Introduction to European Countries
Overview of Europe’s Geography
Europe’s like your favorite jigsaw puzzle with its variety of landscapes and cultures. Stretching over about 10 million square kilometers, it’s the sixth-largest landmass on Earth Wikipedia. Picture about fifty nations, each with its own story, giving Europe its vibrant and rich past.
Geographical Spread and Population
Europe is a patchwork of regions: Western, Eastern, Northern, and Southern. Russia takes the spotlight as the biggest, covering 39% of the land with 15% of Europe’s folks living there. Fast forward to 2021, and there are about 745 million people calling Europe home, putting it behind only Asia and Africa in the population stakes Wikipedia.
Sovereign States and Landlocked Nations
Politically speaking, Europe is split into 50 sovereign states with a few territories whose status is up in the air World Atlas. Among these, 14 are landlocked, meaning they’re surrounded by land — no dipping toes in ocean water here.
| Classification | Number of Countries |
|---|---|
| Sovereign States | 50 |
| Territories under Dispute | 5 |
| Landlocked Countries | 14 |
Dive deeper with our info on landlocked countries in Europe.
Notable Geographical Features
Europe isn’t just pretty, it’s got some serious jaw-droppers. The Swiss Alps, for instance, show off with at least 48 peaks poking over 13,000 feet World Atlas. Then you’ve got Belarus, boasting around 11,000 lakes and various rivers, like the Neman, snaking into the Baltic Sea World Atlas.
Europe’s terrain shapes everything from the weather to wildlife, drawing in travelers and Geography buffs who find its complexity downright fascinating.
To explore Europe’s nations even more, check out these must-sees:
EU and EEA Member Countries
Understanding who’s in the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) is a bit like figuring out who’s invited to the neighborhood block party and who gets to peek over the fence. While they might seem like similar gigs, they actually play different tunes and have varying guest lists.
European Union (EU) Countries
The European Union is where politics meets economics with 27 countries chilling in the same club. They’re all about teaming up to streamline economic policies, keeping a one-shop-stop market, and letting folks, stuff, and cash flow like it’s nobody’s business. Today, these are the 27 states groovin’ in the EU:
| Country |
|---|
| Austria |
| Belgium |
| Bulgaria |
| Croatia |
| Cyprus |
| Czech Republic |
| Denmark |
| Estonia |
| Finland |
| France |
| Germany |
| Greece |
| Hungary |
| Ireland |
| Italy |
| Latvia |
| Lithuania |
| Luxembourg |
| Malta |
| Netherlands |
| Poland |
| Portugal |
| Romania |
| Slovakia |
| Slovenia |
| Spain |
| Sweden |
These pals hold the keys to the Single Market castle, making economic collaboration a no-brainer (European Union). Many have taken the Euro for a spin—it’s more than just pocket change, it’s a shared ticket (World Atlas). Need more scoop? Here’s your list of EU countries and a side of schengen countries info.
European Economic Area (EEA) Countries
Sliding into the EEA, you get a trio extra: Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. They’re not EU passport holders but get the benefits of the market’s open-door policy. They enjoy free-flowing goods, services, folks, and funds but keep some control over their political scene (GOV.UK).
| Country | EU Member |
|---|---|
| Iceland | No |
| Liechtenstein | No |
| Norway | No |
| All EU Countries | Yes |
These countries are in the loop on EU market rules without wearing the EU’s badge, giving them the best of both worlds (GOV.UK). Dig into more about similar setups with our list of nato countries and the schengen countries info.
Taking a closer look at the EU and EEA countries lets you see how Europe’s neighbors are linked, swapping trade, travel, and ideas like pals across a global backyard fence. This European countries list is a treat for those wanting to see how all the pieces fit in this grand European jigsaw.
Notable European Countries
Russia: The Largest European Country
Russia, the giant of Europe, spreads over a whopping 2,881,250 square kilometers just in its European part. That’s nearly five-fold the size of Ukraine, the next largest. Massive and stretching into Asia, Russia’s European section is bustling with life, featuring bustling hubs like Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Land Area (Europe) | 2,881,250 square km |
| Land Area (Total) | 17,098,242 square km |
| Major European Cities | Moscow, Saint Petersburg |
Ukraine: The Second Largest European Country
Next up is Ukraine, spreading out to 603,549 square kilometers, that’s a whole lot of space. Known for its lush and fertile lands, Ukraine feeds its rich agricultural roots. Kyiv, its capital, stands as a lively heart of culture and history, drawing people in from all over.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Land Area | 603,549 square km |
| Major Cities | Kyiv, Lviv, Odessa |
While these two countries lead the pack in size, our comprehensive guides offer more info! Check out our full list of European countries and see other lists, like the list of EU countries or the list of landlocked countries. They’re all just a click away.
