European Countries Overview
Total Countries in Europe
There are currently 44 countries that make up Europe, with an array of cultures, languages, and sceneries to explore, says the United Nations. Each country offers its own blend of history and charm. Here’s a look at some of them, including their size and whereabouts:
| Country | Population | Subregion |
|---|---|---|
| Albania | 2.8 million | Southern Europe |
| Andorra | 77,000 | Southern Europe |
| Armenia | 2.9 million | Eastern Europe |
| Austria | 8.9 million | Central Europe |
| Azerbaijan | 10.1 million | Eastern Europe |
| Belarus | 9.4 million | Eastern Europe |
| Belgium | 11.5 million | Western Europe |
| Bosnia & Herzegovina | 3.3 million | Southern Europe |
Got the urge to find out more about these places? Check out our full list of countries in Europe.
Geographical Area of Europe
Europe isn’t just rich in history, but it’s also got a sizable footprint, sprawling about 10.53 million square kilometers (4.06 million square miles). While it’s not the biggest landmass, it surely packs in a ton of diversity with an eclectic mix of environments.
| Geographical Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 10.53 million km² |
| Population | Over 750 million people |
| Number of Countries | 44 |
From the chilly north of the Arctic Circle to the sun-soaked Mediterranean beaches, Europe’s landscapes are a rollercoaster of sights, each unique in its own right. And you’ve got mountains like the Urals, marking the border between Europe and Asia.
Curious to dig deeper into the continent’s terrain? Head over to our section on the list of countries by area for more insights.
Largest European Countries
In the parade of European nations, some really hog the spotlight with their sheer size. Let’s size up the big players in Europe by their land area.
Russia
Russia’s European segment is a behemoth, so vast it practically rolls over 3,960,000 square kilometers. That’s almost quintuple the size of Europe’s runner-up, Ukraine. This giant chunk of land sprawls over the northern and eastern bits of Europe (Britannica).
Ukraine
Ukraine isn’t small potatoes either. It’s the second contender, covering about 603,500 square kilometers. Nestled in Eastern Europe, Ukraine is famous for its rich farmlands and diverse scenery.
France
France struts in as the third on the list, with its territory stretching across 551,695 square kilometers. It’s a place of many wonders; beaches for the sun lovers, Alps for the slope riders, and fields for the agriculturists (Wikipedia).
Spain
Spain, holding the fourth spot, covers approximately 505,992 square kilometers. It’s hanging out south on the Iberian Peninsula flaunting its beaches, mountain ranges, and plateaus.
Sweden
Sweden slips in as the fifth, claiming around 450,295 square kilometers. Up in Northern Europe, Sweden is like a postcard of forests, lakes, and rugged Scandinavian vistas.
| Country | Area (km²) |
|---|---|
| Russia | 3,960,000 |
| Ukraine | 603,500 |
| France | 551,695 |
| Spain | 505,992 |
| Sweden | 450,295 |
Come on over for more juicy details about European giants in our other guides on the list of countries in Europe.
Got a wanderlust for other continents? Check out our in-depth guides on the list of african countries, list of asian countries, and more.
Most Populous European Countries
Checking out which countries have the most people in Europe can tell us a lot about how diverse it is and how its populations are spread out. Here’s a peek at the big players when it comes to population in Europe:
Russia
Russia sits at the top with over 144 million folks. This huge land area stretches across both Europe and Asia. Most Russians set up shop in the European part, where you’ll find bustling cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
| Country | Population | Subregion |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | 144 million | Eastern Europe |
Curious about more European cities and stats? Swing by our list of countries in Europe.
Germany
Germany comes in second, boasting around 84 million people. It’s a major player in Western Europe, pulling its weight both in the economy and politics.
| Country | Population | Subregion |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 84 million | Western Europe |
All those people make Germany a hotspot for culture and business (Wikipedia). Want more on Germany’s role in Europe? Check out our list of EU countries.
Turkey
Turkey’s got about 85 million people, split between Europe and Asia. But only a small slice hang out on the European side, making it a bit different in population spread (Wikipedia).
| Country | Population | Subregion |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 85 million | Southeastern Europe/Western Asia |
Its spot on the map makes Turkey pretty fascinating in how its culture and population mix. For a deeper dive into Turkey’s place in Europe, pop over to our list of countries in Europe.
If you’re keen to see how other European countries stack up by population, scoot over to our list of countries by population density. Looking for comparisons with other continents? Check out our list of asian countries or list of african countries.
