Western European countries list.
Technology and Internet - 03/02/2019 Western European countries
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 and 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. To the main list Western countries
- included 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 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
- 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. Native 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 nations 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;
- Great Britain;
- 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 big amount of 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 services. 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
. 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., 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. 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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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.
List of Western European countries. Tourism: capitals, cities and resorts. Cards foreign countries region Western Europe.
- Tours for May Worldwide
- Last minute tours Worldwide
Blooming capitalism in all its tempting glory - this is what Western Europe is with its centuries-old monarchies, “small but proud” microstates, whose banks hold 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 so happened historically that for domestic tourists, 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 I 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, it is definitely legalized most of vices! 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 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 the Western world in modern 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 spans 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 accumulation of capital”, “ 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, W. 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 weapon. 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.
Western Europe
Western Europe is a dynamic region of the world economy, characterized by the specifics of international economic relations. It unites 24 countries. By territory, Western European states can be divided into 4 groups:
· large states(France, Spain, Sweden, Germany, Finland, Norway, Italy, Great Britain);
· middle states (Iceland, Greece, Portugal, Ireland, Austria);
· small states (Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland);
· dwarf states (Andorra, Malta, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, San Marino, Monaco, Vatican).
total area Western Europe 3.9 million sq. km. Population exceeds 375 million people.
Western Europe as an integral region ranks first in the world economy in terms of industrial and agricultural production, exports of goods and services, gold and currency reserves, development international tourism. The face of Europe international division labor (materials and materials) is determined by the development of industry (mechanical engineering, chemical and electrical industries). Western Europe is different high level development of integration processes.
GDP per capita, USD USA, 2009
Austria 32849
Andorra 31715
Belgium 30500
UK 30905
Germany 27905
Gibraltar 40948
Denmark 31564
Ireland 34455
Iceland 32091
Spain 24859
Italy 26008
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg 57125
Malta 19502
Netherlands 31769
Norway 39756
Portugal 18880
San Marino 25303
Finland 30965
France 29020
Switzerland 36202
Sweden 30815
Austria
Austria area– 83,900 sq. km
Capital of Austria– Vienna
Main cities– Graz, Salzburg, Linz, Klagenfurt, Innsbruck
Currency unit– euro Population of Austria– 8.1 million people
Languages of Austria- German Religion- Catholicism, Lutheranism
Austria GDP
Sights of Austria :
Sights of Vienna
St. Stephen's Cathedral (Vienna)
Schönbrunn Castle - the pride of the beautiful Vienna
Legendary hotel Sacher 5* (Vienna)
Sights of Salzburg
The Alps: not just mountains
For a long time Austria is famous their ski resorts. Austria produces light white wines and about 11% red wine, most of which meet the highest requirements and are excellent table wines.
Andorra
Area of Andorra– 468 sq. km
Capital of Andorra– Andorra la Vieja (Andorra)
Main cities– Escaldes, Encamp, Sant Julia de Lória, Massana
Currency unit– euro
Population of Andorra– 66.8 thousand people
Languages of Andorra– Catalan (official), Spanish, French
Religion– Catholicism Andorra GDP– $19,000 per capita
Andorra is a country of supermarkets and tourists. Andorra is rich in mineral resources.
Belgium
Belgium Square– 30,528 sq. km
Capital of Belgium– Brussels
Main cities– Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent, Liege, Charleroi
Currency unit– Belgian franc
Population of Belgium– 10.2 million people
Languages of Belgium– Flemish, French, German
Religion- Catholicism, Protestantism
Belgium GDP– $22,920 per capita
Belgium consists of two parts - northern Flanders, which speaks mainly Dutch, and southern Wallonia, which prefers French. one of the most significant manufacturers of metal products and textiles.
Vatican
Vatican Square– 0.44 sq. km
Capital of the Vatican– no, due to the specifics of the state
Main cities- no, similar Currency unit– euro
Population of Vatican City– 1 thousand people have official citizenship (total population is 2.5 thousand) Vatican languages– Latin, Italian
Religion– Catholicism
Sights of the Vatican :
Sights of Rome
St. Peter's Cathedral - Catholic shrine
Vatican Museums – Sistine Chapel
The Vatican as a state has existed not so long ago - since 1929. But this is official. And the residence of the Pope arose here historically. Most tourists arriving in the Vatican strive to go straight to the Sistine Chapel. Its ceiling is painted by the young Michelangelo.
Great Britain
UK area– 256,000 sq. km
The capital of Great Britain– London
Main cities– Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield, Leeds, Bristol, Belfast, Cardiff
Currency unit- GBP
UK population– 60.4 million people
UK languages- English Religion– Anglicanism, Catholicism
UK GDP– $22,800 per capita
Engineering and transport, industrial goods and chemicals are the UK's main exports.By production wool fabrics Great Britain is among the world leaders.
