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WESTERN EUROPE

The Benelux countries—Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg—are a fascinating region in Western Europe known for their rich histories and cultural diversity. The Netherlands boasts remarkable land reclamation achievements, having transformed 1/3 of its territory into polders. Belgium is marked by linguistic diversity, with both French and Flemish officially recognized, reflecting its cultural convergence. Luxembourg, though smaller in size, enjoys a high standard of living and robust economies driven by advanced industries. Discover the unique characteristics that define these neighboring nations.

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WESTERN EUROPE

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  1. BENELUX COUNTRIES Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxombourg WESTERN EUROPE

  2. THE NETHERLANDS • “God made the world but the Dutch made the Netherlands”– Descartes • Human Environment interaction is very important to this region • The North is bordered by the North Sea.

  3. LAND RECLAMATION • Started over two thousand year ago • Build low mounds surrounded by stone walls to damn off the sea • Romans conquered built more sophisticated dikes

  4. LAND RECLAMATION • The reclaimed land was a called a polder • About 1/3 of the land is below sea level • Many times people will be looking up at ships as they pass by their land on the polder

  5. Dikes and Polders • 8 Year Process • Year 1-2 Earth dikes are built around an area of wate rand the water is drained away • Year 3-6 A mat of woven twigs is laid across the land. Planes sow seeds of reeds that grow through the mat. • Year 7 Reeds are burned, and ashes are plowed into the soil. • Year 8 Polder is used for farming and settlement.

  6. Belgium • Belgium is a product of cultural convergence • 30 % of people speak French (Walloons) • 55% speak Flemish (Dutch or Flemings) • Gained independence from the Netherlands in 1830

  7. Belgium • French was the official language after independence was gained • All government and universities used the official language • Tensions grew between the Walloons and the Flemish

  8. A Plan for Peace • 1898 Flemish also became an official language • In Recent years the Belgian Parliament passed new laws to decentralize the government • Power is now held in the 3 regions: Wallonia, Flanders and Brussels

  9. Luxembourg • Luxembourg 990 square miles (smaller than Rhode Island) • 1000 years of history • Close ties with Germany, France and Belgium • 3 major languages: French, German and Luxembourgish • Has one of the highest standards of living in Europe • Steel and High tech industries drive the economy

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