Europe is a continent known for its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. From the snowy peaks of the Alps to the sun-kissed beaches of the Mediterranean, Europe has something to offer for every traveler.
Europe is a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mainly in the Eastern Hemisphere. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Asia to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.
Facts About the European Continent
- Size: Europe is the second smallest continent, covering about 10.18 million square kilometers (or about 3.93 million square miles), about 7% of the Earth’s total land area.
- Population and Density: Europe has an estimated population of around 745 million.
- Rivers: The Danube River which flows through much of Central and Southeastern Europe. Another vital river is the Volga, the longest in Europe, stretching over 2,294 miles.
- Lakes: Europe is home to several lakes. The largest Lake is Ladoga, located in Russia, covering around 6,800 square miles. Also, the deepest lake goes to Hornindalsvatnet in Norway, with a maximum depth of 1,686 feet.
- Major Cities: London, Paris, Berlin, Frankfurt, Athens, Geneva, Rome, Madrid, Moscow, Istanbul, Athens
- Religions: Christianity (Roman Catholicism, Protestantism & Orthodox) is the prevailing religion in Europe. However, there are also significant populations of Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and non-religious.
- Cultures and Languages: Europe’s culture is diverse and shaped by thousands of years of history. This diversity extends to languages, with over hundreds spoken across the continent. Major languages include English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Turkish, Finnish, German, Italian, and Russian.
- Climate: Average Temperature and Rainfall: The average temperature ranges from -1°C (30°F) in winter to 22°C (72°F) in summer.
- Countries: 50 Countries within the European continent. Russia is the biggest at 6.6 million square miles. At the same time, Vatican City is the smallest at just 109 acres.
- Economy: Highly developed, integrated economy; Germany is the largest economy, followed by the UK. The total GDP is about $24.2 trillion, and per capita income is over $34,510.
- Historical Highlights: The Greek & Roman Empires, arising in Europe, shaped the Western world’s political, legal, and cultural frameworks. Also, there are the Crusades, the black death, the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution & the World Wars.
Top 20 Largest European Countries
We will explore the top 20 largest European countries by landmass, highlighting their unique characteristics and attractions
| European Country | Area (Square Miles) |
| Russia | 6,600,000 |
| Ukraine | 604,000 |
| France | 213,000 |
| Spain | 195,000 |
| Sweden | 173,000 |
| Norway | 148,000 |
| Germany | 138,000 |
| Finland | 130,000 |
| Poland | 120,000 |
| Italy | 116,000 |
| United Kingdom | 94,000 |
| Romania | 92,000 |
| Belarus | 80,000 |
| Greece | 50,000 |
| Bulgaria | 42,000 |
| Iceland | 39,000 |
| Hungary | 35,900 |
| Portugal | 35,600 |
| Serbia | 34,000 |
| Austria | 32,000 |
1. Russia
Russia is by far the largest European country by land mass. It spans two continents, Asia and Europe. Also, it is known for its iconic cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. It shares borders with 14 countries. In addition, it is home to diverse landscapes, including the vast Siberian plains, Mount Elbrus, the Ural & the Caucasus Mountains, Lake Baikal & Ladoga.
2. Ukraine
Ukraine is the 2nd largest country in Europe. Located in Eastern Europe, it shares borders with Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia to the west, Moldova & Romania to the southwest, and Belarus to the north. In addition, Ukraine is home to fascinating cities like Kyiv (the capital & largest city), Odesa, and Kharkov. Furthermore, it is known for its diverse geography, including the Carpathian Mountains, the Black Sea coast, and the vast Ukrainian steppe.
3. France
Located predominantly in Western Europe. It shares land borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Andorra and Spain. Also, It has a maritime border with the UK that spans the Channel, the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. France’s mainland area in Europe stretches from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean and from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea. Furthermore, the country has several overseas territories in South America, the North Atlantic, the West Indies, Oceania and the Indian Ocean. Its main cities include Paris (capital), Marseille, Toulouse, Strasbourg, Cannes, and Nice. From the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris to the beautiful beaches of the French Riviera, & the Alps, France offers tourists a wide range of attractions.