Germany
Germany area– 357,000 sq. km
Capital of Germany– Berlin
Main cities– Hamburg, Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Cologne, Essen, Dortmund, Stuttgart, Dusseldorf, Dresden, Bremen, Duisburg, Leipzig, Hannover
Currency unit– euro
Population of Germany– 82 million people
Languages of Germany- German Religion- Catholicism, Protestantism
Germany GDP– $25,500 per capita
Sightseeings of Germany :
Sights of Berlin
Grand Hotel The Regent 5* (Berlin)
Sights of Cologne
Sights of Munich
Nymphenburg is the largest in Bavaria
Hofbräuhaus - the most famous beer hall
Beer festival "Oktoberfest"
Sights of Dresden
Sights of Hamburg
Linderhof Castle – a Bavarian pearl
Neuschwanstein - shelter of the lonely swan
Protected Saxon Switzerland
Frauenkirche Church in Munich
The Alps: not just mountains
Germany is an industrialized country. The main industries are mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical, automobile and shipbuilding, and coal. By production milk ranks first within the EU.
Gibraltar
1. Square: 6.5 km²
2. Population 29 thousand 257 people (2007)
3. Main peoples: Gibraltarians (descendants of the Genoese, English, Spaniards, Maltese, Portuguese, etc.) - 81%, other British 9.3%, foreigners 7%
4. Official language : English (Spanish, Portuguese, Italian are also common)
5. Political system - parliamentary democracy, autonomous possession of Great Britain
6. Head of State- British monarch
7. Head of the government- Prime Minister
Gibraltar is the only place in Europe where people live wild monkeys- magots. Industry structure economy by employment: service sector - 60%, industry - 40%. The territory has developed tourism industries, banking and finance, shipbuilding and ship repair industries.
Kingdom of Denmark
Denmark Square– 43,092 sq. km
Capital of Denmark– Copenhagen
Main cities– Aarhus, Odense, Aalborg, Esbjerg, Randers, Kolding
Currency unit– Danish krone
Population of Denmark– 5.3 million people
Languages of Denmark– Danish, German
Religion- Lutheranism, Catholicism
Denmark GDP– $35,100 per capita
Sights of Denmark
: Sights of Copenhagen
Hamlet's Castle: from past to present
Denmark for children – Tivoli and Legoland
Denmark is an industrial-agrarian country with a high level of development. The share of industry in national income is more than 40%. The country ranks first in the world in terms of volume foreign trade turnover per capita.
Main export goods: mechanical engineering products, meat and meat products, dairy products, fish, medicines, furniture.
Leading industries: metalworking, mechanical engineering (especially electrical and radio-electronic), food, chemical, pulp and paper, textile. IN agriculture The leading role belongs to meat and dairy farming. Denmark ranks 7th in the world in terms of pig population - 25 million, of which 87% is exported.
Ireland, or Irish Republic
Area of Ireland– 70,300 sq. km
Capital of Ireland– Dublin
Main cities– Cork, Limerick, Tralee, Dun Lary, Waterford, Sligo, Galway
Currency unit– euro
Population of Ireland– 3.8 million people
Languages of Ireland– Irish, English (both official)
Religion– Catholicism Ireland GDP– $21,000 per capita
Sights of Ireland : Mysterious Newgrange: Fairy Mound
Ireland is a small country, and the only country in the world whose population today is less than two hundred years ago. Only 4.2 million people. TO beginning of XXI century, the key sectors of the Irish economy are: pharmaceuticals, manufacturing medical equipment, information and multimedia technologies.
Iceland
Iceland area– 103,300 sq. km
Capital of Iceland– Reykjavik
Main cities of Iceland– Akureyri, Husavik, Keflavik, Sigljufjörður
Currency unit– Icelandic krona
Population– 278 thousand people
Languages of Iceland– Icelandic (state)
Religion– Protestantism
Iceland GDP– $25,000 per capita
Sights of Iceland
: Sights of Iceland
Blue Lagoon Resort and Spa (Iceland)
The main source of income was fishing and fish processing. V last years There is an intensive diversification of industry based on cheap renewable energy (mainly geothermal sources and hydropower). The Icelandic government has announced a large-scale program to build aluminum smelters.
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 position
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 the “mosaic” nature of the relief of the territory of Western Europe, the borders between individual countries, as well as the border dividing Western Europe and Eastern Europe, passes mainly along natural boundaries that do not create serious obstacles to transport connections.
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, industrial revolution, 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 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%