Schengen Area and Currency
Ever wondered why you can roam Europe without a worry about border checks or why the Euro is so widely used? Let’s talk about two game-changers for European countries: The Schengen Area and the Euro currency.
Schengen Area in Europe
Back in 1985, the European Union decided to make travel easier and more chill among its members by creating the Schengen Area. Here, you can hop from one country to another without pesky border checks. Imagine traveling from France to Germany as seamlessly as driving from Texas to Oklahoma. As of now, 25 of the 27 EU countries say “count us in” to Schengen, along with a few party crashers from outside the EU.
| Schengen Area Countries | EU Membership |
|---|---|
| Austria | Yes |
| Belgium | Yes |
| Czech Republic | Yes |
| Denmark | Yes |
| Estonia | Yes |
| Finland | Yes |
| France | Yes |
| Germany | Yes |
| Greece | Yes |
| Hungary | Yes |
| Iceland | No |
| Italy | Yes |
| Latvia | Yes |
| Liechtenstein | No |
| Lithuania | Yes |
| Luxembourg | Yes |
| Malta | Yes |
| Netherlands | Yes |
| Norway | No |
| Poland | Yes |
| Portugal | Yes |
| Slovakia | Yes |
| Slovenia | Yes |
| Spain | Yes |
| Sweden | Yes |
| Switzerland | No |
Want to see every place you can travel without a hassle? Check out the full list of Schengen countries in our detailed article.
Euro Currency Usage
Let’s chat Euros, Europe’s go-to currency. In 20 out of 27 EU countries, the Euro makes life easy, whether you’re buying a gelato in Italy or a bratwurst in Germany. It keeps economies stable and makes spending smoother for everyone, from big businesses to casual tourists.
| Eurozone Countries | EU Membership |
|---|---|
| Austria | Yes |
| Belgium | Yes |
| Cyprus | Yes |
| Estonia | Yes |
| Finland | Yes |
| France | Yes |
| Germany | Yes |
| Greece | Yes |
| Ireland | Yes |
| Italy | Yes |
| Latvia | Yes |
| Lithuania | Yes |
| Luxembourg | Yes |
| Malta | Yes |
| Netherlands | Yes |
| Portugal | Yes |
| Slovakia | Yes |
| Slovenia | Yes |
| Spain | Yes |
If you’re itching to know more, swing by our guide on EU countries that embrace the Euro.
Getting a handle on how the Schengen Area and the Euro currency work opens up a world of easier travel and financial dealings across Europe. So, pack your bags and your Euros—you’re all set for some hassle-free adventure!
Language and Anthem in the EU
The European Union (EU) is like a patchwork quilt stitched from different languages and cultures, each piece bringing its own color to the whole ensemble. Taking a closer look at the use of languages and anthem reveals a lot about the unity and variety that make up this unique bloc.
Multilingualism in the EU
The EU stands out because it cherishes each person’s right to chat in their own tongue. Folks from the EU’s member countries can access what they need in their own languages, making sure nobody’s left guessing (European Union). This multilingual vibe boosts understanding and shows just how much the EU values its varied cultural backgrounds.
| Language | Countries Speaking the Language | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| German | 3 | Germany, Austria, Belgium |
| French | 3 | France, Luxembourg, Belgium |
| Italian | 2 | Italy, Malta |
| Spanish | 2 | Spain, Belgium |
To get the full scoop on other languages buzzing around Europe, check out our handy list of countries in Europe.
European Union Anthem
Ever heard of the melody “Ode to Joy”? It’s the EU’s catchy tune composed by Ludwig van Beethoven. Picked way back in 1985, it stands for freedom, peace, and unity (European Union). This not-so-national anthem doesn’t bump out any country’s song but instead celebrates what EU countries share. Think of it as a musical high-five for cooperation and togetherness.
This collective symphony plays a huge role in reminding everyone of the cooperative spirit across EU borders. It’s not trying to take the place of any existing anthem but rather solidify the bonding over mutual goals.
For a deeper dive into what the EU is all about, feel free to flip over to our pages on European Union (EU) Countries and Schengen Area in Europe.
Landlocked Countries in Europe
Europe’s got 15 countries that can’t hit the ocean waves directly—they rely on their seaside neighbors to dip into maritime activity. Two that stand out are Belarus and Moldova.
