Northern and Central Europe
Europe has a large and diverse population, despite its relatively small size. In this topic, you will visit the regions of Northern Europe and Central Europe. Multiple countries make up each of these regions. You will also visit the Low Countries of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The Low Countries are between Northern and Central Europe, near the North Sea. During your travels, you will discover the cultural and economic characteristics that define these regions.
Essential Questions
- What are the major regions and cities of Northern and Central Europe?
- What cultural influences define Northern and Central Europe?
- What characteristics define the economic activities of Northern and Central Europe?
Warm-Up
Historically, there have been many different currencies used throughout Europe. This includes British pounds, French francs, and German marks. In 1999, many European nations began to adopt the euro as their national currency. As of 2019, the euro is the official currency of nineteen European nations. Why do you think these countries gave up their own currencies in favor of a common one? Do you think this was a good idea? Why or why not?
Post your responses to these questions in the discussion area. Then, return to this topic several times over the next few days to read your coursemates’ posts. Reply to at least two of them, being sure to offer new insights, ask questions, and encourage further conversation.