4. Spain
Spanning across most of the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe, Spain traverses Africa, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. Its territory also comprises the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla in Africa. Mainland Spain shares land borders with France, Andorra, Gibraltar (UK), and Portugal. Also, it shares a Maritime border with Morocco by the Mediterranean Sea and France by the Bay of Biscay. Spain’s key cities include Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and others. Furthermore, the country is known for its landscapes, such as the architectural wonders of Barcelona, the beaches of the Costa del Sol, and the Pyrenees Mountains.
5. Sweden
This Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe borders Finland to the east, Norway to the west and north, and Denmark to the southwest via a tunnel bridge across the Öresund. The country is known for its vast forests, lakes, and the stunning archipelago of Stockholm. Sweden’s main cities include Stockholm (capital & largest), Malmo, Goteburg, and Uppsala.
6. Norway
Norway is another large European country located Northern Europe. It shares a land border with Sweden to the east, Russia & Finland to the northeast and the Skagerrak Strait to the south. Part of Norway comprises the Arctic island of Jan Mayen, an archipelago of Svalbard, and Bouvet Island in the Sub Antarctic. In addition, Norway also claims the Antarctic territories of Queen Maud land & Peter I Island. The capital and largest city in Norway is Oslo. Furthermore, Norway has an expansive coastline facing the Barents Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. From the Northern Lights in Tromsø to the breathtaking Geirangerfjord, Norway offers nature lovers a unique and unforgettable experience.
7. Germany
Located in Central Europe, it shares land borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark. Thus, the country’s unique position connects Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Northern Europe, and Southern Europe. Also, it has mountainous topography in the south, the Alps and forests in the center and the north. The Danube, Elbe, and Rhine rivers, combined with its central location in Europe, enabled it to become a leading exporter and one of the most prosperous economies in Europe. While Berlin is Germany’s capital and most populous city, the country also has numerous economic and political centers, including Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, and Cologne.
8. Finland
In Northern Europe, Finland is one of the largest European countries by landmass. It borders Norway to the north, Russia to the east, & Sweden to the northwest. Also, to its west lie the Gulf of Bothnia and Finland to the south, opposite Estonia. Helsinki is the capital and largest city. In addition, Finland is known for its fresh lakes, national parks, dense forests, and the unique phenomenon of the midnight sun.
9. Poland
With its fascinating history and vibrant culture, Poland is the 9th largest country in Europe. Located at the crossroads between Western and Eastern Europe, it is surrounded by the Baltic Sea, Lithuania and Russia’s Kaliningrad to the North. Ukraine & Belarus are to the East, Germany to the West, and Slovakia and the Czech Republic to the South. The Carpathian Mountains are in the extreme south. Warsaw is the nation’s capital and largest metropolis. Other major cities include Kraków, Gdańsk, and Szczecin. Also, Poland offers visitors beautiful natural landscapes, including the Tatra Mountains and the Masurian Lake District.
10. Italy
Located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, in Southwestern Europe, Italy shares land borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and the enclaved microstates of Vatican City and San Marino. Its capital and largest city is Rome. Other major cities include Genoa, Florence, Milan, and Venice. Italy, famous for its rich history, art, and cuisine, is the 10th largest country in Europe. Also, it offers guests a diverse range of attractions, including ancient ruins in Rome, Renaissance art in Florence, the Amalfi Coast, the canals of Venice, and the Italian Riviera.
11. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom, consisting of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, is the 11th largest European country in Europe. Located in Northwestern Europe, the country is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the Celtic Sea, the Irish Sea, and the English Channel. In addition, it shares maritime borders with France, Iceland, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and the Faroe Islands (a self-governing territory of Denmark). Also, the UK controls Gibraltar and, subsequently, the Strait of Gibraltar. The Strait controls access to the Mediterranean from the Atlantic and separates Europe from Africa. Furthermore, London is the Capital of the UK. Other cities include Liverpool, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh. There are also incredible natural landscapes, including the Scottish Highlands and the Lake District.
