Germany and Alpine States: It consists of Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Slovenia and Switzerland. Germany is the biggest power in the continent. To the north, flat plains and heathlands surround the North Sea coast. Further south are Germany’s central uplands which are lower and older than the jagged peaks of the Alps, which began to form about 65 million years ago. From its source in the Black forest, the River Danube flows eastward across Germany and Austria on its course to the Black Sea. The other major river, the Rhine, flows northward.
Landscape
The Rhine is Germany’s main waterway. It is an important transport route to and from Northern ports. It twists and turns across 1,320 km of Europe from its source in southeast Switzerland to the North Sea. The Danube is Europe’s second longest river flowing 2,840 km. Lake Constance covers 54 sq km and is Germany’s largest lake, although its water are shared by Austria and Switzerland. The Alps were formed when African plate collided with the Eurasian plate, pushing up and crushing huge amount of rock, to form mountain. The Harz Mountains are much older than the Alps. They were formed over 300 million years ago. Most of the water of the limestone Karst region of Slovenia flows underground through huge caves and caverns.
Climate
Winter temperature decreases eastwards and the high alpine region is coldest. Climate variations in the Alps are common due to turbulent airflows.
Industry
Germany is a leading manufacturer of cars, chemicals, machinery and transport equipment. Switzerland and Liechtenstein with few raw materials make high value products such as watches and pharmaceuticals and provide services such as banking. The Alpine states are popular tourist locations all year round.
Population
Western and central Germany are the most densely populated areas in the region- particularly in and around the Rhine and Ruhr valleys, where there are many industries. In the south, the steep slopes of the Alps and permanent snow cover on the higher peaks means that most large towns and cities are in scattered lowland area.
Farming and Land Use
Germany produces three quarters of its own food. Crop farming is widespread, with cereals and root grown in flat fertile areas. Cattle and Pig rearing supply meat and dairy products. Across the Alps, the mountains limit farming, although vines are grown on the warmer south facing slopes. The rich pastures of the lower slopes are used to graze beef and dairy cattle.
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