria-Hungary was formed.
The era of colonialism began in modern times. Leading European countries interested in trade with the East are establishing trading posts there. Later, the first colonies appeared in India, Africa, Canada, etc.
A huge shock at the final stage of the period was the First world war.
Cultural development of Western Europe in modern times
Western Europe in the 18th century entered the Age of Enlightenment, which in its content was a continuation of the Renaissance. At this time, humanistic ideas are becoming increasingly relevant, and the enormous role of human mind, the authority of science is growing. Outstanding educators (Voltaire, C. Montesquieu, I. Goethe, I. Kant, J. Rousseau, I. Herder) developed the concept of “natural development” and defended inalienable human rights.
In the art of modern times, such trends as classicism and baroque stand out. By the end of the period they were supplanted by Rococo, Sentimentalism and Modernism. Since that time, European countries have become leading in world culture, relegating China and other eastern states to the background.
The revolution in science should also be noted. It is associated with the names of G. Galileo, I. Newton, I. Kepler, R. Boyle, R. Descartes, V. Pascal, W. Harvey and others. In modern times, science becomes global.
Modern times
IN Modern times Western Europe has finally acquired its modern appearance. The most significant event of the era is considered to be the Second World War, in which 61 countries took part. During this conflict, for the first time, nuclear weapons. After World War II, such international organizations like the UN and NATO.
In modern times, the telephone, computer, nuclear power plant, satellite, CD, and Internet were invented, which became an integral part of everyday life every modern person.
Culture of Western Europe in Modern Times
This period was marked by the emergence of new philosophical movements: existentialism, neopositivism and neo-Thomism.
At the beginning of modern times, the fantastic and democratic trends prevailed in literature. The first is associated with a person’s attempts to understand the meaning of war and peace (H. Wells), the second is to understand the meaning of the events taking place around him (Bernard Shaw, Theodore Dreiser, Thomas Mann).
In the art of modern times, it is worth noting the emergence of different movements of modernism (expressionism, fauvism, cubism, surrealism, futurism, abstractionism) and avant-gardeism.