Nordic countries. Geographical position. Economic and social geography Northern Europeans

Despite its relatively small size compared to other parts of the world, Europe is one of the most densely populated and developed regions of the world. It is on its territory that the economy, politics and trade, which are very important for other states, are concentrated. As you know, Europe is divided into four large regions according to the FGP principle. Each of them will be discussed in this article.

Characteristics of the Nordic countries

In a geography lesson, every student can receive an assignment on the topic “Northern Europe. Countries: list". It should be done by giving brief description the region as a whole and its constituent states.

One of the parts of the Old World is Northern Europe. Countries located in this region are influenced by a harsh climate due to the proximity of the Arctic Ocean. Due to difficult natural conditions, winter sports are actively developing in these countries, as well as tourism related to skiing and trips to the mountains. What is Northern Europe like? The countries that are part of it are Norway, Finland and Sweden. Let's look at them in more detail.

Finland is famous for its unique nature. Thus, this state is also called “the country of a thousand lakes”, since on its territory there are actually many reservoirs that were formed in ancient times in connection with certain tectonic processes and soil movements. More than five million people live in Finland and the population is predominantly female. Most of the residents profess Lutheranism, 2% are adherents of the Christian religion.

Lutherans also predominate in Norway. Its capital is the large city of Oslo. The country's population is approximately 4.3 million. Norway is one of the few countries in Europe where the head of state is not the president, but the king.

Sweden is one of the largest European powers in terms of area. It occupies almost 450 million square kilometers of territory. This country is also a kingdom whose capital is Stockholm.

Natural resources of northern Europe

Another additional question on the topic “Northern Europe. Countries: list" can become a characteristic of natural minerals and other resources located in a given territory. This region of the Old World is truly famous for its riches.

So what natural resources Northern Europe has? The countries that are part of it are especially rich in non-ferrous metal ores, the reserves of which are the leaders in the region. Uranium deposits have also been discovered in Finland. But the main wealth of these states lies not in mineral resources, but in forests and fresh water. In this regard, countries export timber and also develop peat bogs. This industry in the industrial states is still quite poorly developed.

In Finland, as noted above, there are three huge systems of lakes, which in total occupy an area of ​​almost 10 thousand square kilometers.

Northern Europe is rich in such natural resources. The countries located on its territory, thanks to the richness of their mineral resources and climatic conditions, occupy an important place in trade and economy along with the largest world powers.

Western European states

The western part of the Old World is one of the main centers of capitalism. The northern countries of Western Europe gave the world talented sailors, poets and artists, writers and athletes. Thanks to them, many discoveries were made and a large number of records were set.

The population of this region is 370 million people. The states within it are united by close economic, political and religious views, they develop in parallel with each other.

A special feature of this region is the very high degree of urbanization of the population - more than 70%. The excessive concentration of urban residents in the space of megacities led to the fact that in the 70s of the last century the reverse process began - the settlement of villages.

Southern Europe

Northern and Southern Europe are of particular interest to tourists. Absolutely opposite in climatic conditions, they attract travelers with stunning mountain, lake and sea views. Among the largest countries of Southern Europe, it is necessary to note Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece. This region also includes islands that are especially popular among tourists: Cyprus and Malta.

Population growth in these countries is very small, so the region occupies one of the leading places in the world in terms of aging nations. The level of urbanization on average ranges from 45 to 90%, resulting in a very high population density.

Eastern Europe

Northern and of Eastern Europe form the basis of the population of this part of the world. The latter is the leader not only in the number of residents, but also in area, far surpassing other regions. Eastern Europe is inhabited predominantly by Slavic peoples, so the Christian worldview predominates on its territory. It includes Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Poland, Hungary and other states.

The climatic conditions of the region are arid due to the absence of large bodies of water in many countries. Winters in Eastern European countries are not very cold. In general, conditions are favorable for life and agriculture.

European currency

Various European countries have their own banknotes. At the same time, the euro is accepted throughout its entire territory, as well as in most states of the world community. This currency made it possible to strengthen trade ties between the states of the Old World and simplify payment for goods thanks to a universal monetary system.

However, many countries did not want to part with their national currencies. Thus, on the territory of Ukraine they pay in hryvnias, in the Czech Republic and Sweden - in crowns, in the UK - in pounds sterling. At the same time, in large shopping centers prices are indicated both in national currency and in euros.

Geographical position. The region is located on the northwestern edge of Eurasia, washed by the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. It includes part of the continent - the plains Fennoscandia

and the largest peninsula in Europe - Scandinavian, as well as the islands - Iceland and the Spitsbergen archipelago. The Northern Europe region includes five countries: Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland. Geological structure, relief, minerals.

Iceland is an island created by volcanic activity. Its surface is a lava plateau, and of the island’s 150 volcanoes, 26 are active (Fig. 93). The most active of them is Hekla- a fissure volcano cutting through a volcanic mountain range. In the Middle Ages it was considered the “gate of hell.” Living on an island is literally “living on a volcano.” The internal heat of the Earth makes hot springs - geysers - pulsate. There are about 30 of them in Iceland. Every 2 hours, a mixture of water and steam is erupted by the Gryla geyser - the “Jumping Witch” - to a height of 15 meters of the volcano in Iceland. And the most active is Strokkur, it erupts every 10-15 minutes.

