Economic activities and social life of Europe

Europe has been a developed continent since the past. Europeans were brave and adventurous sea-faring people. In fact, the great voyages of explorations and discoveries were led by the Europeans that helped in gathering information about North America, South America and Africa. Their advancement in the field of science and technology since the early days made them powerful and had colonies all over the world. The Great Industrial Revolution of 18 and 19 century AD where major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, transportation, and technology had a profound effect on the socio-economic andcultural conditions of the people. It began in the United Kingdom, then subsequently spread throughout Europe. As a result, countries such as Germany, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Norway, etc have become highly industrialized. Today, most of the largest and important industries of the world are located in different countries of Europe.

The people of Europe are believed to have migrated from Central Asia and lived in different parts of the continent. Some of the major languages of Europe include English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, etc. The continent has given birth to many great scientists, philosophers, artists and writers whose contributions has benefitted the entire humankind. Most of the people of Europe follow Christianity. The continent of Europe is known for its variety of natural resources. However, the people are its most important resources. The favorable climatic condition for human health in most parts of Europe is attributed for its labourious, energetic, intelligent, and brave people. Their effort and extensive use of the natural gifts have created a rich economy and a high standard of living.

 

Agriculture

Only about 10% of the total population of Europe is engaged in agriculture. The variety of climate and physical features has made it possible to cultivate different types of crops. Extensive farming is widely practiced in areas with more land available for cultivation. Use of machinery becomes necessary on farms in these areas. This type of farming is mostly practiced in Russia. In areas with dense population, land available for cultivation is limited. In such regions, intensive farming is practiced, where improved seeds, fertilizers, insecticides etc. are used to produce high output in small farms. Mixed farming is also common in Europe. In this type of farming, cultivation of crops and animal rearing is carried on the same farm. Horticulture, or the cultivation of fruits and flowers on a commercial scale, is also a common practice.

 

Animal Rearing

The temperate climate of most parts of Europe favors the growth of rich and luxuriant grasses. So, animal rearing is important in most countries of Europe. It is mainly practiced in north-western and central Europe. Cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry are reared for milk and meat. Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, and United Kingdom are world famous for dairy products. Sheep and goats are reared for meat, wool and milk in eastern Europe, the Mediterranean region, the Balkan countries and the British Isles.

 

Fisheries

Europe is a peninsula, bounded by sea on three sides. This has made some of its countries the world's leading fishing nations. Its long coastlines provides ideal sites for fishing grounds and ports. Most of the people of the coastlines region are engaged in making fishing nets and fishing boats, catching fish, processing, packing and marketing tinned fish and fish products. Due to advancement in technology, fishing has become an industry. Large ships or trawlers which are well equipped with modern facilities are used to catch fish. These ships catch a large numbers and varieties of fish which are processed in the ship for marketing. The major fishing countries of Europe are Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Portugal and Russia.

 

Minerals

The continent of Europe has large deposits of mineral resources. However, this mineral wealth is not uniformly distributed throughout the continent. Some of the main areas with mineral deposits are: Coal is found in Germany, Poland, Belgium, France, Spain, UK, Ukraine, and Czech Republic. Iron ore deposit is found in Sweden, UK, Russia, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, and Ukraine. Lead and zinc is found in France, Belgium, Spain, Poland, and Germany. Bauxite, an ore of aluminum, is found in Russia, Germany, France, Norway, UK, Switzerland, and Austria. Petroleum and Natural gas is found in the North Sea oilfields, Romania and Russia, Norway and Sweden is known for water power.

 

Industries

With the onset of Industrial Revolution in 18 century in United Kingdom of Europe, most of the countries in Europe were influenced by it. Today most European countries are major producer of manufactured goods. The rich deposits of minerals, the scientific and technological advancement and a suitable climate of Europe have collectively been responsible for making Europe one of the most industrialized continents in the world. There are well developed industries of various types in Europe. Agro-based industries that use agricultural products as their raw materials are very common in most parts of Europe. Forest-based industries that produce paper and newsprint, wood pulp, etc are developed in the taiga forest region of Europe. Mineral-based industries have developed in regions with rich deposits of minerals. Iron and steel industry is one of the most important mineral-based industries in Europe. Chemical industries producing fertilizers, cement, plastic, chemicals, pharmaceutical drugs and synthetic fibre are also common in Europe.

 

So, above are the major economic activities of people of Europe along with social life of Europe. Besides this economic activity of Europe, people are engaged in other sector but not too much in comparison to it. Overally, the people are having good income along with the social life of people of Europe is also very high in comparison to social life of Asia, Africa and other continents.