This chapter is about . . .

Europe sets the new global order

Europe's cultural diversity

Temperate, midlatitude, natural environments

Setting a new global standard in the modern era

Four subregions:
Western Europe: Europe's industrial heartland

Northern Europe: high living quality in harsh environments

Mediterranean Europe: Europe's oldest civilizations

East Central Europe: former communist countries adopting capitalist practices

Point-Counterpoint: The European Union

Personal View: Bosnia-Herzegovina