Europe Continent Brief Geographical Features

Europe is the world’s second smallest continent, covering 4,053,309 sq. miles (10,98,000 sq. km).

It comprises 45 separate countries, including Turkey and the Russian Federation, although the greater parts of these nations lie in Asia.

Mild temperature and frequent rainfall contribute to the fertile farming land found over much of north-western Europe.

Frost grips northern and eastern Europe during the long cold winters lake and river frequently freezes.

Dusty Sirocco winds from Africa help create the semi-arid scrub land common across the Mediterranean coast land of southern Europe.

Europe is densely populated, urbanized continent, in Belgium over 90% of people live in urban area.

Brandenburg Gate in Berlin is a potent symbol of German reunification.

Bulgarian roses are one of the many diverse crops grown in Europe. Rose oil, extracted from the petals, is used in perfume making.

Lowland pasture are used for dairy farming. Good transport links and refrigeration allow fresh milk to be distributed throughout Europe.

Toward the Mediterranean, the mild climate allows the growing of grapes for wines, Olives, Sunflowers, tobacco and citrus fruits.

Fossils fuels are Europe’s main mineral resources, although fuel demand for outstrips production.

Oil and gas reserves are found mainly in the North Sea, the Volga and the Caucasus.

Coniferous forest covers vast swathes of northern Scandinavia and Russian Federation pollution from other parts of Europe mixing with rainfall are causing defoliation and serious damage to many forests.

‘Frankfurt am Main’ is an example of a modern service-based city. The skyline is dominated by headquarters from the worlds of banking and commerce.

The Comargue in the Rhone Delta is a protected wetland area, famous for its native population of white horses and unique bird and plant life.

The use of geothermal power in Iceland began half a century ago. Today geothermal power stations supply 89% of the country’s domestic heating requirements.

Sweden is one of the world’s largest producers of wood and wood-based products, like-furnitures.

The Dutch city of Rotterdam lies within one of the most densely populated and highly industrialized regions in the world, known as ‘Rondstand Holland’. It is world biggest sea port also.

One third of the Netherlands lies below sea level and flooding is a constant threat. Barrages have been built across the mouth of many rivers to contain flood waters.

The Pyrenees form a natural mountain border between France and Spain.

The Danube form all or part of the border between nine European nations.