Geography Chapter 12

Spain

Spain has a lower population density-243 per square mile (94 per sq. km)- than many parts of Europe. Its population is concentrated in coastal areas and around major industrial areas.

Europe

Today the continent of Europe is home to more than 160 separate ethnic groups. Northern Europe includes the relatively ethnically diverse and densely populated United Kingdom as well as countries with smaller population dominated mainly by one or two major ethnic groups. These include Ireland and the far northern countries of Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark.

European Union

In the last few decades, northern European countries have built strong democracies and successful economies. Today, northern Europe belongs to the European Union (EU). The EU's goal is a united Europe in which goods, services, and workers can move freely among member countries.

London

Northern Europe's most important metropolitan areas are also its economic centers. The sub-region's largest and oldest urban area is London, the capital of the United Kingdom. This multicultural city holds about 8.5 million people. Stockholm, Sweden, is home to about 1.3 million people. Copenhagen, Denmark, is the capital and a popular tourist destination.

Italy

With a population of about 60.3 million million people and a population density of about 531 per square mile (205 per sq. km), Italy is the most populated country of southern Europe. In contrast, Vatican City, located within Italy's capital city of Rome and home to the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's smallest independent state with a population of about 1000.