Western Europe: Overview of a Region - Term Paper Example

 Western Europe: Overview of a Region Regions are a useful way to divide the world into units of study. The realm of Europe is a large one, flanked and separated by major water bodies and comprised of a number of islands. Within the realm, the region of Western Europe is a considerable political and economic force. Western Europe is considered by some to be the heart of the European realm. The countries that comprise the region include Germany, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, and Liechtenstein (de Blij and Muller, 2004). The languages of Western Europe are diverse. For a region with such modest total land area, it is host to a large number of different languages. There are examples from the Germanic group (German, Dutch, and Danish) and the Romance group (French) (de Blij and Muller, 2004). The large number of languages spoken in Western Europe is somewhat of a hindrance to the unified Europe movement, but the EU seems to be dealing effectively with the heterogeneous nature of its membership. Western Europe has an additional advantage in the area of language: it enjoys one of the highest literacy rates in the world. In the western part of this region, English is perhaps the most common language, but its influence diminishes as one heads east in Europe (MapQuest, 2005). The most powerful country in the region is Germany. It is the most populous, has the strongest economy, and is influential in the EU. Its geography features northern lowlands, uplands in the central area, and the Bavarian Alps in south Germany led much of the world into war twice during the twentieth century. After each world war, nations of the world were eager to restrict Germany’s industrial power, since it had been so integral in the success of Germany’s military. But in West Germany, the American-led Marshall Plan sought to rescue Germany’s economy so that it would not be faced with the same economic stability that had allowed the Nazional Party to rise. As a result, West Germany was organized into a modern federal state with strong democratic principles. Its economy grew rapidly: from 1949 to 1964, its GNP tripled and industrial output steadily rose (de Blij and Muller, 2004). West Germany’s political leaders aggressively sought new trade partners, and took advantage of the nation’s central location. Its infrastructure demolished, it built new transportation networks and facilities based on the latest technology (de Blij and Muller, 2004). In 1990, it reunified with East Germany and took on the economic burden of its flagging economy and outdated factories. Today’s German government has poured billions into rebuilding East Germany and is slowly making progress (de Blij and Muller, 2004). France is the second major nation in the region. It is larger than Germany, but does not have any good natural harbors and a river system that is difficult for large ships to navigate. Its largest city has nearly 10 million residents. While Germany is well known for its industrial development, the French saw less impressive industry, but a strong, productive agriculture that made good use the country’s range of soils and climates (de Blij and Muller, 2004). Its geography is varied, including flat plains or gently rolling hills in the north and west; low-lying coastal plains, evidence of past volcanic activity; and mountains (France, 2008). The French economy is based around high technology. It leads the world in the production of high-speed trains, space technology, fiber optics, and aircraft. Since 1958, its government is a mixed system of president and parliament. Despite its past with Germany, it has overcome issues of trust and formed a bond with Germany that has boosted the economy of the whole region. France was central to the creation of the “euro,” the common exchange currency of the European Union. France remains at the front of the efforts to develop the military strength of the EU and to boost progress toward a collective foreign policy (France, 2008). The major religion of France is Roman Catholicism. Approximate 85% of the country is Roman Catholic, and there are small groups of Protestants (2%), Jews (1%), Muslims (10%), and others (France, 2008). Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg form another part of the region. They are often referred to as Be-Ne-Lux, from the first syllable of the name of each, but they are three separate and different nations. Belgium is marked by a huge cultural divide between the Flemish in the northwest who speak Dutch and the Walloons in the south who are French-speaking (de Blij and Muller, 2004). About 75% of Belgians are Roman Catholic, while the rest are Protestants and other groups (Belgium, 2008). Belgium’s government is a parliamentary democracy under the control of a constitutional monarchy. The current chief of state is King Albert II, and the head of government is Prime Minister Yves Leterme. The Dutch bicameral Parliament is made of up a Senate (some of whom are indirectly elected) and a Chamber of Deputies, who are entirely elected by the people (Belgium, 2008). Belgium’s economy utilizes its central location, good transportation network, and highly diverse industrial and commercial enterprises. It imports many of its raw materials because of its small area. Belgium mostly trades with other EU countries, exporting machinery, chemicals, diamonds, metal and food with Germany, France, the Netherlands, and a few others. It imports pharmaceuticals, oil, and food and machinery it does not make itself (Belgium, 2008). It lies between the North Sea, France, and the Netherlands, occupying about as much space as Maryland. There are flat coastal plains in the northwest, while the Ardennes Forest and mountainous terrain dominate the southeast. Belgium must be ever vigilant about flooding of rivers and reclaimed coastal land (Belgium, 2008). The Netherlands are Belgium’s neighbor. They also flank the North Sea and share a border with Germany. The Netherlands are about twice the size of New Jersey in area. The land is mostly coastal lowland. They are a constitutional monarchy led by Queen Beatrix and Prime Minister Jan Peter Balenende. A Council of Ministers serves as the cabinet (Netherlands, 2008). The official languages of the Netherlands are Dutch and Frisian. About 30% of its citizens are Roman Catholic, and 11% are Dutch Reformed. There are some Calvinists and Muslims, but also a large number (42%) claiming no religion (Netherlands, 2008). Foreign trade figures heavily into the Netherlands’ economy. As a leading member of the EU, it was a major force behind the institution of the euro. It is known for its low unemployment and inflation, transportation facilities, and strong relations between government and industry. Its industry focuses on food processing, chemicals, oil, and electrical machinery. Its biggest trade partner is Germany (Netherlands, 2008). Luxembourg has the highest per-capita GDP in all of Europe (de Blij and Muller, 2004) at $80,500 (Luxembourg, 2008). Located between France, Belgium, and Germany, it is landlocked and marked with rolling uplands and a moderately mountainous north. Its languages include Luxembourgish, German, and French. Roman Catholics form 87% of its citizenry, while Protestants, Jews, and Muslims comprise the rest (Luxembourg, 2008). Its economy boasts steady growth, good employment, and low inflation. Foreign and cross-border workers provide over half of its labor force. Industry focuses on banking, tourism, tires, glass, steel, chemicals, and rubber. It is a member of the EU (MapQuest, 2005) and trades much with Germany, France, and Belgium (Luxembourg, 2008). Luxembourg’s government is a constitutional monarchy led by Grand Duke Henri and Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker. A Council of Ministers, recommended by Juncker and appointed by Henri serves as the cabinet (Luxembourg, 2008). The remaining states in Western Europe are sometimes called the Alpine states. Switzerland and Austria are each flavored by the mountainous Alps and by a lack of coastline. Switzerland’s mountainous terrain and absence of ports are apparent barriers to economic exchange, but the Swiss have skillfully addressed these problems by harnessing hydroelectric power from mountain rivers and improvements in agriculture (de Blij and Muller, 2004). It still must worry, though, about avalanches, landslides, and flash floods (Switzerland, 2008). Switzerland is a confederation, but shares characteristics of a federal republic. It is led by President Pascal Couchepin, who is aided by a cabinet. Presidential elections are held yearly. The bicameral Federal Assembly and Federal Supreme Court (with elected judges, serving six-year terms) round out the main branches of government (Switzerland, 2008). Roman Catholics comprise about 42% of the population, and Protestants are about 35%. There are small numbers of Muslims and other groups. German is the most-spoken language, followed by Italian and several others (Switzerland, 2008). Switzerland’s economy also shows low unemployment, skilled laborers, and an impressive GDP. Most of its GDP comes from service industries. Though not a member of the EU, the nation has brought its practices into EU compliance to boost international confidence. It is well-known for making machinery, watches, textiles, precision instruments, and for its bank secrecy laws. It trades largely with Germany, Italy, the US, and France (Switzerland, 2008). Austria, another Alpine state, is in central Europe, north of Italy, also bordering the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, and four other nations. It is landlocked, mountainous in the west and south, and flat in the north. Landslides, earthquakes, and avalanches are frequent threats (Switzerland, 2008). Its government is a federal republic state with a parliamentary democracy. It is a member of the EU. Federal legislation is created by the national council and the Upper House of Parliament (About Austria, 2008). The government is led by President Heinz Fischer and Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer. A Council of Ministers chosen by the president on the advice of the chancellor serves as a cabinet. The president is elected by direct popular vote every six years (Austria, 2008). About 98% of the country speaks German. Roman Catholics comprise 74% of the population, 5% belong to Protestant groups, and other religions comprise the remainder (About Austria, 2008). Austria enjoys a high standard of living. It is closely linked to other EU nations. The economy includes service, industry, and agriculture. Foreign investment in Austria is strong. It trades chiefly with Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. Its GDP per capita is over $38,000 (Austria, 2008). The small state of Liechtenstein is sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland. It is completely landlocked and mostly mountainous, around the same size as Washington, DC. Its inhabitants speak German and an Alemannic dialect. Over ¾ of the population is Roman Catholic (Liechtenstein, 2008). Its government is a constitutional monarchy led by Prince Hans Adams II and Prime Minister Otmar Hasler. The leader of the majority party is appointed. A unicameral legislature is elected by popular vote. A Supreme Court comprises the judiciary arm of the government (Liechtenstein, 2008). Liechtenstein is a member of the EU and the European Economic Area trade organization. A good number of its labor force commutes from outside the country each day. Its economy is based on services, industry, and a small amount of agriculture. Leading industries include electronics, metals, dental products, pharmaceuticals, food, and medical instruments. Clearly, the region of Western Europe is a diverse geographic area. Comprised of nations with various forms of government, different economic strengths, and unique natural and human resources, the region will continue to be an influential and interesting area of the world. In the next century, it will continue to build upon its foundation in the EU and deal with new economic challenges. Useful Maps of Western Europe For a view of Western Europe’s political and geographic characteristics, this map, created by the US CIA, is useful: http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/europe/europe_ref_2008.pdf The physical geography of Western Europe is well illustrated at: http://www.mapsofworld.com/physical-map/europe.htm An interesting political map is found at: http://www.mapsofworld.com/europe-country-groupings/western-europe-map.html References About Austria. (2008). Austrian National Tourist Office. Retrieved August from http://www.austria.info/xxl/_site/uk/_area/417080/about-austria.html Austria. (2008). CIA Factbook. Retrieved August 12, 2008 from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/au.html Belgium. (2008). CIA Factbook. Retrieved August 12, 2008 from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/be.html De Blij, H. J., and Muller, P. O. (2004). Geography: Realms, regions, and concepts. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. France. (2008). CIA Factbook. Retrieved August 12, 2008 from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/fr.html Germany. (2008). CIA Factbook. Retrieved August 12, 2008 from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gm.html Liechtenstein. (2008). CIA Factbook. Retrieved August 12, 2008 from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ls.html Luxembourg. (2008). CIA Factbook. Retrieved August 12, 2008 from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/lu.html MapQuest. (2005). Student atlas of the world. MI: The Exploration Company. Netherlands. (2008). CIA Factbook. Retrieved August 12, 2008 from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/nl.html Switzerland. (2008). CIA Factbook. Retrieved August 12, 2008 from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sz.html Read More