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'''Western Europe''' is the region of [[Europe]] consisting of [[Belgium]], [[France]], [[Ireland]], [[Luxembourg]], [[Monaco]], [[Netherlands]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. Occasionally it also includes countries in [[Southern Europe]] such as [[Spain]], [[Portugal]] and [[Italy]], countries in [[Central Europe]] like [[Germany]], [[Austria]], [[Switzerland]], [[Poland]], the [[Czech Republic]], and [[Hungary]], or even countries in [[Northern Europe]] such as [[Norway]], [[Sweden]], and [[Denmark]].

'''Western Europe''' is the region of [[Europe]] consisting of [[Belgium]], [[France]], [[Ireland]], [[Luxembourg]], [[Monaco]], the [[Netherlands]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. Occasionally it also includes countries in [[Southern Europe]] such as [[Spain]], [[Portugal]] and [[Italy]], countries in [[Central Europe]] like [[Germany]], [[Austria]], [[Switzerland]], [[Poland]], the [[Czech Republic]], and [[Hungary]], or even countries in [[Northern Europe]] such as [[Norway]], [[Sweden]], and [[Denmark]].

==History==

==History==

Western European (as well as [[Central Europe]]an) culture can be traced back to that of [[Ancient Rome]], and it is also the birthplace of both the [[Catholic Church]] and [[Protestantism]] - in addition to the [[Enlightenment]] and the [[Industrial Revolution]]. Colonists from Western Europe have settled the entire length and breadth of [[North America]], [[South America]], and [[Australia]], taking their languages and culture with them.

Western European (as well as [[Central Europe]]an) culture can be traced back to that of [[Ancient Rome]], and it is also the birthplace of both the [[Catholic Church]] and [[Protestantism]], in addition to the [[Enlightenment]] and the [[Industrial Revolution]]. Colonists from Western Europe have settled the entire length and breadth of [[North America]], [[South America]], and [[Australia]], taking their languages and culture with them.

Western Europe is confused with [[Western Bloc]], a term referring to the part of [[Europe]] that mostly did not come under [[Communist]] rule at the end or after the [[Second World War]] (except for Portugal). Thanks to the financial help from the US (Marschall Plan), economic and political freedom, it became advanced, wealthy and stable that its counterpart, [[Eastern Bloc]]. In Western Europe, the [[European Union]] was created.

Western Europe is often confused with [[Western Bloc]], a term referring to the part of [[Europe]] that mostly did not come under [[Communist]] rule at or after the end of the [[Second World War]] (except for Portugal). Thanks to financial help from the US (Marshall Plan), and economic and political freedom, it became more advanced, wealthy and stable than its counterpart, the [[Eastern Bloc]]. In Western Europe, the [[European Union]] was created.

==Contemporary developments==

==Contemporary developments==

Western Europe is also the home of ''two'' of the world's most important currencies, the [[euro]] and the British [[pound]]. Some of the world's greatest cities - [[Amsterdam]], [[Brussels]] (de facto European Union's capital), [[Paris]], [[London]] are situated in Western Europe, and it is the home of the [[English language]], the [[French language]], and the [[Dutch language]].

Western Europe is also the home of ''two'' of the world's most important currencies, the [[euro]] and the British [[pound]]. Some of the world's greatest cities - [[Amsterdam]], [[Brussels]] (the de facto capital of the European Union), [[Paris]], [[London]], are situated in Western Europe, and it is the home of the [[English language]], the [[French language]], and the [[Dutch language]].

All Western European countries are listed by the Human Development Index as very highly developed countries.

All Western European countries are listed by the Human Development Index as very highly developed.

Currently, as Europe is no longer divided into Western and Eastern Bloc, the use of the term Western, or Eastern Europe is seen as a faux past. It relates to the Cold War, which ended a generation ago.

Currently, as Europe is no longer divided into Western and Eastern Bloc, the use of the terms "Western" or "Eastern Europe" is seen as a faux pas. They relate to the Cold War, which ended a generation ago.

[[Category:Regions of the World]]

[[Category:Regions of the World]]

[[Category:Europe]]

[[Category:Europe]]