EUROPE

A great curve of mountain ranges that includes the Pyrenees and the Alps roughly divides the cooler north of Europe from the warmer south. In the far north, treeless tundra merges into cool coniferous forests that extend across Scandinavia and into Russia. South of this lies the fertile North European Plain, which supports most of the continent's agriculture and mixed woodland. By contrast, the Mediterranean region to the south is hot and almost desertlike in places. Volcanic activity is confined to Iceland and southern Italy, where Mount Etna is constantly active. The Ural and Caucasus mountains from Europ's eastern borders.

sweden

Lying between Norway and Finland, Sweden stretches from the Arctic north to the fertile south, where most of its small population lives. Sweden's long industrial traditions and a highly skilled workforce have made it one of the world's most advanced manufacturing countries. Like its neighbors, Sweden is a prosperous place, where equal rights for all groups in society are taken very seriously.

social welfare

Sweden has led the way in social welfare, and a small population has made it easy for the government to take care of everyone. Child care and facilides for the sick and the elderly are excellent. Unemployment figures have been among tha lowest in Europe. However, to pay for these benefïts the government must impose high taxes. Also, current economie problems have put some of the benefits under threat.

united kingdom

For a small contry, the United Kingdom (UK) has had a huge influence on world affairs. At one time it controlled a vast empire, which is why English is now spoken across the globe. The Industrial Revolution of the late 1700s, which brought large-scale factory production, began here, then spread Worldwide. Today, many of the UK's traditional industries have declined. This highly urban society is now more reliant on service industries, such as banking and insurance, while huge reserves of oil in the North Sea . meet much of its energy needs.

A MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Since the 1950s, the UK has become an increasingly multicultural society. Large numbers of people from the UK's former colonies in Africa, the West Indies, and the Indian Subcontinent have made their home here, establishing their own distinctive communities and enriching British life with their culture and traditions.

london

Founded by the Romans in ad 43, London is now a city of 7 million people and is one of the largest cities in Europe. The capital is one of the world's leading centers of culture, finance, and tourism. Each year millions of people visit London to sample its theaters, museums, and historie buildings. Tourism is now a major industry throughout the whole of the UK. Places such as the west coast of Scotland and the ancient cities of Bath, York, and Stratford-upon-Avon attract thousands of tourists.

Germany

Lying at the heart of Europe, Germany is one of the world's wealthiest nations. In its present form, Germany is one of the newest countries in Europe. After World War II, it was divided into two separate countries - West Germany, a western-style democracy, and East Germany, a communist state. In 1990, the two parts of Germany were reunited as one country. The eastern part is now struggling to overcome the legacy of economic decay and pollution left by its communist past.

The reunification of Germanv took place on October 3, 1990. Growing protests in East Germany, together with the collapse of communism in the USSR, finally led the government to make changes. The Berlin Wall, symbol of Germany's division, was demolished, and East Germant started to flood into West Berlin. The capital has since moved from Bonn back to its former home, in Berlin.

INLAND WATERWAYS

Germany's extensive network of canals and rivers is vitally important for transporting cargo. Barges are a common sight along rivers, such as the Rhine, carrying goods around Germany and into other parts of Europe. In eastern Germany, the Oder River is an important waterway for taking goods into Poland. On land, Germany has excellent highways and a fast, efficient railroad System.

From the flat, fertile plains of the north to the snowcapped peaks of the bavarian Alps, shown here, the German landscape is extremely varied. One of the country's most famous and most picturesque regions is the Black Forest in the southwest, wich gets its name from its dark coniferous trees.

france

The largest country in western Europe, France includes the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea. Two major mountain chains, the Pyrenees to the south and the Alps to the east, provide dramatic natural borders with neighboring countries. Several rivers, including the Loire, the Rhône, and the Seine, are important for transportation as well as irrigation of farmland. The states of Monaco and Andora lie in the south.

The influence of French culture, fashion, and food can be seen all over the world. As a leading industrialized nation and founding member of the European Union, France also plays a key role in world affairs. In the last 50 years, the country has become Europe's major agricultural producer and exporter, with main crops of wheat, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, apples, and grapes used for wine. France boasts the world's fastest train, the TGV, which can travel at speeds up to 320 mph (515 km/h).

City of CULTURE

Situated on the banks of the Seine River, Paris is the capital of France and its cultural and political center. One of the world's most visited cities, its famous landmarks include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the cathedral of Notre Dame. There are also many museums, shops, and restaurants. Each spring, the world's leading fashion designers arrive in Paris to present their latest collections.

