Intro to Europe Bell Ringer

​Europe’s cultural heritage is as varied as its landscape. Centuries-old traditions, such as the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, illustrate how the region’s history is intertwined with its modern-day culture.

Spanish Tradition

Russia, which lies partly in Europe and partly in Asia, is one of the most ethnically diverse countries on Earth. More than 120 ethnic groups speaking some 100 languages populate this large country.

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​Cultural Diversity

Modern Europe has a rich blend of religious traditions that reflect its diverse population. Large cathedrals such as the Aachen Cathedral, which dates back to the eighth century, show the region's long-standing ties to Christianity.

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​Tourism is an important sector of the European economy. It comprises a wide variety of destinations and employs a large percentage of the European workforce. Venice, with its beautiful canals, is a top choice among travelers.

Many European countries have joined together in a currency union. These countries share a common currency, the euro, which is administered by the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, Germany. Some European countries eligible to join the currency union, such as Great Britain and Sweden, have opted out of the system, however.

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The Danube River flows from southern Germany to the Black Sea. Like many European rivers, it is an important commercial route as well as a scenic highlight.

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​Danube River

European cities were often built near rivers or other bodies of water. The city of Venice flourished as a center of trade and shipping for centuries because of its location on a lagoon formed by the interaction of several Alpine rivers and the waters of the Adriatic Sea..

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Venice

The Volga River is the region's longest waterway, stretching nearly 2,293 miles (3,690 km) through western Russia

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Volga River

The Alps stretch 750 miles (1,200 km) through eight countries, separating Southern Europe from the north. The mountain range’s imposing peaks are the source of many of the region’s rivers.

The Alps

​Mountains have served as physical and cultural barriers to European geography over time. The Pyrenees divide mainland western Europe from the Iberian Peninsula, encouraging Spain and Portugal to draw greater cultural influence from nearby North Africa. The mountains have also allowed for the growth of a unique Catalan culture in tiny Andorra.

The Pyrenees