Rice. 93. Eruption

The Scandinavian mountains are the center of ancient glaciation, from here the glacier “slipped” onto the plains of Europe. On the slopes of the mountains he carved deep trough valleys, turning into fjords near the coast. The coasts are bordered by numerous small, glacier-polished islands - skerries. On the plains - in Fennoscandia - the glacier plowed out many lake basins elongated in the direction of its movement, which interspersed with winding ribbons of hills. Crystalline rocks of the Scandinavian mountains and Fennoscandia contain iron and uranium ores. Large reserves oil and natural gas are concentrated in the Norwegian shelf area of ​​the North Sea.

Climate, inland waters, landscapes. The region's northern location results in long, cold winters and short, cool (+8...+16 °C - depending on latitude) summers. However In winter, the severity of the climate is noticeably softened by the North Atlantic Current. Numerous cyclones form over its warm waters, strengthening the Icelandic low - an area of ​​low pressure. They are picked up and carried to the continent by the western transport. Therefore, there is a lot of rainfall everywhere. Combined with low winter temperatures, this promotes the formation of glaciation.

Iceland, located near the Arctic Circle but in the center of the ocean and currents, is warm in winter (from –1° to +2°C) and very windy. Fennoscandia is protected from the influence of currents by the Scandinavian mountains, and continental air dominates here. Therefore, in the northeast, in Lapland, the coldest winters on the Scandinavian Peninsula (up to –14 ° C), and in the southeast - the coldest warm summer(up to +17 °C). Precipitation is also unevenly distributed: in the lowlands of Fennoscandia it falls about 500 mm per year, and on the western windward slopes of the Scandinavian mountains - up to 2000 mm.

The glacier covers 60% of the territory of the Spitsbergen archipelago, which lies near the 80th parallel. And the most powerful in Europe is the Icelandic glacier with a thickness of 1000 m. In the Scandinavian mountains, glaciers occupy slopes from a height of 1800 m.

The rivers of the region are numerous, short and very deep.

In the mountains they are fast and abound in waterfalls. The river network is especially dense on the plains of Finland and Sweden - in the region of lakes, which occupy 8% and 10% of the territory respectively. The lakes are mainly glacial-tectonic and glacial. And in Iceland - volcanic, often with warm water heated by internal heat.

In Sweden there are more than 4 thousand lakes with an area of ​​more than 1 km 2. The largest lake is Vänern. Its area is more than 5.5 thousand km 2, and its depth is 119 m. The basin of the lake is a fault processed by an ancient glacier (Fig. 94). Therefore, the bottom and shores are rocky. Underground nutrition is key; the water in the lake is clear and cold (6-7 °C). Due to constant strong disturbances, it freezes late - by February (and in the widest part - not every year). The lake is connected by canals and rivers to the North and Baltic seas, and to another large lake in Northern Europe - Vättern.

Rice. 94. Wenern

The slopes of the Scandinavian mountains are covered with heath and taiga of pine and spruce. In the south, the taiga gives way to broad-leaved forests of oak, elm and maple (in Sweden) and mixed forests (in Finland). The flat part of Northern Europe is the most forested part of Eurasia. There are many swamps in Fennoscandia.

Population. The total population of the Nordic countries is about 25 million people. Sweden has the most inhabitants - 9 million people, the least - Iceland - 0.3 million. Norway has 4.9 million people, Finland - 5.4 million, Denmark - 5.5 million. Characteristic for all countries low population growth rates. The birth rate only slightly exceeds the death rate. For the Nordic countries, the problem of the aging of the nation is very relevant. They lead the world in life expectancy (about 80 years) and have the highest (15-17%) proportion of elderly people.

The share of Danes, Norwegians, Finns, Swedes and Icelanders in the total population of their countries currently still exceeds 90%. However, in large cities there are numerous immigrants from other countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. The majority of the believing population are Protestants. By European standards, Northern Europe is a sparsely populated region. The average population density ranges from 3 people/km 2 in Iceland to 21 people/km 2 in Sweden. The exception is densely populated Denmark - 129 people/km 2 . Due to harsh natural conditions the population is concentrated in the south along the coasts of the Baltic and North Seas. Inland mountainous regions and polar territories are the least populated in Europe. High level of urbanization: in Iceland - 94%, Sweden - 84%, Norway - 80% and Finland - 65%. The cities are mostly small and located on the coast. More than 1 million people live in the metropolitan areas around Copenhagen and Stockholm alone. Rural population lives on farmsteads, single farms or small fishing villages.

Farm . The formation of the economy of Norway and Iceland was decisively influenced by the sea shores washing them, rich in fish and sea animals. The economic development of Finland and Sweden is due to the vast coniferous forests covering the territories of the countries. The wealth of mineral resources allowed Sweden to become a major exporter of iron ore. The flat terrain, mild climate and lush meadows of Denmark were ideal conditions for the development of livestock farming.

