Multinational countries of Western Europe. Types of countries by national composition. The composition of the population of foreign Europe

02.05.2020

The concept of a multinational state

Definition 1

A multinational state is a state, which includes various nationalities and nations, historically formed on its territory.

A multinational state must be distinguished from a multiethnic state, which is characterized by the presence of many ethnic groupings within the boundaries of one nation. For example, the United States does not seem to be a multinational state, because it has formed a single American nation, consisting of many ethnic groups.

Multinational states developed in different ways. In one of the cases, this happened where the unification of peoples into a single state occurred before they began to form national self-consciousness, and the movement of nations for political independence had not yet arisen.

Often this happened through conquest. This happened, for example, in Eastern Europe and in many Asian regions. In Africa, multinational states were formed most often in the process of colonial expansion. Indonesia, India, Nigeria, Russia, Vietnam, Iran, China and many others should be included among the typical multinational states, in other words, over half of the world's population lives in multinational states.

Existing multinational states can be divided into two varieties:

states dominated by the number of one nation;
states in which no nation dominates the others.

Remark 1

Most of the multinational states are classified as those where the dominant of one nation is manifested. Usually they are the most durable, stable in interethnic terms, there are practically no interethnic clashes in them.

According to the forms of territorial state structure, multinational states are both federal and unitary. Traditionally, in a multinational state, multinationality is taken into account in the arrangement of state authorities, in ethno-linguistic policy, in social and cultural life, etc.

The Russian Federation is a multinational state

The Russian Federation appears to be a multinational state in which over 140 peoples live. The most numerous nation is Russian, its number is approximately eighty percent of the total population of the state.

Characteristic of multinational Russia is the dispersed settlement of ethnic groups, especially in the republics of the Russian Federation. Along with this, the overwhelming majority of regions are characterized by the predominance of the Russian population.

Multinationality is not a defining feature that characterizes the type of state, its social nature. But along with the political, economic, spiritual characteristics, the sign of multinationality leaves a certain imprint on the historical destinies of the state and its functioning. Traditionally, multinationality is presented as an additional factor that complicates life within a multinational state.

Remark 2

With the right national policy, a democratic multinational state can ensure normal mutual relations between peoples, and multinationality itself does not violate the stability and stability of the state.

Features of multinational states

A multinational state includes more than one ethnic grouping, in contrast to ethnically homogeneous societies. In fact, almost all modern national communities appear to be multinational.

David Wilsh, in Domestic Politics and Ethnic Conflicts, published in 1993 at Princeton University, noted that less than twenty out of one hundred and eighty independent states can be called ethnically and nationally homogeneous, but they can be called such only if national minorities in make up less than five percent of the total population.

In the Russian Federation, according to the educational standard for secondary or complete general education (the profile level of the subject "geography"), the term "multinational" means such states within whose borders several groups of ethnic groups live simultaneously, and all multinational states are divided into states:

with a pronounced, sharp predominance of any one nation in the presence of more or less significant national minorities, we are talking about France, Great Britain, Spain, China, Mongolia, Turkey, Algeria, Morocco, the USA, Australia;
binational, we are talking about Belgium, Canada;
with the most complex, but ethnically homogeneous composition of nationalities, we are talking about Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Laos;
with a diverse and ethnically complex national composition, we are talking here about India, Switzerland, Indonesia, Russia.

The advantages of multinational states are traditionally considered the flourishing of ethnic and cultural phenomena, the friendship of peoples, the ability of nations to implement large-scale projects and survive together in difficult conditions.

The disadvantages include intolerance, when some nations are intolerant of other nations.

More than six dozen different peoples live in foreign Europe. For many, this territory became native even before the formation of the modern map of the world.

Factors in the formation of the national composition of foreign Europe

Relief . Since ancient times, the tribes of people united in the plains. Therefore, the Paris Basin and the North German Plain are considered the very first inhabited regions. The fusion of ethnic groups can be clearly seen in countries with a predominantly mountainous area - in the Balkans and in the Alps.
Migration . Europe has experienced waves of migration more than once in its history. In fact, the processes of migration of peoples to more developed countries have been going on for 4 centuries. But the largest influx of people occurred at the beginning of the 20th century, after the end of the First World War and the liquidation of the colonies. The continent was settled by immigrants from Central Asia, Latin America, Africa and Oceania. Ethnic diasporas of these people still exist in France, Germany, England, Switzerland and a number of other countries. But people have taken root and merged with the ethnic people so much that it is almost impossible to single out purebred Arabs or Mexicans.
Inter-special conflicts and civil wars . The national composition of foreign Europe was constantly changing. Only for the last 60 years has Europe been at peace. In its history of existence, it is difficult to list all the conflicts and wars. Countries united, divided, and only since 1918 a basis was formed, which is now depicted on the world map. The final formation of states occurred as recently as 1990, after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Fig.1. Map of Europe before the First World War, 1914

There is no such ethnic group as the Spaniards; in the tenth century of our era, several nationalities united into one. They were: Arabs, Celts, Jews, representatives of the Romanesque culture. It took several centuries to complete the merger process. The Bulgarians also lost their original culture, because they were under the rule of the Ottoman Empire for 4 centuries.