Belarus: Big and Blocked Off
This fella—Belarus—is the heavyweight among Europe’s landlocked, sprawling over 207,600 square kilometers. With close to 9.34 million folks calling it home, it’s not just flat land all around. Despite its sea-shackled status, Belarus has around 11,000 lakes dotting the landscape, plus a bunch of rivers like the Neman, which eventually finds its way to the Baltic Sea.
| Country | Area (sq km) | Population |
|---|---|---|
| Belarus | 207,600 | 9.34 million |
| Moldova | 33,846 | 2.615 million |
Moldova: Stuck in the Middle
Hanging out between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova’s a landlocked gem in Northeast Balkans. Covering 33,846 square kilometers, it’s a tad smaller than Belarus, with about 2.615 million people.
Want to dig deeper into Europe, maybe check out neighbors that do touch the sea? Take a peek at our detailed list of countries in Europe. Also, if regions are your thing, dabble with directories like the list of Schengen countries and the list of EU countries.
Western Europe Classification
Definition of Western Europe
Western Europe is home to several countries noted for their thriving economies and rich tapestry of culture. Using the CIA’s checklist, the region includes Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (Wikipedia).
Economic Overview of Western Europe
Western Europe doesn’t mess around when it comes to economic clout. Germany and France are top-tier players on the global stage, with Germany holding the spot as the 4th largest economy on the planet and France snugly in 6th place (World Atlas).
| Country | GDP (Trillions USD) | Global GDP Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 4.5 | 4th |
| France | 2.6 | 6th |
| United Kingdom | 2.7 | 5th |
| Netherlands | 0.9 | 18th |
| Switzerland | 0.7 | 20th |
| Austria | 0.5 | 28th |
| Belgium | 0.5 | 27th |
| Luxembourg | 0.08 | 70th |
| Monaco | 0.006 | Not Ranked |
| Liechtenstein | 0.006 | Not Ranked |
This region’s economic muscle comes from slick infrastructure, cutting-edge tech, and a well-trained workforce. Western Europe is a hive of activity in finance, trade, manufacturing, and services. With nearly 84 million folks making Germany their home, it’s the crowd leader, closely trailed by France’s 65 million people (World Atlas). Big cities like Berlin and Paris aren’t just city slickers, they’re magnets for megacorps and sharp minds.
Dip into our list of countries in Europe if you’re curious about European nations and their juicy details. If regional showdowns are your thing, peek at our take on the list of developed countries.
The region’s hit with a double whammy of heatwaves, making it a bit of a scorching spot compared to its northern midlatitude buddies (Wikipedia). This brings up issues for both business and wellness.
For more scoops on who’s where in the money rankings, head over to our piece on the list of countries by GDP.
Population and Major Cities
Western Europe is bursting with history, colorful cultures, and plenty of economic muscle. Let’s take a look at who lives where and some of the major hotspots you might want to visit.
Population in Western Europe
This part of Europe is pretty packed! Germany tops the charts as the most crowded with nearly 84 million people hanging their hats there, making it only second to Russia in all of Europe, people-wise (World Atlas). Then you’ve got France, which isn’t too far behind, with around 65 million folks (World Atlas).
| Country | Population (Millions) |
|---|---|
| Germany | 84 |
| France | 65 |
| United Kingdom | 67 |
| Italy | 60 |
| Spain | 47 |
Major Cities in the Subregion
Let’s gab about some of the lively cities that make Western Europe such a buzz. These metropolises are loaded with culture, cash flow, and kind of rule the roost politically.
Paris, France
Paris isn’t just the heart and soul of France, it’s the most bustling city in Western Europe, housing more than 11 million people. It’s third in line for all of Europe. Dubbed the “City of Light,” Paris is where you go for art, fashion, and just a good time in general (World Atlas).
Berlin, Germany
Berlin, Germany’s go-to city for power and politics, is packed with about 3.7 million people. It’s got a hip artsy vibe, with edgy buildings and spots that echo the chapters of history.
London, United Kingdom
London stands tall with its rich past and cutting-edge flair, drawing in around 9 million city dwellers. It’s a global business big shot and a melting pot of different cultures.
| City | Country | Population (Millions) |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | France | 11 |
| Berlin | Germany | 3.7 |
| London | United Kingdom | 9 |
| Madrid | Spain | 6.6 |
| Rome | Italy | 2.8 |
Madrid, Spain
Madrid keeps Spain’s heart beating with its blend of ancient districts, a banging art scene, and political clout. With 6.6 million residents, it’s a gem of Spanish flair and fire.
Rome, Italy
Rome is like a living museum with its 2.8 million residents. This Italian capital is a heavyweight of Western civilization, with ruins that talk of old tales and religious spots that draw the faithful.
Get your fill of all things Europe with our handy list of countries in Europe. If numbers and nations’ wallets are your thing, give our list of countries by GDP a peek.