Traditional areas of economic activity currently continue to remain branches of international specialization. However The main part of the GDP of the countries of the region is formed in the sphere of intangible production. A “socially oriented” type of economy has been created here. Science, education and medical services, trade, and public catering have reached a high level of development.

Industry.In terms of electricity production per capita, the Nordic countries are world leaders. The absolute leader is Norway, where more than 30 thousand kWh are produced per inhabitant. The bulk of electricity is produced at thermal power plants. The development of thermal power engineering in Norway was facilitated by the discovery of large oil and natural gas deposits on the North Sea shelf. In terms of their production volumes, Norway is in 7th place in the world and is the largest exporter in Europe. In Sweden, rich in uranium ores, about 50% of electricity is produced at nuclear power plants.

Rice. 95. Use of inexhaustible energy sources (sun and wind)

In all countries, much attention is paid to the development of alternative energy based on the use of renewable energy sources (Fig. 95). Wind energy is developed in Denmark. In Sweden and Finland, organic waste is processed into biogases. Iceland uses geothermal energy.

Leading industry in the region- mechanical engineering . It is most powerfully developed in Sweden, which produces cars, electronics and electrical equipment, machine tools, and equipment for the pulp and paper industry. Shipbuilding is developed in all countries except Iceland. Tankers and container ships are built at Swedish, Norwegian and Danish shipyards, and icebreakers and tugboats are built at Finnish shipyards. At a high pace develops non-ferrous metallurgy based on the use of cheap hydropower and individual species local ore raw materials. Norway is a major producer of primary aluminum, Sweden - copper, lead and zinc, Finland - copper, nickel, chromium. The traditional branch of Swedish industry remains ferrous metallurgy , based on the extraction of local iron ores. Enterprises make a major contribution to the economic development of Finland, Sweden and Norway forestry, woodworking and pulp and paper industry . The main logging is concentrated in the north of these countries (Fig. 96). Sawmill centers are located in logging sites or at the mouths of timber rivers. In terms of logging volumes, production of lumber, paper and cardboard, Sweden and Finland are traditionally among the top ten leading countries in the world. The main part of the products is exported.

Agriculture. Livestock provides about 70% of commercial agricultural production in the region. A significant part of it is exported. The basis of livestock farming is the breeding of highly productive cattle for dairy and meat production (Fig. 97). Bacon pig farming is developed. Poultry farming has been put on an industrial basis. In Iceland and Norway, sheep breeding, traditional for the region, has been preserved; in the northern regions of Norway and Finland, reindeer herding has been preserved. Most high level development crop production Denmark stands out. Winter wheat and potatoes are grown here. They produce industrial crops - sugar beets (in Denmark) and fiber flax (in Finland). Gardening and vegetable growing are developing in the suburbs. In Iceland, greenhouse farming based on the use of hot spring water has become widely developed.

Fishing - one of the oldest occupations of the peoples of Northern Europe. Fishing (herring, cod, mackerel and shrimp) is carried out in the Barents and North Seas, in the waters of the Arctic Ocean. A significant part of fish and fish products is exported (Fig. 98, 99).

Transport and foreign economic relations. In transport, a particularly significant role belongs to modes that allow connections between the countries of the region and mainland Europe. Foreign trade transportation is provided by nautical transport. Norway is one of the countries in the world with the most powerful merchant fleet. Regular passenger ferry services operate between the main ports of the region and neighboring countries. The basis of foreign economic relations is trade with European countries. Oil and petroleum products, lumber, pulp and paper, ships and cars, and iron ore are exported. Food is exported: fish and fish products, butter, cheeses, rice. 100. Norwegian landscape drinks.

All countries have created excellent conditions for development international tourism . Numerous tourists are attracted by the natural, historical and cultural attractions of the countries in the region (Fig. 100).

Bibliography

1. Geography 9th grade/ Tutorial for 9th grade institutions of general secondary education with Russian as the language of instruction / Edited by N.V. Naumenko/ Minsk "People's Asveta" 2011

Nordic countries - This is, first of all, Finland and the Scandinavian countries. Scandinavian countries include European countries, Denmark, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands. Below islist of Western European countries:

IN Nordic countries The main industry is mechanical engineering and shipbuilding.

Square Northern Europe is ≈ 3.5 million km². Population of Northern Europe - about 26 million people.Throughout Northern Europe, 52% of the population is male and 48% female. In these parts, the population density is considered the lowest in Europe and is in densely populated southern regions no more than 22 people per 1 m2 (in Iceland - 3 people/m2). This is facilitated by the harsh northern climate zone. The territory of Denmark is more evenly populated. The urban part of the Northern European population is mainly concentrated in metropolitan areas. The natural growth rate of this area is considered low at approximately 4%. Most residents profess Christianity - Catholicism or Protestantism.

Norway- the main treasure of the country is its nature. Thousands of secluded bays and fjords encircle its coastline, low mountains covered with forests and meadows create a unique flavor. Thousands of clean lakes and rivers provide a unique opportunity to enjoy fishing and water sports. In the fjords, the cliffs rise tens of meters upward like a sheer wall, and the water can be so quiet that it resembles the polished surface of an emerald.

