The Socio-economic Activites of Europe

Although they originated from central Europe and Asia, the European people speak many languages- English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, etc, and may be white with yellow hair and darker with black hair. In the past European sailors were the first to sail overseas and meet people of other continents. With rich resources of coal and iron, industries began very early, more than 200 years ago. Later they also exploited vast resources from their overseas colonies. Universities began more than 800 years ago and with a cool weight climate needing good buildings; many cities develop distinctive and very beautiful architecture, with many famous artists, scientists, and writer. All countries of Europe have large communities of people who are Christians in the majority. Europeans are highly skilled and hard working. They have very high standards of living: highest in the north and west, but lower in east Europe and in the Southern Mediterranean countries.

Only about 10% of Europeans are farmers. But agricultural yields are very high. With good soil and climate, agricultural methods developed early, and now wheat, barley, oats, sugar beet, maize, fruit, and vegetables are all grown. Dairy farming, that is keeping cows for milk, cream, butter, cheese, chocolates has flourished in Switzerland, Holland, Ireland and parts of England. The Mediterranean region is popular as the garden of the world as it produces the very good amount of grapes and citrus fruits. Fishing is very important in the northern countries, particularly Denmark and Norway. It is an important economic activity in Great Britain, Russia, Poland and Spain as well. Forest, mainly coniferous one, found in the northern part is used by paper and pulp industries.

There are all kinds of industries in Europe. Since the industrial revolution which began from England in the 18th century, they have always been flourishing. Oil, gas, coal and other minerals found most in the north or north-west are highly utilized. Many European countries, now 27, are part of the European Union and trade without taxes. Several use the same currency Euro but European import foods, petrol and raw materials from all over the world, and exports every kind of manufactured goods. It has more trade than any other continent.