The Smaller Countries of Central and Western Europe.

In the heart of Europe among the Alps are placed two small countries—Switzerland (capital Bern) and Austria (capital Vienna, situated on the Danube; see your Atlas). These countries are exceptionally rich in water-power, which is used for industrial purposes. They produce various machines, ele-ctrotechnical equipment and textiles. Dairy cattle are bred in the mountain meadows.
Belgium (capital Brussels) and the Netherlands or Holland (capital Amsterdam; see your Atlas) are situa­ted in the west of Europe on the coast of the North Sea. These are highly developed capitalist countries, small in area, but densely populated.

Fig. 66. A mountain scene in Switzerland.

Belgium mines coal and manufactures machines. The Nether­lands carry on an extensive overseas trade and are famed for their dairy produce and flowers. Both countries still possess and strive to retain the remnants of their former enormous colonial possessions.
Questions and Assignments.

• Mark on the outline map the states described above and their
  capitals.
• Name the countries the Rhine and the Danube flow across.
• Compare the territory of Belgium (30,500 sq. kms.) with your
  district (region or republic).



 

     

Fig. 67. Amsterdam.Soviet tourists inspecting a hothouse of tulips in one of the local flower gardens.