Sweden- a country of contrasts. Snow and sun, mountains and archipelagos, cold climate and warmth, thousand-year traditions and modern technologies... Fantastic skerries and wonderful shores, stretching for 2700 km among undulating expanses, dense forests and thousands of lakes.

Finlandfamous for its lakes, Northern Lights, magical Lapland of Santa Claus, clear starry sky and white snow.

Denmark- these are fjords and bays, dunes and cliffs, cool shady beech forests, beautiful lakes and wide wooded plains. These are ancient estates, picturesque villages and towns, castles and monuments of past centuries. But, most importantly, no city in the world will tell you as many fairy tales as Copenhagen, the city of chimney sweeps, the Snow Queen and the Princess and the Pea, tells its guests...

Iceland- in any corner of the country you will feel the extraordinary energy emanating from the majestic mountains and mesmerizing fjords, the energy of the dazzling sun in summer and the northern lights in winter; the attractive force of the cold beauty of glaciers and lava, frozen in a bizarre shape at the bottom of deep canyons.

Geographical position

Northern Europe occupies the northwestern part of Eurasia. It covers countries located on Scandinavian Peninsula (Norway, Sweden), adjacent to them Finland, And Denmark and island Iceland. When the Vikings lived in these territories, they struck fear into the peoples of Europe. Sailing to the coasts, they suddenly attacked settlements, leaving behind ashes and dead, and quickly disappeared into the open sea. As brave sailors, the Vikings were the ones who, as you know, discovered Iceland and Greenland.

A special feature of the geographical location of the Nordic countries is their coastal location. The seas have a great influence on both the climate and the economic activities of the population. State capitals and large cities are located on the coasts, where the majority of the population lives.

Features of nature

ReliefNorthern Europe is mostly mountainous. OldScandinavian mountainsstretched along the coast of the Scandinavian PeninsulaNorwegian Sea. The rest of the territory is occupied by plains, lying onBaltic crystalline shieldancient platform. Within its framework, igneous and metamorphic basement rocks - granites, quartzites and gneisses - come to the surface. Therefore, everywhere numerous rocks and boulders protrude from under a thin layer of soil. Iceland has a unique relief - “The Land of Fire and Ice”. The island is a young site earth's crust, where numerous geysers and volcanoes operate. Particularly activeHekla volcano. Iceland is considered an active volcanic region of our planet.

In the past, northern Europe was covered by a glacier as a result of climate cooling. Moving, huge masses of ice polished rocks, smoothed the earth's surface, and formed glacial sediments - moraines. The glacier brought huge boulders to the plains. Fjords are also a consequence of long-standing glaciation - narrow, winding, deep sea bays with high steep banks that indent the shores of the Scandinavian Peninsula. They were formed as a result of the flooding of river valleys and depressions deepened by the glacier by the sea.

Climate of the Nordic countries

Climate Northern Europe, despite its northern location in the temperate and subarctic zones, is not so harsh. It is softened by the heat of the North Atlantic Current. Winters there are surprisingly quite warm, and summers, on the contrary, are cool. Moist winds from the Atlantic Ocean cause cloudy, cloudy weather with rain and fog.

Behind large quantity precipitation (more than 1,000 mm/year) Northern Europe is rich in inland waters. The rivers, although not always deep, are very short. There are many rapids and waterfalls in their beds, and the current is very stormy. Such rivers cannot be used for navigation. But their rapid currents are a source of cheap electricity, which is why hydroelectric power stations are built on rivers. There are numerous small and large lakes that occupy glacier-ploughed basins.

Northern Europe is a land of forests. Although part of it is occupied by tundra, taiga is widespread over large areas - pine-spruce forests with an admixture of birch.

The natural features of Northern Europe also left their mark on the cultural traditions of the population. And now there are popular folk songs, dances and fairy tales, where the heroes are trolls - supernatural creatures in the form of little men. You can often see handmade folk costumes at various holidays.

Resource availability

Northern European countries have large reserves of natural mineral deposits. Iron, copper, and molybdenum ores are mined on the Scandinavian Peninsula, natural gas and oil are mined in the Norwegian and North Seas, and coal is mined in the Spitsbergen archipelago. Scandinavian countries have rich water resources. Nuclear power plants and hydroelectric power stations play an important role here. Iceland uses thermal waters as a source of electricity.

Agricultural complex

The agro-industrial complex of the Northern European countries consists of fishing, farming and livestock farming. Meat predominates mainly - dairy (in Iceland - sheep farming). Among the crops grown are grains - rye, potatoes, wheat, sugar beets, barley.

Economy

Many indicators economic development prove that the Nordic countries lead the entire world economy. Unemployment and inflation rates, public finances and growth dynamics differ significantly from other European areas. It is not for nothing that the Northern European model of economic growth is recognized as the most attractive in the world community. Many indicators were influenced by the efficiency of using national resources and foreign policy. The economy of this model is built on high-quality exported products. This applies to the production of metal products and goods from the pulp and paper industry, the timber processing industry, the engineering industry, as well as ore deposits. The main trading partners of the Northern European countries in foreign trade are Western European countries and the United States. Three quarters of Iceland's export structure is made up of the fishing industry.

