European Union & Schengen Area
Europe houses some unique alliances, with the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Area standing out. Let’s peek into what makes these groups tick.
European Union Membership
The European Union ropes in 27 countries into a powerhouse of political and economic might. Starting as a simple band of economic allies, it’s ballooned into a big player on the global stage. These countries run the show together regarding trade, how we treat our planet, laws, and tons more.
| Country | EU Member Since |
|---|---|
| Austria | 1995 |
| Belgium | Founding Member (1958) |
| Bulgaria | 2007 |
| Croatia | 2013 |
| Cyprus | 2004 |
| Czech Republic | 2004 |
| Denmark | 1973 |
| Estonia | 2004 |
| Finland | 1995 |
| France | Founding Member (1958) |
| Germany | Founding Member (1958) |
| Greece | 1981 |
| Hungary | 2004 |
| Ireland | 1973 |
| Italy | Founding Member (1958) |
| Latvia | 2004 |
| Lithuania | 2004 |
| Luxembourg | Founding Member (1958) |
| Malta | 2004 |
| Netherlands | Founding Member (1958) |
| Poland | 2004 |
| Portugal | 1986 |
| Romania | 2007 |
| Slovakia | 2004 |
| Slovenia | 2004 |
| Spain | 1986 |
| Sweden | 1995 |
Remember Brexit? Back in June 2016, the folks in the UK decided they’d had enough of the EU. They officially took the exit on January 31, 2020. For the lowdown on who’s in the EU, pop over to list of eu countries.
Schengen Area Inclusion
Think of the Schengen Area as the no-hassle travel zone, covering 27 countries where border checks are a thing of the past. It’s a mix of EU and some lucky non-EU countries, making hopping from one place to another a breeze.
Born from the Schengen Agreement of 1985, this setup was all about easier travel lines across Europe. Fast forward to now, and almost all EU members are in on this gig.
| Schengen State | Schengen Member Since |
|---|---|
| Austria | 1997 |
| Belgium | 1995 |
| Croatia | 2023 |
| Czech Republic | 2007 |
| Denmark | 2001 |
| Estonia | 2007 |
| Finland | 2001 |
| France | 1995 |
| Germany | 1995 |
| Greece | 2000 |
| Hungary | 2007 |
| Iceland (non-EU) | 2001 |
| Italy | 1997 |
| Latvia | 2007 |
| Liechtenstein (non-EU) | 2011 |
| Lithuania | 2007 |
| Luxembourg | 1995 |
| Malta | 2007 |
| Netherlands | 1995 |
| Norway (non-EU) | 2001 |
| Poland | 2007 |
| Portugal | 1995 |
| Slovakia | 2007 |
| Slovenia | 2007 |
| Spain | 1995 |
| Sweden | 2001 |
| Switzerland (non-EU) | 2008 |
For the details on all Schengen countries, check out list of schengen countries.
This travel-friendly zone has made moving goods and folks super smooth, adding spice to the socio-economic ties between the countries.
Euro Currency Usage
The Euro is pretty much the star player when it comes to the currency game for a bunch of European countries, especially within the European Union (EU). Here’s a look at which countries are in the Euro club.
Countries Using the Euro
Out of the 27 countries in the European Union, 20 have made the Euro their money of choice. These aren’t just random countries either, they are part of an ever-growing list that’s easy to check out if you’re curious about which nations are down with the Euro.
| Country | EU Membership | Schengen Area |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | Yep | Yep |
| Belgium | Yep | Yep |
| Cyprus | Yep | Nope |
| Estonia | Yep | Yep |
| Finland | Yep | Yep |
| France | Yep | Yep |
| Germany | Yep | Yep |
| Greece | Yep | Yep |
| Ireland | Yep | Nope |
| Italy | Yep | Yep |
| Latvia | Yep | Yep |
| Lithuania | Yep | Yep |
| Luxembourg | Yep | Yep |
| Malta | Yep | Yep |
| Netherlands | Yep | Yep |
| Portugal | Yep | Yep |
| Slovakia | Yep | Yep |
| Slovenia | Yep | Yep |
| Spain | Yep | Yep |
Even some small fries like Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City are in on the action, having scored deals with the EU to use the Euro too.