12. Romania
Located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, Romania is the 12th largest European country. It borders Hungary to the west, Serbia to the southwest, Ukraine to the north & east, the Black Sea to the southeast, Bulgaria to the south, and Moldova to the east. Also, Its capital and largest city is Bucharest. Others include Iasi, Constanța, Craiova, Brașov, and others. In addition, Romania offers visitors a mix of medieval castles, such as Bran Castle. It also offers breathtaking landscapes, including the Carpathian Mountains, the Danube Delta, and Moldoveanu Peak.
13. Belarus
Often referred to as the Lungs of Europe, it is a landlocked Eastern European country. Belarus borders Lithuania & Latvia to the northwest, Russia to the east & northeast, Ukraine to the south, and Poland to the west. In addition, it is the 13th largest and the 20th most populous country in Europe. The country is administratively divided into six regions. Minsk is the capital and largest city. Belarus offers beautiful national parks and historic towns like Minsk.
14. Greece
Greece is regarded as the cradle of Western civilization. It is the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, literature, historiography, and the Olympic Games. Located on the southern tip of the Balkan peninsula in Southeast Europe, Greece shares land borders with Albania, Turkey, North Macedonia and Bulgaria. Also, Greece is surrounded by the Ionian Sea to the west, the Aegean Sea to the east, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. In addition, Greece’s coastline along the Mediterranean Basin comprises thousands of islands. Athens is the country’s capital and the biggest city, followed by Thessaloniki and Patras. Furthermore, Greece offers historic sites like the Acropolis in Athens and stunning beach destinations like Santorini and Mykonos.
15. Bulgaria
Located in Southeast Europe, it is the 15th largest country in Europe. Bulgaria borders Romania to the north, Serbia & North Macedonia to the west, Greece & Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the west. Also, Sofia is the nation’s capital and largest city. Other major cities include Plovdiv and Varna. Furthermore, Bulgaria offers tourists breathtaking natural landscapes, including the Rila Mountains and the Black Sea coastline.
16. Iceland
Known for its geysers, hot springs, and glaciers, Iceland lies between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between Europe and North America. Reykjavík is the country’s capital. Iceland offers unique attractions such as the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, and the stunning glaciers. The country also offers unique experiences like bathing in hot springs and witnessing the Northern Lights.
17. Hungary
Situated in Central Europe, it is the 17th largest European country. Hungary shares land borders with Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria. Budapest is the country’s capital and largest city. Also, Hungary offers visitors a mix of historic landmarks like the Parliament Building in Budapest and natural attractions like Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe, & Danube River.
18. Portugal
Located along the Iberian Peninsula in Southwestern Europe, it lies on the westernmost point in Europe. On its west & south lie the North Atlantic Ocean. At the same, the Portugal-Spain border is on the north & east. Lisbon, the capital and largest city, is the central tourist spot alongside other towns like Porto and Algarve. Portugal comprises historic cities, picturesque villages, and beautiful beaches. Thus, it offers visitors a chance to explore historic cities like Lisbon & Porto and relax on the gorgeous beaches of the Algarve.
19. Serbia
A landlocked country at the crossroads of Southeast & Central Europe. It shares land borders with Romania to the northeast, Bulgaria to the southeast, Hungary to the north, North Macedonia to the south, Montenegro to the southwest, and Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina to the west. Also, its capital, Belgrade, is the largest city.
20. Austria
Landlocked in Central Europe, Austria borders Switzerland & Liechtenstein to the west, the Czech Republic to the north, Germany to the northwest, Slovakia to the northeast, Hungary to the east, and
Slovenia & Italy to the south. Also, Austria offers panoramic cities like Vienna (capital) and Salzburg and world-class skiing resorts in the Austrian Alps. Furthermore, it provides a mix of stunning mountains, charming towns, and historic landmarks such as Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace.
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