State and national symbols

The national flags of all Northern European countries display a characteristic cross, offset from the center to the left. The very first flag on which such a cross appeared is the flag of Denmark.

Nordic Passport and Labor Union

The Nordic countries (except Greenland) form a passport union, created in 1954. Citizens of member countries of the union can freely cross borders within the union without presenting or even carrying a passport (however, identification documents are still required), as well as find employment without obtaining a work permit. It is noteworthy that Norway, unlike Denmark, Sweden and Finland, is not a member of the European Union.

Section two

REGIONS AND COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD

Topic 10. EUROPE

4. NORTHERN EUROPE

Northern Europe includes the Scandinavian countries, Finland, and the Baltic countries. Sweden and Norway are called Scandinavian countries. Taking into account the general historical and cultural features of the development of the Nordic countries, Denmark and Iceland are also included.

The Baltic countries include Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia. Often in popular science literature you can find the concept of “Phenoscandia”, which has a more physical and geographical origin. It is convenient to use it when economically geographical characteristics group of Nordic countries, which includes Finland, Sweden, Norway.

Northern Europe occupies an area of ​​1,433 thousand km 2, which is 16.8% of the area of ​​Europe - the third largest among the economic and geographical macroregions of Europe, after Eastern and Southern Europe. Large countries in area are Sweden (449.9 thousand km2), Finland (338.1 km2) and Norway (323.9 thousand km2), which occupy more than three-quarters of the territory of the macroregion. Small countries include Denmark (43.1 thousand km 2), as well as the Baltic countries: Estonia - 45.2, Latvia - 64.6 and Lithuania - 65.3 thousand km 2. Iceland is the smallest in area among the countries of the first group and is almost twice the area of ​​any individual small country.

Nordic countries, 1999

The territory of Northern Europe consists of two subregions: Phenoscandia and Baltic. The first subregion included states such as Finland, a group of Scandinavian countries - Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, along with the islands of the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean. In particular, Denmark includes the Faroe Islands and the island of Greenland, which enjoys internal autonomy, and Norway belongs to the Spitsbergen archipelago. Most northern countries are united by similarities in languages ​​and cultures, and are characterized by historical development features and natural-geographical integrity.

The second subregion (the Baltic countries) includes Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, which, due to their geographical location, have always been northern. However, in reality they could be attributed to the Northern macroregion only in the new geopolitical situation that emerged in the early 90s of the 20th century, that is, after the collapse of the USSR.

The economic and geographical position of Northern Europe is characterized by the following features: firstly, an advantageous position relative to the intersection of important air and sea ​​routes from Europe to North America, as well as the convenience of access for countries in the region to the international waters of the World Ocean; secondly, the proximity of the location to the level of highly developed countries of Western Europe (Germany, Holland, Belgium, Great Britain, France); thirdly, the neighborhood on the southern borders with the countries of Central-Eastern Europe, in particular Poland, where market relations are successfully developing; fourthly, land proximity with Russian Federation, economic contacts with which will contribute to the formation of promising markets for products; fifthly, the presence of territories located outside the Arctic Circle (35% of the area of ​​Norway, 38% of Sweden, 47% of Finland). Among the others geographical features- the presence of the warm Gulf Stream, which has a direct impact on the climate and economic activities of all countries in the macroregion; significant length of coastline, which runs along the Baltic, Northern, Norwegian and Barents seas, as well as the predominantly platform structure of the earth’s surface, the most expressive territory of which is the Baltic Shield. Its crystalline rocks contain minerals of predominantly igneous origin.

Natural conditions and resources. The Scandinavian mountains clearly stand out in the relief of Northern Europe. They were formed as a result of the uplift of Caledonian structures, which in subsequent geological eras, as a result of weathering and recent tectonic movements, turned into a relatively level surface, which in Norway is called felds.

The Scandinavian mountains are characterized by significant modern icing, which covers an area of ​​almost 5 thousand km 2. The snow line in the southern part of the mountains is at an altitude of 1200 m, and in the north it can drop to 400 m.

To the east, the mountains gradually decrease, turning into the crystalline Norland plateau with a height of 400-600 m.

Altitudinal zonation is evident in the Scandinavian mountains. The upper border of the forest (taiga) in the south passes at an altitude of 800-900 m above sea level, decreasing in the north to 400 and even 300 m. Above the forest border there is a transition zone 200-300 m wide, which is higher (700-900 m .) turns into a mountain tundra zone.

In the southern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, the crystalline rocks of the Baltic Shield gradually disappear under the strata of marine sediments, forming the Central Swedish Hilly Lowland, which, with the rise of the crystalline base, develops into the low Spoland Plateau.

The Baltic crystalline shield is sinking eastward. On the territory of Finland it rises somewhat, forming a hilly plain (Lake Plateau), which is north of 64° N. w. it gradually rises and in the extreme north-west, where the spurs of the Scandinavian mountains enter, reaches its greatest heights (Mount Hamti, 1328 m).

The formation of the relief of Finland was influenced by Quaternary glacial deposits, which overlaid ancient crystalline rocks. They form moraine ridges, boulders of various sizes and shapes, which alternate with a large number of lakes and swampy depressions.