Grasping who’s using the Euro can really help you get the lay of the land when it comes to Europe’s economy. If you’re dying for details on all the European countries, check out our list of european countries. You’ll also find a list of EU countries for a deep dive into the EU’s inner circle. These pages spill the beans on the fascinating variety of countries that call Europe home.
EU Values & Language Accessibility
EU Core Values
The European Union (EU) is built on core principles that guide its operations and interactions with member nations. These include a solid belief in democracy, human dignity, freedom, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. The EU prioritizes ensuring equality for all its citizens and safeguarding individual rights across its member countries.
These principles are at the heart of the EU’s policies and initiatives. The EU is dedicated to promoting peace, its ideals, and the well-being of its people. It’s all about giving citizens freedom and security, boosting scientific and tech innovation, and strengthening economic and social bonds among member countries. By sticking to these values, the EU stands as a stable and forward-looking union aiming to enhance the quality of life for Europeans.
Multilingual Accessibility
The European Union is a linguistic melting pot, with 24 official languages. Making key information accessible in multiple languages is central to the EU’s pledge to its citizens. This means vital details are available in all recognized languages, letting folks access info in their native tongue.
The EU’s multilingual approach ensures clear communication among its diverse population, allowing everyone to engage with EU institutions and participate in democratic processes, no matter their language skills. This inclusivity fosters a sense of belonging and prevents any language group from feeling left out.
For a closer look, check out a list of some European countries with their official languages:
| Country | Official Language(s) |
|---|---|
| Austria | German |
| Belgium | Dutch, French, German |
| Bulgaria | Bulgarian |
| Croatia | Croatian |
| Cyprus | Greek, Turkish |
| Czech Republic | Czech |
| Denmark | Danish |
| Estonia | Estonian |
| Finland | Finnish, Swedish |
| France | French |
| Germany | German |
| Greece | Greek |
| Hungary | Hungarian |
| Ireland | Irish, English |
| Italy | Italian |
| Latvia | Latvian |
| Lithuania | Lithuanian |
| Luxembourg | French, German, Luxembourgish |
| Malta | Maltese, English |
| Netherlands | Dutch |
| Poland | Polish |
| Portugal | Portuguese |
| Romania | Romanian |
| Slovakia | Slovak |
| Slovenia | Slovenian |
| Spain | Spanish |
| Sweden | Swedish |
To explore more about the language and culture of other regions, check out our lists of Southeast Asian countries and Latin countries.
The EU’s focus on multilingual communication highlights the importance of language in building unity and cooperation among its member states.
Geographical Overview
Europe’s geography is like a jigsaw puzzle, perfect for anyone who wants to piece together the list of countries in Europe. With a vast spread of land and a mix of tiny and colossal countries, there’s plenty to explore.
Europe’s Total Area
Europe stretches over about 10 million square kilometers. Though it’s the second smallest continent, its diversity is immense because it includes countries entirely in Europe and those that straddle more than one continent. Take Russia, for example—it has a huge chunk of land in Europe, and it’s like balancing on the edge of two worlds (Wikipedia).
Size Ranking of European Countries
Countries in Europe aren’t one-size-fits-all, that’s for sure. Here’s a peek at the top ten based on their sprawling real estate:
| Rank | Country | Area (sq. km) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russia (European part) | 3,972,400 |
| 2 | Ukraine | 603,550 |
| 3 | France (Metropolitan) | 551,695 |
| 4 | Spain | 505,992 |
| 5 | Sweden | 450,295 |
| 6 | Norway | 385,178 |
| 7 | Germany | 357,022 |
| 8 | Finland | 338,445 |
| 9 | Poland | 312,696 |
| 10 | Italy | 301,340 |
This list shows just how varied European countries can be in size. For those curious to dig deeper into this rabbit hole, our detailed list of countries by area could be the next stop.
Russia, which tops the list, flaunts a staggering 3,972,400 square kilometers of European land—talk about elbow room! Ukraine’s no slouch either, placing second with 603,550 square kilometers. For insights into the smaller yet intriguing nations, check out our list of smallest countries.
Grasping Europe’s geographical patchwork allows for an appreciation of its diverse terrains, cultural tapestries, and rich histories. For a deeper dive into regional specifics, check out our features on Eastern Europe and the European Union.