The composition of the population of foreign Europe

According to the number of peoples within the country, all states are divided into three types: single-national, bi-national and multinational, i.e. those with large national minorities.

Rice. 2. Ethnic composition of Europe

14 single-national countries of Foreign Europe are presented in the table:

Fig.3. Indigenous percentage

Germany, and its neighbors from the west and east - Austria and the Netherlands, are conditionally considered one-national, despite the massive migration to these countries.

The most multinational countries of foreign Europe can be conditionally divided into two groups: the first will include the states: Great Britain, Spain and Switzerland, and the other - all the countries of the Balkans.

The indigenous people of Germany are Germans. The largest diaspora is made up of Turks, Russians, Italians and Greeks.

Binational countries:

Baltic Sea States : Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania. In addition to the national indigenous population, the Russian diaspora prevails in these countries.
States of Scandinavia : Finland, Sweden. In addition to the indigenous peoples, who make up the first group of the national majority (Finns and Swedes), in these countries there is a second group - immigrant.
Slavic countries : Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria.
France . Despite the fact that the majority of the population calls themselves French, such nationalities have survived: Basques, Lorraine, Flemings, Jews.

What have we learned?

In the process of the formation of the European Union, all countries have gone through a difficult path of formation of their ethnic groups. Today, there are practically no purebred nations left. But scientists still divide the states of Europe into three groups: with one predominant nation, with two, and multinational.

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More than three thousand different ethnic units live in the modern world, and there are a little more than two hundred states. And this means that, with a few exceptions, the majority are multinational countries.

Terms and concepts

In order to understand the issue in detail, it is necessary to highlight the key concepts that researchers use when studying a particular country. Such concepts as tribe, nationality, people, nation, ethnos are quite close in their meaning, but at the same time they have certain nuances. It is clear enough that all these terms are the result of the historical complication of various elements that characterize this or that ethnic community. Economic development, the expansion of the territory led to an increase in the area of residence of the tribe, which gradually turned into a nationality or people. And as the highest stage of an ethnic unit, one can single out the formation and emergence of a nation. Many scientists agree that the determining factors in the formation of this community are one language, territory, culture and economic ties. However, as a nation develops, these factors lose their paramount importance, and it can continue to exist even when divided by state borders.

Formation of national identity

Indeed, to confirm this statement, one can refer to the example of such a multinational giant as the USSR. Many nations that existed as part of this state, after its collapse, found themselves on opposite sides of the borders, but did not lose their identity. Therefore, having formed once, they continue to exist, except for cases of physical disappearance. Language as one of the fundamental features of a nation may cease to be such. As the number of people increased, the role of kinship decreased, and it could turn out that two or more languages appeared in one nation. When the former ethnic groups were united into more and more numerous, language variations (dialects) were preserved, sometimes differing quite strongly from the former single language. The most striking example is the Swiss Confederation. Approximately along this path, the multinational countries of Europe were formed. However, not only European countries followed this path of development of national relations. The multinational countries of Asia also could not immediately form as full-fledged polyethnic formations. A series of revolutions and other metamorphoses led them to the need for coexistence, and one of the many Asian states - China - was also formed according to this principle.

Different interpretations of the concept of "nation"

When using the term "nation", one must keep in mind its twofold meaning. Firstly, scientists consider it as a set of citizens of a particular state. That is, it is a multicultural, socio-political, territorial and economic community of representatives of different nationalities that form the state. In the second case, this definition is used as a designation of the highest form of ethnic unity. Multinational countries that have developed according to the first scenario in the modern geopolitical world make up more than half of all state formations. The most typical example is the American nation. For many centuries, the United States has been called a "melting pot" that successfully dissolved the ethnic diversity of American citizens, turning them into a single nation. This course of events was dictated by historical realities, the emerging industrial type of society made strict demands, primarily of an economic nature, and many nationalities had to unite in order to successfully compete in the international arena. This is how the multinational countries of the world were formed.

Russian style integration

The globalization of the economy has influenced the ways of integrating state-national entities. Dynamically developing production has led to the formation of new options for interethnic cooperation. The United States and the Russian Federation are multinational countries, both of them are federations in their structure. However, the way they are organized is fundamentally different. The Russian Federation is built according to the national-state principle of its constituent entities. They have a certain independence in internal affairs and jointly represent the Russian nation.