In terms of climatic conditions, the Northern Lands are the harshest part of Europe. Most of its territory is exposed to oceanic masses of temperate latitudes. The climate of remote areas (islands) is arctic, subarctic, and marine. There is practically no summer in the Spitsbergen archipelago (Norway), and the average July temperatures correspond to...+3° ...-5°. Iceland, the furthest from mainland Europe, has slightly better temperature conditions. Thanks to one of the branches of the North Atlantic Current, which passes off the southern coast of the island, temperatures here in July are...+7°...+12°, and in January - from... -3°...+2°. It is much colder in the center and north of the island. There is a lot of precipitation in Iceland. On average, their number exceeds 1000 mm per year. Most of them fall in the fall.

There are practically no forests in Iceland, but tundra vegetation predominates, in particular moss and aspen thickets. Meadow vegetation grows near warm geysers. In general, the natural conditions of Iceland are unsuitable for the development of agriculture, in particular farming. Only 1% of its territory, mainly onions, is used for agricultural purposes.

All other countries of Fennoscandia and the Baltics are characterized by the best climatic conditions, the western outskirts and southern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, which are under the direct influence of Atlantic air masses, stand out especially. In the eastern direction, warm oceanic air is gradually transformed. Therefore, the climate here is much harsher. For example, average January temperatures in the northern part of the west coast vary from...-4° to 0°, and in the south 0...+2°. In the interior regions of Fenoscandia, winters are very long and can last up to seven months, accompanied by polar night and low temperatures. Average January temperatures here are...-16°. During the penetration of Arctic air masses, the temperature can drop to... - 50°.

Phenoscandia is characterized by cool temperatures, and in the north it is also short summer. In the northern regions, the average July temperature does not exceed +10-...+12 0, and in the south (Stockholm, Helsinki) - ...+16-...+ 17 0. Frosts can persist until June and appear in August. Despite this cool summer, most mid-latitude crops ripen. This is achieved by continuing the growing season of plants during the long polar summer. Therefore, the southern regions of the Fennoscandian countries are suitable for the development of agriculture.

Precipitation is distributed very unevenly. Most of them fall in the form of rain on the western coast of the Scandinavian Peninsula - in the territory facing the moisture saturation of the Atlantic air masses. The central and eastern regions of Fenoscandia receive significantly less moisture - about 1000 mm, and the northeastern ones - only 500 mm. The amount of precipitation is also distributed unevenly across the seasons. South part the west coast is most humid in winter months in the form of rain. Maximum precipitation in the eastern regions occurs at the beginning of summer. In winter, precipitation predominates in the form of snow. In the mountainous regions and the north-west, snow remains for up to seven months, and in high mountains remains forever, thus fueling modern glaciation.

Denmark by natural conditions somewhat different from its northern neighbors. Being located in the middle part of the Central European Plain, it is more reminiscent of the Atlantic countries of Western Europe, where mild weather prevails. humid climate. Maximum precipitation in the form of rain occurs in winter. There is almost no frost here. The average temperature in January is about 0°. Only occasionally, when arctic air breaks through, can there be low temperatures and snowfall. The average temperature in July is about + 16°.

The countries of the Baltic subregion have a maritime climate with a transitional to moderate continental climate. Summer is cool (average July temperature is ...+16...+17°), winter is mild and relatively warm. Average January temperatures vary from 0° ...-5°. The climate of Lithuania is the most continental. The amount of precipitation per year varies between 700-800 mm. Most of them fall in the second half of summer, when the harvest and food preparation are completed. Under conditions of a flat surface and relatively low evaporation, waterlogging occurs. In general, the climate and flat terrain of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia are conducive to human economic activity. The Nordic countries are unequally endowed with mineral resources. Most of them are in the eastern part of Fenoscandia, the foundation of which is composed of crystalline rocks of igneous origin, a striking manifestation of which is the Baltic Shield. Deposits of iron, titanium-magnesium and copper-pyrite ores are concentrated here. This is confirmed by the deposits of ferrous ores in Northern Sweden - Kirunavare, Lussavare, Gellivare. The rocks of these deposits range from the surface to a depth of 2000 m. The iron content is very high. It is 62-65%. Apatites are a valuable by-product component of these iron ore deposits.

Titanium magnetite ores occupy vast areas in Finland, Sweden, and Norway, although such deposits are not distinguished by significant reserves of raw materials.

Deposits of copper pyrite ores are widespread in Fenoscandia. The largest of them are located in Finland - Outokunpu (southeast of the country). On the western coast of Finland there is also a large copper deposit - Vihanti. In addition to copper (1.7-3.7%), ores of igneous origin also contain iron - 2.7%, zinc - 0.8, nickel - 0.1, cobalt - 0.2, sulfur - 2.7%, as well as gold - 0.8 g/t, silver 9-12 g/t. Among other areas rich in copper ore, Central Sweden stands out.

In the north of Finland, one of the world's largest deposits of chrome ores - Olijarvi - is being developed. Until recently, it was believed that the Northern lands were poor in fuel and energy resources. Only in the early 60s of the XX century, when in bottom sediments Oil and natural gas were discovered in the North Sea, and experts began talking about significant deposits. It was found that the volumes of oil and gas in the basin of this water area significantly exceed all known reserves of this raw material in Europe.