EU Member Countries
List of EU Member Countries
The EU is a club of 27 countries that got together for mutual support, like that squad of friends who always have each other’s back. Here’s a roll call of who’s who in this neighborhood.
| Country | Year Joined |
|---|---|
| Austria | 1995 |
| Belgium | 1958 |
| Bulgaria | 2007 |
| Croatia | 2013 |
| Republic of Cyprus | 2004 |
| Czech Republic | 2004 |
| Denmark | 1973 |
| Estonia | 2004 |
| Finland | 1995 |
| France | 1958 |
| Germany | 1958 |
| Greece | 1981 |
| Hungary | 2004 |
| Ireland | 1973 |
| Italy | 1958 |
| Latvia | 2004 |
| Lithuania | 2004 |
| Luxembourg | 1958 |
| Malta | 2004 |
| Netherlands | 1958 |
| Poland | 2004 |
| Portugal | 1986 |
| Romania | 2007 |
| Slovakia | 2004 |
| Slovenia | 2004 |
| Spain | 1986 |
| Sweden | 1995 |
This lineup corresponds with the EU as per the latest info from GOV.UK. To get deeper into the nooks and crannies of each country’s vibes and economy, take a peek at our geographical overview of Europe.
For the curious cats wanting to see how the EU stacks next to other collectives, we’ve got a list of Schengen countries. Fancy comparing who’s who in terms of military alliances or economy? Check out the list of NATO countries or see who’s topping the charts in the list of countries by GDP.
If history and politics tickle your fancy, our writes on the list of G8 Summit countries and the list of developed countries are worth a glance.
For those who love a good regional twist, hop over to our lists for the Balkan countries and the Nordic countries.
Eastern Europe Overview
Definition & Boundaries
Eastern Europe is like a diverse neighborhood made up of countries like Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania. Now, the tricky part is that folks occasionally bicker about where Europe ends and Asia begins. This fuss impacts which countries get classified as part of Eastern Europe. Some folks expand the group to include the Balkans, Baltic states, Caucasus, and the Visegrád gang. It’s a bit of a party with borders.
Usual Suspects:
- Belarus
- Russia
- Ukraine
- Moldova
- Romania
More Folks Crash the Party:
- Balkans
- Baltic States
- Caucasus
- Visegrád Group
If you’re curious, explore our list of European countries for more details.
Economic Challenges & Influences
Eastern Europe can be a bit of a tough nut financially, wrestling with history, politics, and social stumbling blocks. Places like Moldova, Ukraine, and Belarus often find themselves on the lower rungs of the European economic ladder, along with Bulgaria. Both past and current political shenanigans haven’t exactly helped their wallets.
The Money Struggles:
-
History Baggage:
- Many nations were under the former Soviet Union’s thumb, which steered them on not-so-rosy economic paths post-breakup.
- The leftovers of that period’s methods still throw a wrench in the economic works in places like Moldova, Ukraine, and even big ‘ole Russia.
-
Political Sour Grapes:
- Russia’s continuing influence keeps former Soviet spaces on a wobbly economic path.
Quick Glance at Economic Vibes in Select Eastern European Spots:
| Country | GDP (Billion USD) | Unemployment Rate (%) | Poverty Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moldova | 11.26 | 2.8 | 26.8 |
| Ukraine | 155.5 | 9.5 | 24.3 |
| Belarus | 63.08 | 4.7 | 27.1 |
| Bulgaria | 68.56 | 4.6 | 23.4 |
| Romania | 248.0 | 5.2 | 23.8 |
These digits paint a picture of the money issues in the area. For more number-crunching fun, check out our list of countries by GDP.
Religious and Cultural Vibes
- Eastern Europe is big on Orthodox Christianity. The Eastern Orthodox Church has played a hefty role in shaping the story and traditions of the region.
- Nations where the Orthodox Church holds sway include:
- Belarus
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Georgia
- Greece
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Ukraine
- Armenia
If you’re eager for more on the religious-cultural scene in these parts, swing by our list of Slavic countries.
Country Highlights
Population & Religious Aspects
Europe’s got some real headliners when it comes to people and beliefs. Poland, for example, isn’t just about pierogis and stunning architecture. It boasts the biggest crowd in Eastern Europe, with a whopping 37.7 million folks calling it home. This place is also known for its deep religious vibes, with many embracing faith in their day-to-day life (World Population Review).
