Western Europe refers to the countries in the westernmost half of Europe, though this definition is context-dependent and carries cultural and political connotations. One definition describes Western Europe as a cultural entity - the region lying west of Central Europe. Another definition was created during the Cold War and used to describe the non-Communist states of Europe; as a result, geographically central and eastern countries that steered clear of Soviet influence during the Cold War are usually included, while Western members of the former Eastern Bloc are excluded.
In addition, the term has geographic, economic and cultural aspects. Since the end of World War II, the term has been used to describe the high-income developed countries of western Europe, characterized by democratic political systems, mixed economies combining the free market with aspects of the welfare state, alliance with the United States, and membership in NATO. However, the political definition is becoming outdated as these characteristics are not special to Western Europe any more.
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The site is heavily tilted toward Western Europe . Correction: heavily tilted toward France. French cultural institutions have uploaded nearly half the texts ...
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