By international agreements, the North Sea basin was divided between the states located along its shores. Among the northern countries, the Norwegian sector of the sea turned out to be the most promising for oil. It accounted for more than one-fifth of oil reserves. Denmark has also joined the list of oil-producing countries taking advantage of the oil and gas-bearing region of the North Sea.

Among other types of fuel in the Nordic countries, oil shale from Estonia, coal from Spitsbergen, and peat from Finland are of industrial importance.

The Northern Territories are well supplied water resources. The Scandinavian mountains, in particular the western part, stand out for their greatest concentration. In terms of total river flow resources, Norway (376 km 3 ) and Sweden (194 km 3 ) are ahead, occupying the first two places in Europe. Per capita, sparsely populated Iceland is allocated for total and underground water flows, respectively 255 and 93 thousand m 3. Next come Norway, Sweden, Finland.

Important for the Nordic countries have hydropower resources. Norway and Sweden are best provided with hydropower resources, where significant precipitation and mountainous terrain ensure the formation of strong and uniform water flow, and this creates good preconditions for the construction of hydroelectric power stations. Norway's annual energy potential is the largest, amounting to 152 billion kW/h/year.

Land resources, especially in the countries of the Scandinavian Peninsula, are insignificant. In Sweden and Finland they account for up to 10% of agricultural land. In Norway - only 3%. Share of unproductive and inconvenientfor land development in Norway - 70% total area, in Sweden - 42% and even in southern Finland - almost one third of the country's territory.

The situation is completely different in Denmark and the Baltic countries. Arable land in the first one occupies 60% of the total territory. In Estonia - 40%, in Latvia - 60 and in Lithuania - 70%. The soils in the Northern macroregion of Europe, especially in the countries of Fennoscandia, are podzolic, waterlogged and unproductive. They require significant reclamation.

Some lands, especially the tundra landscapes of Norway and Iceland, where moss-lichen vegetation predominates, are used for extensive reindeer grazing.

One of the greatest wealth of the Nordic countries is forest resources, that is, “green gold”. Sweden and Finland stand out in terms of forest area and gross timber reserves, ranking first and second in Europe, respectively, according to these indicators. Forest cover in these countries is high. In Finland it is almost 66%, in Sweden - more than 59% (1995). Among other countries of the Northern macroregion, Latvia stands out for its high forest cover (46.8%). According to some estimates, the mentioned countries occupy almost a third of European forested areas and gross timber reserves (excluding Eastern Europe). Dense coniferous forests occupy the highlands and plains of central and northern Sweden, the entire territory of Finland and the lower slopes of the mountains of south-eastern Norway and the wetlands of the Baltic countries.

Northern Europe has a variety of recreational resources: medium-high mountains, glaciers, fjords of Norway, skerries of Finland, picturesque lakes, waterfalls, deep rivers, active volcanoes and geysers of Iceland, architectural ensembles of many cities and other historical and cultural monuments. Their high attractiveness contributes to the development tourism and other forms of recreation.

Population.Northern Europe differs from other macroregions both in population size and in basic demographic indicators.

The northern lands are among the least populated areas. More than 31.6 million people live here, which is 4.8% of the total population of Europe (1999). The population density is low (22.0 persons per 1 km2). The smallest number of inhabitants per unit area is found in Iceland (2.9 people per 1 km 2) and Norway (13.6 people per 1 km 2). Finland and Sweden are also sparsely populated (with the exception of the southern coastal regions of Sweden, Norway, and Finland). Among the Nordic countries, Denmark is the most densely populated (123 people per 1 km2). The Baltic countries are characterized by an average population density - from 31 to 57 people per 1 km 2).The population growth rate of Northern Europe is very low. If in the 70s of the XX century. Since the population grew by 0.4% per year, mainly due to natural growth, in the early 90s its growth was reduced to zero. Second half of the last decade of the 20th century. characterized by negative population growth (-0.3%). The Baltic countries have a decisive influence on this situation. In fact, Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania have entered the stage of depopulation. As a result, the population in the Northern Macroregion of Europe is projected to experience little growth in the coming decades. For example, in 2025 only 32.6 million inhabitants will live here.

The countries of Fennoscandia, except Sweden, are characterized by positive but low natural population growth, with the exception of Iceland, where natural growth remained at 9 people per 1000 inhabitants. This tense demographic situation is explained, first of all, by low birth rates. The trend towards a decrease in the birth rate in European countries appeared back in the 60s and in the early 90s of the last century in Europe it was only 13 people per 1000 inhabitants, which is two times lower than the world average. In the second half of the 90s, this trend continued, and the gap even increased somewhat. If we equate the birth rate of the Nordic countries with the European average, which is 10‰, then for the Nordic countries in most cases it is greater than or equal to the European average, with the exception of Estonia and Latvia, where the birth rate is 9%.