Here’s the scoop on a few others:
| Country | Population (millions) | Notable Religious Aspect |
|---|---|---|
| Poland | 37.7 | Deeply traditional in religious ways |
| Russia | 146 | Strong Orthodox Christian roots |
| Romania | 19 | Orthodox Christian majority |
| Moldova | 2.6 | Eastern Orthodox as a big influence |
| Ukraine | 41 | Primarily Eastern Orthodox followers |
Other spots like Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine lean heavily towards Eastern Orthodox Christianity too. Russia takes the cake as the giant of Eastern Europe, not just in size but also in numbers and faith under the leadership of Putin, who’s been at the helm since 2000 (World Population Review). If you’re curious about what else is happening demographically, check out our list of European countries.
Economic Growth & International Relations
Money talks, and in Europe, it’s speaking quite a few languages. Russia punches above its weight, thanks to its oil and gas riches. But with the 2022 Ukraine invasion, sanctions have thrown some shade on its future prosperity (World Population Review).
Let’s talk Romania—a turnaround story since 1989. Once it flipped the switch to democracy, it jumped on the service, tourism, and import bandwagon, even shaking hands with NATO in 2004 and joining the EU in 2007 (World Population Review).
Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, and Bulgaria aren’t rolling in dough, topping Europe’s financially lighter list. Moldova, the tiny tot of Eastern Europe, along with Russia and Ukraine, carries the Soviet legacy weight. Their past and present politics make the economic climb steeper (World Population Review).
| Country | Key Economic Activity | International Relations |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | Oil booms and gas galore | Sanctions pinching post-Ukraine invasion |
| Romania | Services, sightseeing, and sales | NATO and EU player |
| Moldova | Farming focus | Ex-Soviet ties still felt |
| Belarus | Factory and service focus | Chummy with Russia |
| Ukraine | Farms and factories | Ongoing Russia conflict in play |
For more tales of economic ups and downs, swing by our list of country’s economic status.
Europe’s economic and political tapestry is a mixed bag, each country weaving its own colorful pattern. If you’re on a fact-finding mission, check out our deep dives into other lands, like the list of African countries and list of Asian countries.
Microstates in Europe
Microstates in Europe might be tiny in size, but don’t let that fool you. These small nations pack a punch in culture and economy, largely thanks to tourism and niche industries.
Characteristics & Locations
Despite being small land-wise, European microstates often boast scenic and strategic locales. Here’s the scoop on a few notable ones:
| Microstate | Area (sq km) | Population | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andorra | 468 | 77,000 | Between France and Spain |
| Monaco | 2.02 | 39,000 | Mediterranean coast, tucked up against France |
| Liechtenstein | 160 | 35,000 | Nestled between Switzerland and Austria |
| Malta | 316 | 514,000 | An island just chillin’ in the Mediterranean Sea |
| San Marino | 61 | 33,000 | Perched in the Apennine Mountains, surrounded by Italy |
Tourism & Economic Dependence
Tourists can’t resist these microstates. Their rich cultures, tax perks, and jaw-dropping views pull in millions each year. Here’s a breakdown of how some are cashing in on tourism and other industries:
Andorra
Andorra might be small, but it’s mighty in culture and language (they speak Catalan here). Tourists flock to this picturesque land for its mountain views and tax haven status. Shopping duty-free helps fuel the economy. Got questions or want more info? Check out our list of European countries.
Monaco
Monaco’s luxury tourism game is strong. People come here to experience the glitz of the casino life—plus, they host the splashy Monaco Grand Prix. This little slice of the Mediterranean also attracts wealthy folks and investments thanks to friendly tax policies.
Liechtenstein
Lying between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein counts on its bustling banking industry for about half of its GDP. Banking, light manufacturing, and a bit of tourism form its economic backbone. Curious for a bit more context? Read on here: ETIAS.
Malta
Malta draws in visitors with its beaches, lively nights, and historic spots. A history of different civilizations over 5,000 years makes it a magnet for those interested in cultural heritage and Mediterranean vibes. Dig deeper here: ETIAS.
San Marino
San Marino pulls in visitors thanks to its historic city vibes, tax benefits, and breathtaking landscapes. It’s a hotspot for folks wanting privacy, security, and promising investment opportunities. If you want more scoop, head here: ETIAS.
For more worldly exploration, check out our list of countries by area and list of developed countries.