FOODS OF FRANCE

France has such a range of climates and landscapes that it can produce many different types of foods and fine wines. Each region has its own special dish. Central France, for example, is famous for boeuf bourguignon (beef in red wine), while Marseille on the Mediterranean coast specializes in bouillabaisse (fïsh soup with garlic). France is also known for its breads and pastries, such as croissants, and different types of cheeses.

monaco

A tiny country on the Mediterranean coast, Monaco lies close to the Italian border.

The heart of the country is the sophisticated city of Monte-Carlo, famous for its gambling casinos and car racing Grand Prix. Monaco is an idependent principality, ruled for much of its history by the Grimaldi family. Only a small part of the population is originally from Monaco; more than half the people are citizens of France.

andorra

High in the pyrenees mountains, on the border between France and Spain, nestles the country of Andorra. The people are governed jointly by the President of France and the Bishop of Urgel in northeastern Spain. Catalan is the officiai language, although many people also speak French and Spanish. The country's only large town is the capital city, Andorra la Vella.

spain

Fiestasand flamenco provide much of the flavor of Spain. Most Spaniards are Roman Catholic and fiestas, often to celebrate a local saint's day, include processions of people in traditional clothing, music, and dancing. After a bitter civil war in 1936-39, Spain was ruled by a dictator, Francisco Franco, until 1975. His successor, King Juan Carlos I, has restored democracy. Today, Spain is a major industrial nation with a large agricultural sector and a booming tourist trade. These activities are mainly based near

the coasts, while central régions are less developed.

Madrid became Spain's capital in 1561 because King Philip II liked its climate and central location. Today, the city has a population of some 4 million people and is Spain's center of finance and government. Barcelona is Spain's second city and the capital of Catalonia. It lies at the heart of a large industrial area in the north and was the site of the 1992 Olympic Games.

The Spanish are divided into regional groups, some with their own language and culture. Local languages, known as dialects, include Catalan, Gallego, and Euskera from the Basque region, which stretches from northern Spain into France. The officiai dialect of Spain, Castilian, is taught in all schools, along with either English or French. Children in Spain tend to stay upla te. They have a snack called merienda after school, then play outside, with a late family dinner held around 9 pm.

About 55 million tourists flock to Spain every year to enjoy the beaches and admire the architecture of cities such as Barcelona and Seville. Beaches on the Costa del Sol, as well as on the Balearic Island of Majorca are popular with tourists from Britain and Germany. Bullfighting, held in arenas in most cities, either attracts or repels tourists.

Farming and fishing used to be the basis of the Spanish economy. The country has now developed a large steel industry, centered in Barcelona in the north, and has also become an important center for making cars. In the 1980s, many new electronics and high-tech industries were set up, often supported by money from foreign investment. Major agricultural products include cereals, olives, grapes for wine, and citrus fruits, especially oranges from around Seville.

italy

Italy was first united by the ancient Romans, whose great empire spread across Europe. But for much of its history, Italy has been a divided land. During the Middle Ages, it split into many separate states, not reuniting until 1870. This boot-shaped country stretches from the glaciers and lakes of the mountainous north to the rocky Mediterranean coastline of the hot south. Two Mediterranean islands, Sicily and Sardinia, both belong to Italy as well, but the group of islands to the south of Sicily make up the separate country of Malta. The mainland of Italy also includes two tiny independent states, San Marino and Vatican City.

Ancient traditions and historic wealth have left Italy a rich legacy of art and architecture. Although Italy is one of the world's leading industrial powers today, there is a great divide between the wealthy, industrial north and the poorer, agricultural south. This economic division affects many aspects of Italian life and is one of the reasons behind the country's rapid turnover of governments. Most people throughout Italy follow the Roman Catholic religion.

To Italians, life revolves around the family, and large, extended networks of different generations usually live within close proximity. Meals are important family gatherings, and the food differs from region to region. In the north, pasta is often replaced by rice or polenta, made from corn flour. Olive oil and fresh vegetables are also important in Italian cooking.

The Alps sweep across the north of the region, and the Apennine Mountains form a central spine clown the length of Italy, continuing beneath the sea to Sicily. Once covered in dense forest, much of the region's hills are now rocky scrubland, while the lowlands are used for growing crops.