The reasons for this decline in the birth rate of the population for different countries different. If for Phenoscandia main reason turned out to be natural demographic processes (increasing average life expectancy, gradual aging of the population), then for the Baltic countries - the difficulties of transition to a market economy influenced a slight decline in living standards, and this could not but affect the level of fertility. On average, in the Nordic countries there are 1.7 children per woman, in Lithuania - 1.4, in Estonia - 1.2, and in Latvia - only 1.1 children. Accordingly, the infant mortality rate here is the highest: in Latvia - 15%, Estonia - 10 and Lithuania - 9%, while in the macroregion this figure is 6%, and the European average is 8 deaths per thousand births (1999). The mortality rate of the entire population in Northern European countries is also quite differentiated. For the Baltic countries it was 14%, being three points higher than the European average, for the Fennoscandia subregion - less than 1‰, amounting to 10 people per thousand inhabitants. In the world at that time, the mortality rate was 9%, i.e. 2‰ below the European average and 2.5‰ below the macroregional average. The reasons for this phenomenon should be sought not in the standard of living or in the existing social protection that has developed in the Nordic countries, but in the increase in population losses associated with occupational diseases, work-related injuries, various types of accidents, as well as with the aging of the population. Life expectancy in the Nordic countries is high - almost 74 years for men and more than 79 years for women. Sweden, Norway, Iceland have the longest life expectancy - 77-76 years for men and 82-81 years for women. In Latvia, life expectancy for men and women is the lowest - 64 and 79 years, respectively.

The level of urbanization in the macroregion is quite high - more than 76%. Among individual countries, the total urban population in Iceland is 92%, Denmark - 85 and Sweden - 84%. Largest city The macroregion is the capital of Denmark - Copenhagen (1.5 million people). The group of large cities also includes Stockholm, Oslo, Gothenburg, Malmjo, Riga, Vilnius, where at least one third of the population of Northern Europe is concentrated.

Most of the countries in the macroregion are single-national: 91% of Swedes live in Sweden, 90% of Finns live in Finland, almost 97% of Norwegians live in Norway, more than 96% of Danes live in Denmark, and almost 99% of Icelanders live in Iceland. The Baltic countries should be considered an exception. Imperial policy on the national question former USSR bore fruit. In Estonia, for example, a little more than half of the total population that lives there remains Estonian. The situation is somewhat better in Latvia, where Latvians make up almost 58%. Only in Lithuania does the autochthonous population significantly predominate - more than 80%. Among the national minorities, Russians predominate (25% of them live in Estonia, 30% in Latvia and 9% in Lithuania); Ukrainians, Poles, and Belarusians also live.

Most of the peoples of Northern Europe belong to the Indo-European language family, where the most common languages ​​are Germanic and Baltic language groups. The Scandinavian branch of the Germanic group of languages ​​includes Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, and Icelandic. Swedish is spoken by part of the population of Finland, which lives in the south and west of the country.

The vast majority of Finnish citizens speak Finnish (including the small nomadic Sami people (Laplanders), who belong to the Uralic language family of the world's peoples.

Mostly the Sami live in Norway (30 thousand) and only 5 thousand live on the Finnish Plateau. In the summer, grazing herds of reindeer, they descend to coastal areas covered with tundra vegetation. The Sami, a people with dark hair and a short build, were the first settlers of the remote regions of Phenoscandia. They moved here about 10 thousand years ago from Central Asia.

These include: Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Faroe Islands, Finland, Sweden. The total area of ​​the region is 1.3 million square meters. km, population about 23 million people. The main direction of agriculture is livestock breeding. The share of livestock products in... World sheep farming

Northern part of Western Europe; the concept is historical and geographical in nature. Usually in the North. Europe includes the Scandinavian countries (Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark), as well as Finland. Sometimes to the North. Europe also includes the north. Part… … Geographical encyclopedia

VI. NORTHERN EUROPE- Great Britain and Ireland. 9000 3000 BC Mesolithic. 3000 1800 BC Windmill Hill culture (Neolithic). 1800 1600 BC Peterborough and Skara Brae cultures (Neolithic). 1900 1200 BC Bell Beaker culture (bronze). 1600 1100 BC… … Rulers of the World

VI. NORTHERN EUROPE - full-...Rulers of the World

Europe- (Europe) Europe is a densely populated, highly urbanized part of the world named after a mythological goddess, forming together with Asia the continent of Eurasia and having an area of ​​about 10.5 million km² (approximately 2% of the total area of ​​the Earth) and ... Investor Encyclopedia

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On the map of the hemisphere North America (English North America, French ... Wikipedia

Europe (Greek Europe, from Assyrian ereb - west; in Ancient Greece this was the name given to the territories lying to the west of the Aegean Sea), part of the world, the western part of the Eurasian continent. I. General information In the north, Europe is washed by the Arctic Ocean and... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

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Books

• , Chernysheva O.V., Komarov A.A. (Ed.). The collection chronologically covers the period from early Middle Ages to the present day. Of particular interest are materials on new and modern history: political events in Sweden - elections in…
• Northern Europe. Problems of history. Issue 8, . The collection chronologically covers the period from the early Middle Ages to the present day. Of particular interest are materials on modern and recent history: political events in Sweden - elections in…