Population Distribution of Europe
Location Climate & Natural Resources
The third standard we learn in our European Geography unit is:
SS6G9 The student will explain the impact of location, climate, natural resources, and population distribution on Europe.
a. Compare how the location, climate, and natural resources of the Germany, United Kingdom and Russia impact trade and where people live.
The themes and enduring understandings that are most directly tied to this standard are:
For this standard, students must know the push and pull factors in United Kingdom, Germany and Russia, as they related to location, climate, and natural resources, and how they impact population and trade. Students must also compare the push and pull factors' impact on population and trade in all three countries
SS6G9 The student will explain the impact of location, climate, natural resources, and population distribution on Europe.
a. Compare how the location, climate, and natural resources of the Germany, United Kingdom and Russia impact trade and where people live.
The themes and enduring understandings that are most directly tied to this standard are:
- Location-Where people live matters. Location affects a society’s economy, culture, and development.
- Human Environmental Interaction-Humans, their society, and the environment affect each other
For this standard, students must know the push and pull factors in United Kingdom, Germany and Russia, as they related to location, climate, and natural resources, and how they impact population and trade. Students must also compare the push and pull factors' impact on population and trade in all three countries
Basics
Population density and population distribution is not random! The characteristics of the location, climate, and natural resources that are present or absent in a place have a lot to do with how many people live there and what parts of the country/ area that they are most attracted to. These are called push factors and Pull Factors
Population density and population distribution is not random! The characteristics of the location, climate, and natural resources that are present or absent in a place have a lot to do with how many people live there and what parts of the country/ area that they are most attracted to. These are called push factors and Pull Factors
There are certain push and pull factors that are related to location, climate, and natural resources. Usually, areas in and surrounding pull factors have high population densities. Conversely, areas in and surrounding push factors usually have low population densities.
Here are push and pull factors for location, climate, and natural resources:
Here are push and pull factors for location, climate, and natural resources:
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom boasts Europe’s 3rd largest population and economy, but ranks 11th in terms of total land area. London, the capital of the U.K., is the nation’s largest population center.
The United Kingdom boasts Europe’s 3rd largest population and economy, but ranks 11th in terms of total land area. London, the capital of the U.K., is the nation’s largest population center.
Location
The United Kingdom is located off the coast of Western Europe, directly across the English Channel from France. Location Pull Factors:
Location Push Factors
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Climate
The climate of the U.K., which is heavily influenced by ocean currents, is relatively mild. The climate type is called temperate maritime. The nation receives frequent rainfall throughout the year, which, along with its abundant arable land, makes much of the U.K. suitable for farming and livestock grazing. Climate Pull Factors:
Climate Push Factors
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Here is more information about UK's Temperate Maritime Climate: www.weather-climate.org.uk/14.php Here is more information Climate in UK: projectbritain.com/climate.html Here is more information about precipitation in the UK: www.currentresults.com/Weather/United-Kingdom/average-yearly-precipitation.php |
Natural Resources
The U.K. has large deposits of coal, iron ore, natural gas, and petroleum. The country's population centers are found in its urban areas where mining and service jobs are prevalent. Natural Resources Pull Factors
Natural Resources Push Factors
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Germany
Germany, located in Central Europe, is the continent’s 7th largest country in terms of total land area, its 2nd largest in terms of population, and its #1 largest economy. Germany’s largest population center is Berlin, its capital, located in eastern Germany.
Germany, located in Central Europe, is the continent’s 7th largest country in terms of total land area, its 2nd largest in terms of population, and its #1 largest economy. Germany’s largest population center is Berlin, its capital, located in eastern Germany.
Location
Germany is bordered to the north by Denmark, to the west by the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, to the south by Switzerland and Austria, and to the east by the Czech Republic and Poland. Most of Germany’s population centers are found in its urban areas, many of which are located in western Germany near the Rhine River; the Rhine plays a major role in transporting goods and people across the country. Location Pull Factors
Location Push Factor
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Climate
The climate of western Germany is warmer in the summer months with mild winters, while eastern Germany tends to have much colder winters and longer, hotter summers. Northwestern and coastal Germany have a maritime influenced climate which is characterized by warm summers and mild cloudy winters. Farther inland, the climate is continental marked by greater seasonal variations in temperature, with warmer summers and colder winters. In Southern Germany, near the Alps, there is a Mountain Climate which is characterized by lower temperatures and snow. Climate Pull Factors:
Climate Push Factors:
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Here is more information about Germany's climate: www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/Germany.htm Here is more information about Maritime and Continental Climates: samquackenbush.weebly.com/uploads/1/4/9/5/14956724/continental_and_maritime_climates_oh.pdf Here is more information about Continental Climates: easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-continental-climate/ Here is more information about Mountain Climates: www.oddizzi.com/teachers/explore-the-world/physical-features/mountains/mountain-climate/ |
Natural Resources
Germany has ample arable land and many lush forests supporting an abundant timber industry. The nation also has large deposits of coal and iron ore, which support two of its largest industries: the automotive and energy industries. Natural Resource Pull Factors:
Natural Resource Push Factors
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Russia
Russia is located across two continents. The majority of its land area is found in northern Asia; however, nearly a quarter of the country is located west of the Ural Mountains in Europe. Even though much of Russia is on the continent of Asia, it is still considered to be a European country because a majority of its population are closer to Europeans ethnically, culturally, and linguistically. This western portion of Russia accounts for 77% of the nation’s total population, and Russia itself has Europe’s largest total land area and population. Its economy ranks 4th in Europe. Russia’s capital, Moscow, boasts its largest population center.
Russia is located across two continents. The majority of its land area is found in northern Asia; however, nearly a quarter of the country is located west of the Ural Mountains in Europe. Even though much of Russia is on the continent of Asia, it is still considered to be a European country because a majority of its population are closer to Europeans ethnically, culturally, and linguistically. This western portion of Russia accounts for 77% of the nation’s total population, and Russia itself has Europe’s largest total land area and population. Its economy ranks 4th in Europe. Russia’s capital, Moscow, boasts its largest population center.
Location
The European side of Russia is bordered to the west by Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Belarus, and Ukraine, while on the Asian side, it is bordered by Kazakhstan, Georgia, Mongolia, China, and North Korea. Russia's Northern Coastline touches the Arctic Ocean, while its Eastern Coast is on the Atlantic Ocean. Location Pull Factors
Location Push Factors
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Climate
Russia’s western climate varies between cool summers and harsh winters. In fact much of northern Russia’s soil is permanently frozen throughout the year, a phenomenon known as permafrost. Most Russians live on the European side of Russia where the climate is comparatively more hospitable. Climate Pull Factors
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Here is more information on Permafrost: www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/permafrost/
Here is more information on Russia's climate: www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/climate/Russia.htm Here is more info on Russia & its climate: kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/russia/#russia-st-basils.jpg |
Natural Resources
Russia has vast timber resources, and a bustling mining industry in the Ural Mountains where gold, iron ore, coal, and aluminum are present. Russia also has oil and natural gas in abundance in its northern regions, particularly on the Asian side of the country, although the cold climate in this area makes their extraction difficult. Russia's largest industries are: logging, mining, Airplane building, defense (building weapons), Agriculture &(farming), Natural Resources Pull Factors
Natural Resource Push Factors
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