1.1 THE POPULATION OF EUROPE.

Europe is a very prosperous, highly populated continent. About 739 million people live in Europe.

1.2 POPULATION DISTRIBUTION.

Europe’s population density is about 105 inhabitants per square kilometre. About 75% of the European population live in urban areas.

1.3 AGEING POPULATION.

In Europe, the birth rate is low, but the death rate is also low. Life expectancy is 80 years.

Slow down in Natural Increase: women have fewer children.

Europe is an ageing continent: people who are 65 years old or over are the same as the young population.

Despite being an ageing continent Europe’s population is still growing mainly due to migratory movements.

1.4 CULTURAL DIVERSITY.

Europe is a multicultural continent. There is a great diversity of cultures, beliefs and traditions.

The European Union, also called EU is a political and economic union of countries in Europe. Today 28 countries belong to the EU.

The EU was created in 1957 (Treaty of Rome). At first, it was called European Economic Community (EEC). In 1993, the EEC became the EU (Maastricht Treaty). EU has 24 official languages.

Purposes:

• To improve the economy and social development.

• To protect the rights of EU citizens.

Symbols:

• The Euro.

• The EU flag.

• Ode to Joy: the European Anthem.

18. Complete the political map of Europe.

19. Complete the physical map of Europe.