Alternative way of national cooperation

American states also have some internal autonomy, but are formed on a territorial basis. Russia in this way of organization guarantees the development of the national culture of the peoples inhabiting it. The United States of America, on the basis of democratic laws, also secures the right of each ethnic unit to national and cultural independence. These two types of state associations are represented all over the globe.

Globalization and nations

The entry of the world into the information age has further strengthened interstate competition, respectively, and interethnic. Therefore, the main trend is the birth of supranational state formations. They are formed on the principle of confederation and have a great national and cultural diversity. The most typical example is the European Union, which consists of more than twenty countries, and the inhabitants speak, according to the most rough estimates, 40 languages. The structure of this association is as close as possible to the prevailing economic and political realities. On its territory there is a common legal system, currency, citizenship. If you take a closer look at these signs, you can conclude that a European supernation has practically taken shape. The number of new EU members is growing. Similar processes, but with a lesser degree of cooperation, are taking place around the world. The initial economic and political blocs are prototypes of future supernations. It seems that such large state-national formations are the future of all human civilization.

National politics

The guarantor of the preservation of unity is the national policy in states united in multinational countries. The list of these countries is quite extensive and includes the vast majority of state entities located on our planet. The national policy includes a set of measures to ensure the equal existence and development of the ethnic units of the state. The most multinational country in the world - India - is an example of this. Only a balanced and cautious policy of this country allows it to be the leader of South Asia and successfully compete with its giant neighbor China.

Modern trends in interethnic relations

It is the legislative consolidation of the rights of national minorities that serves as a binding "solution" for these countries. The paths of development of nationalities and the state did not always coincide. History shows many such examples. Multinational countries are most prone to disintegration precisely because of their multi-ethnicity. The twentieth century was the period of the collapse of many such states: the USSR, Yugoslavia, and even the binational Czechoslovakia. Therefore, maintaining the parity of nationalities becomes the basis for cooperation and integration. Over the past two decades, the process of separatism has become somewhat biased, this also applies to established European states, such as, for example, Great Britain, from which Scotland announced its intention to withdraw, as well as the states of Asia and Africa artificially created as a result of colonial policy.

Nowadays, at least 3,000 ethnic units live on the planet, and there are only more than 200 countries. This means that in many countries several nationalities live at once. There are quite a few such states, but in the article we will consider only the most multinational countries in the world.

India

This state takes the first place absolutely deservedly, because it can be compared with a bright kaleidoscope of nations, tribes, castes and their cultural heritage. The modern multinational state was formed under the influence of other peoples, including the colonizers. Although the British, under whose command the most multinational country was for a long time, still had a minimal impact on its culture, unlike the Afghans, the Chinese and other territorially close peoples.

70% of the inhabitants are Indo-Aryans - swarthy, with a more European type of appearance, often profess Islam or Hinduism. 25% are Dravidians. This is the indigenous population that filled the country before the appearance of the Indo-Aryans. Almost all of them are adherents of Hinduism. 3% - Mongoloid race, whose culture largely depends on neighboring China, Nepal, Burma. Mostly they practice Buddhism. In the south of the country there are a number of Negroids, especially in the Andaman Islands.

The Indian population of 1.2 billion is only slightly less than the population of China.

This state of South America for hundreds of years has also formed a rich cultural palette. Moreover, according to statistical studies, representatives of all major nationalities living on the planet live in this state. 54% of the population is white (Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, German, Arab), 38.5% mulatto, 6.5% black, 0.5% Asian and 0.45% indigenous Indians.

There are over a hundred different ethnic groups in Brazil.

Brazil is a rather densely populated country, its population density reaches 20 people per square kilometer. m. But people are distributed across the territory very unevenly. Approximately half of the population lives in just seven percent of the country, mostly in the coastal region. Urbanization is proceeding very rapidly: if in 1960 less than 50% of the population lived in cities, then in 2007 it was already 85%.

Although this country has its own state language, its national composition is quite rich. The largest national group is the Javanese (42% or approximately 67 million people). In second place are the Sudanese, their 15%. Malaysians follow. Almost all of these people were born in Indonesia, but from foreign parents. The country is also rich in such national groups as the little-known Durre, Bujis, Betawi, Madurians, etc. Of the newcomers, and not indigenous peoples, the Chinese, Indians, and Japanese are quite numerous.

According to scientists, more than 700 dialects are spoken in Indonesia

Our country has become a home for many nations, especially those that were previously part of the USSR.

Most of the population is still Russian, but the full list of peoples has more than a dozen.

The largest of them (more than 1 million) are Tatars, Ukrainians, Bashkirs, Chuvashs, Chechens, Armenians.

There are also small nations living in the Far East, in Western Siberia, in the Volga region.

