Europe Today Study Guide

1. What is permafrost? How does it affect the

distribution of Russias natural resources?
Permafrost is permanently frozen soil. It
prevents Russians from harvesting natural
resources.
2. This physical feature has some of the best soils in
Europe and stretches from southwestern France into
western Russia.
European Plain
3. The United Kingdoms climate is usually _____________
due to the Gulf Stream.
Mild
4. Which European language has the largest number of
speakers?
English
5. Name the three major world religions and tell how
they are alike?
Christianity, Islam, and Judaism: ALL believe in
ONLY one God
6. Define: Monotheism
Monotheism is the belief in one God.
7. Name the Jewish Holy Book. ___________
Torah
8. In which system of government does the legislature
elect the executive leader of the government?
Parliamentary Democracy

9. Describe the United Kingdoms parliamentary system

of government.
The people elect the legislature and the
legislature elects the Prime Minister.
10.
An autocracy puts the power of the government
into the hands of:
One single ruler (TOAD)
11.
Which European countries have a federal
government?
Russia and Germany
12.
Describe the reason for the European Union.
Peace
Environment
Trade
Safety and Security
13.
This group was created in 1993 for the purpose
of creating a single economic market in which there
are no barriers to trade, services, or capital among
the member states. Use the information to fill in the
blanks. _____ is an example of a _____________.
European Union; Confederation
14.
All three religions share the same Patriarch
(Founder) who is _______________.
Abraham
15.
The mountain range that divides the Russia into
the Asian and European sections is called the
____________ _________________.
Ural Mountains
16.
What is the small body of water that is between
the southern part of the UK and the Northern Part of
France?
English Channel

17.
What European country has the largest
landmass?
Russia
18.
What are people who practice Islam called?
Muslims
19.
Russia has a type of government in which power
is formally divided between one central authority and
several regional authorities. Name the type of
government.
Federation
20.
What is the name of the city that followers of
Islam must visit ONCE in their lifetime?
Mecca
21.
How has Europe dealt with the issues of having
over 200 languages spoken?
Many Europeans speak 3 or 4 languages
22.
Where do most people live in the United
Kingdom?
In the cities
23.
Where do people who practice Judaism worship?
Synagogue
24.
French, Italian, and Spanish are of which
language origin (language group)?
Romance Origin
25.
Jamal follows the Pillars of Faith and reads the
Koran every night before bed. What place of worship
would he most likely attend?
Mosque
26.
How does an abundance of natural
resources/freshwater contribute to population
density?

Population in area with natural resources rise,

while population in areas with contamination
or pollution will shrink