How does geography affect settlment patterns in western Europe

Europe is a peninsula, made up of many smaller peninsulas. This means that much of Europe is near the ocean, making access to world shipping and fishing industries practical. In addition, mighty rivers ease transportation within the continent and to the seaports.

Much of the land is flat and the climate throughout most of the continent is conducive to agriculture. Europe also has access to raw materials needed for heavy industries. Because European civilization dates back at least three thousand years, it is made up of many old cultures and traditions.