Divisions of Europe
Europe splits into four main chunks: Northern, Western, Eastern, and Southern Europe. Each bit has its own vibe, cultural flair, and group of countries to boot.
Northern Europe
In the “north,” we have places like Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland. Northern Europe, with around 106 million folks hanging out as of 2020 (Jagran Josh), is famous for postcard-worthy spots, a history buff’s paradise, and top-notch living standards.
| Country | Population (2020) |
|---|---|
| Norway | 5.36 million |
| Sweden | 10.35 million |
| Finland | 5.53 million |
| Denmark | 5.81 million |
| Iceland | 364,134 |
For more about these cool places, check our list of nordic countries.
Western Europe
Western Europe’s home to giants like France, Germany, the UK, Spain, and Italy. It packs a punch with about 196 million people living there back in 2020 (Jagran Josh). Known for cultural richness, a strong economy, and a deep past that’s shaped the future.
| Country | Population (2020) |
|---|---|
| France | 67.08 million |
| Germany | 83.24 million |
| United Kingdom | 67.22 million |
| Spain | 47.35 million |
| Italy | 60.36 million |
Curious? See our list of countries by gdp and list of eu countries.
Eastern Europe
In the east, countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Poland make their mark. This area’s known for its wide-open spaces, mashed-up cultures, and history that leaves a mark. Here’s how some country populations stack up:
| Country | Population (2020) |
|---|---|
| Russia | 144.5 million |
| Ukraine | 41.98 million |
| Poland | 38 million |
| Romania | 19.31 million |
| Belarus | 9.38 million |
Dig deeper into these countries with our list of slavic countries.
Southern Europe
Think vibrant life, sunny weather, and the Mediterranean beat—you’ve got Southern Europe. Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Turkey each add their own zest to the mix. This region marries good ol’ traditions with the now.
| Country | Population (2020) |
|---|---|
| Greece | 10.42 million |
| Italy | 60.36 million |
| Spain | 47.35 million |
| Portugal | 10.28 million |
| Turkey | 83.43 million |
Want more? Peek at our list of mediterranean countries.
Checking out Europe’s different regions provides a solid picture of its variety. Dive into related reads, like the list of countries in europe and list of countries by lifespan, to crank up your smarts on the continent.
Special European Countries
Europe’s got some real gems—tiny spots packed with history, quirky politics, and character. Let’s check out five standout countries: Vatican City, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and Luxembourg.
Vatican City
Vatican City isn’t just the tiniest country in Europe, it’s the tiniest in the world! It fits snugly into Rome with a cozy population of about 600. Here, the Pope calls the shots, and it’s the heartbeat of the Roman Catholic Church. Folks flock here to see wonders like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
| Trait | Detail |
|---|---|
| Population | ~600 |
| Size | 44 hectares (110 acres) |
| Rule | Ecclesiastical, under the Pope |
San Marino
San Marino is a small world tucked inside Italy, boasting around 34,000 residents. It’s ancient, like oldest-republic-in-the-world ancient (CCJK). Its medieval architecture and hilly views are straight out of a fairytale.
| Trait | Detail |
|---|---|
| Population | ~34,000 |
| Size | 61.2 km² (23.6 mi²) |
| Rule | Republic |
Liechtenstein
Sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland, Liechtenstein houses about 33,987 people. Strong pals with Switzerland, it’s famous for amazing Alpine scenes and a booming financial world. Life’s good here—it’s like deluxe living.
| Trait | Detail |
|---|---|
| Population | ~33,987 |
| Size | 160 km² (62 mi²) |
| Rule | Constitutional Monarchy |
Monaco
Monaco’s tucked along the Mediterranean, housing about 38,682 folks. With Prince Albert II at the helm, it’s a luxe hotspot famous for swanky living, ritzy casinos, and no taxes. The Monaco Grand Prix race? Right here, baby.
| Trait | Detail |
|---|---|
| Population | ~38,682 |
| Size | 2.02 km² (0.78 mi²) |
| Rule | Constitutional Monarchy |
Luxembourg
Though small, Luxembourg packs a punch with about 619,896 people. It’s an economic powerhouse and a key player in finance. This gem offers a mix of cultures and landscapes that’ll leave you in awe.
| Trait | Detail |
|---|---|
| Population | ~619,896 |
| Size | 2,586 km² (998 mi²) |
| Rule | Grand Duchy |
These countries might be small, but they’ve got mighty stories to tell. Dive into more European treasures with our list of european countries or see how populations stack up in our list of population density.