The peoples living at a distance from the central cities (Kalmyks, Nanais, etc.) adhere to ancient traditions and beliefs, having little contact with the main population.

80% of Russians live in Russia, and the remaining 20% are occupied by residents of different nationalities

According to the most conservative estimates, 56 nationalities live on the territory of this densely populated state. They are placed extremely unevenly. For example, Han people throughout the country, but especially in the river basins of the Huang He and Yangtze. From time immemorial, this nationality has developed close relationships with neighboring nations due to economic and political factors; therefore, it is the Han that is considered not only the most common, but also the most significant nationality in the country. Uighurs, Tibetans, Koreans, Kazakhs, even Russians are also very widespread.

The number of small peoples living in China and not even having a name is incalculable

This is one of the most multinational countries in Europe. Despite the fact that the main population is the native Turks, in addition to them, such nationalities as Greeks, Circassians, and Armenians live here. The indigenous population - the Kurds - remained in the amount of six million people. 8% of the inhabitants of the state are Crimean Tatars, who began to move here in the XVIII century. The Greeks have lived here since the Byzantine period, and this is perhaps the only Christian community in Turkey, a Muslim country.

There are approximately 25 nationalities in Turkey

This country is very attractive for immigrants from all over the world, and this justifies the diversity of peoples on its territory. It is not surprising, because Canada is distinguished by a high standard of living, a well-thought-out education system, and good ecology. This also attracts our compatriots: there are large diasporas of Ukrainians and Russians in Canada. In general, the national composition of the country was formed over hundreds of years. Even before colonization, Eskimo and Indian tribes lived here. During colonization, the French prevailed.

French is the official language in Canada

A nation is the highest unit of ethnicity, unlike a tribe or even a nationality. However, as the nation develops, the paramount importance of the nation fades into the background, because, in fact, we are all people - inhabitants of the Earth, and the country is only a specific place of residence.

One-national, bi-national, multi-national states

Countries with a sharp predominance of one nation, but with more or less significant national minorities: Great Britain, France, Spain - in Europe. In foreign Asia - China, Mongolia, Vietnam. In Africa - Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania.

binational countries. This type is rare, it includes Belgium, Canada and some others.

Countries with a complex national composition, but relatively homogeneous ethnically, are more common in Asia (Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Laos), in Central, Eastern and Southern Africa there are also in Latin America.

Multinational countries with a diverse ethnic composition. The brightest countries of this type are India and Russia. Switzerland, Indonesia, the Philippines, some countries of West and South Africa can also be attributed to this type.

Basic principles for the location of the engineering industry

Mechanical engineering differs from other industries in a number of features that affect its placement.

First, in the era of the scientific and technological revolution, the development of mechanical engineering is unthinkable without the widespread introduction of scientific developments. Therefore, the production of knowledge-intensive industries is increasingly focused on areas with a highly developed scientific base.

Secondly, the production of machine-building products requires much more labor time than in other industries, so the industry's labor intensity is high.

Thirdly, the metal intensity of the industry is quite high, so engineering enterprises often focus on its centers.

But in the era of scientific and technological revolution, the orientation of factories towards metal decreased significantly, due to an increase in labor intensity and science intensity. Mechanical engineering is increasingly becoming a ubiquitous industry.

Fourthly, the stages of production of engineering products are carried out, as a rule, at separate specialized enterprises - in engineering, the role of specialization of cooperation is great. But as a result, the transport factor acquires exceptional importance.

Fifth, due to the specifics of many engineering enterprises (for example, those producing harvesters or equipment for the mining industry, etc., which are difficult to transport), many of them are consumer-oriented.

The USA, Japan and Germany are leaders in the world mechanical engineering. These countries produce the most diverse products. The top ten also includes France, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, which have a very wide range of mechanical engineering, China, Canada and Brazil.

Features of location of the leading branches of the chemical complex

The main features of the location are similar to the features of the location of mechanical engineering: 4 main regions have developed in the world chemical industry.

The largest of them is foreign Europe (it produces about 2/5 of the industry's products). Especially rapidly in many countries of the region, the chemical industry began to develop after World War II, when petrochemistry began to lead in the structure of the industry. As a result, petrochemical and oil refining centers are located in seaports and on the routes of main oil pipelines.

The second most important region is the United States, where the chemical industry is characterized by great diversity. The main factor in the location of enterprises was the raw material factor, which largely contributed to the territorial concentration of chemical production.

The third region is East and Southeast Asia, Japan plays a particularly important role (with powerful petrochemistry based on imported oil). The importance of China and the newly industrialized countries, which specialize mainly in the production of synthetic products and semi-finished products, is also growing.

The fourth region is the CIS countries, which have a diverse chemical industry, focused on both raw materials and energy factors.