Europe is a dense patchwork of nations. The continent is actually part of a single land-mass that also includes Asia, but there are also a number of islands. A large part of Russia and a small part of Turkey are also included within Europe.
In the far north, Europe borders the Arctic Ocean. Frozen tundra merges into the vast coniferous forests of Russia and Scandinavia. The Gulf Stream, a warm ocean current, gives the northwestern countries a mild, wet climate. Central Europe and Russia have hot summers but cold winters. To the south, beyond the mountain ranges of the Pyrenees and the Alps, lie the sunny Mediterranean lands.
Europe is, for the most part, densely populated. Waterways and road and rail networks link its major cities. Much of its land is under cultivation or pasture. Only a few large areas of uninhabited land remain in the north.
Compared to other parts of the world, European countries are wealthy, though the West is generally more prosperous. Through history, conflicts have flared between and within countries. Several have split into smaller, independent nations in recent years.
People who originate from many different parts of the world now live in Europe. Countries such as England, France and Spain once ruled much of America, Africa and Asia. Many people from these continents have now settled in Europe, giving it a rich variety of cultures.
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