Europe

Information about countries in Europe

VisaGuide / Europe

Visa Information for European Countries

You can find detailed information on how to get a visa for every European country below:

Europe is the world’s second-smallest continent, right after Australia and Oceania. Stretched in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres, it covers a total of 6.8% of Earth’s land area. Europe’s largest country by mass and population is Russia, while the smallest and least populous country is the Vatican.

Since ancient history, Europe has been a centric figure in the history of human civilization. Home to Ancient Greek and the Roman Empire, it set the foundation for today’s democracy and Western civilization. It’s most known for its diverse culture and heavy influence in world history and politics.

Quick Facts About Europe

Here is an overview of Europe:

Area 10,180,000 km²
Number of countries 46 (plus transcontinental countries)
Biggest country (by area) Russia
Population (2021) 747.8 million
Most populated country Russia
Number of languages spoken Over 200 languages across the continent
Largest peninsula The Scandinavian Peninsula
Highest mountain Mount Elbrus in Russia
Longest river Volga River in Russia

How Many Countries Are There in Europe?

There are currently 46 countries in Europe:

Country Capital Area Population (2021)
Albania Tirana 28,748 km² 2.8 million
Andorra Andorra la Vella 468 km² 77,335
Austria Vienna 83,858 km² 9 million
Belarus Minsk 207,560 km² 9.4 million
Belgium Brussels 30,528 km² 11.6 million
Bosnia and Herzegovina Sarajevo 51,129 km² 3.2 million
Bulgaria Sofia 110,910 km² 6.8 million
Croatia Zagreb 56,542 km² 4 million
Cyprus Nicosia 9,251 km² 1.2 million
Czech Republic Prague 78,866 km² 10.7 million
Denmark Copenhagen 43,094 km² 5.8 million
Estonia Tallinn 45,226 km² 1.3 million
Finland Helsinki 338,455 km² 5.5 million
France Paris 547,030 km² 65.4 million
Germany Berlin 357,168 km² 83.9 million
Greece Athens 131,957 km² 10.3 million
Hungary Budapest 93,030 km² 9.6 million
Iceland Reykjavik 103,000 km² 343,353
Ireland Dublin 70,280 km² 4.9 million
Italy Rome 301,338 km² 60.3 million
Kosovo Prishtina 10,887 km² 1.9 million
Latvia Riga 64,589 km² 1.8 million
Liechtenstein Vaduz 160 km² 38.25
Lithuania Vilnius 65,300 km² 2.6 million
Luxembourg Luxembourg 2,586 km² 634.814
Malta Valletta 316 km² 442.784
Moldova Chisinau 33,846 km² 4 million
Monaco Monaco 2.020 km² 39.511
Montenegro Podgorica 13,812 km² 628.053
Netherlands Amsterdam 41,543 km² 17.1 million
North Macedonia Skopje 25,713 km² 2 million
Norway Oslo 385,203 km² 5.4 million
Poland Warsaw 312,685 km² 37.7 million
Portugal Lisbon 92,212 km² 10.1 million
Romania Bucharest 238,397 km² 19.1 million
Russia Moscow 3,969,100 km² 145.9 million
San Marino San Marino 61.2 km² 34.017
Serbia Belgrade 88,361 km² 8.6 million
Slovakia Bratislava 49,035 km² 5.4 million
Slovenia Ljubljana 20,273 km² 2 million
Spain Madrid 505,990 km² 46.7 million
Sweden Stockholm 450,295 km² 10.1 million
Switzerland Bern 41,285 km² 8.7 million
Ukraine Kyiv 603,628 km² 43.4 million
United Kingdom London 244,820 km² 68.2 million
Vatican City Vatican City 0.44 km² 800

Transcontinental Countries in Europe

The following countries are geographically found in two continents: Europe and Asia:

Country Capital Area Population (2021)
Armenia Yerevan 29,743 km² 2.9 million
Azerbaijan Baku 86,600 km² 10.2 million
Georgia Tbilisi 69,700 km² 10.7 million
Kazakhstan Nur-Sultan 148,000 km² 19 million
Turkey Ankara 23,764 km² 85.4 million

Map of European Countries

Languages Spoken in Europe

There are more than 200 spoken languages in Europe, but the languages with the most speakers in Europe are the following:

LanguageRegionNumber of speakers
RussianRussia150 million
Belarus
Estonia
Latvia
Lithuania
Moldova
Ukraine
GermanGermany95-100 million
Austria
Liechtenstein
Switzerland
Belgium
Luxembourg
FrenchFrance80 million
Belgium
Switzerland
Luxembourg
Aosta Valley (Italy)
Andorra
TurkishTurkey78 million
Cyprus
Macedonia
Greece
Serbia
Albania
Kosovo
ItalianItaly60 million
Switzerland
San Marino
Vatican City
EnglishThe UK60 million
Ireland
Spain
France
Germany
SpanishSpain43 million
Gibraltar
Andorra
France
Germany
Portugal
PolishPoland36 million
Czechia
Hungary
Belarus
Ukraine
UkrainianUkraine27 million
Russia
Poland
Romania
Latvia
Estonia
DutchNetherlands25 million

What Is the Official Language in Europe?

Europe, as a continent, does not have one official language, but each country in Europe has its national language. Some of the most widely spoken languages include Russian, French, German, and English.

Best Countries to Visit in Europe

Here are the most visited countries in Europe:

  • France. With over 80 million visitors in 2019, France is the top destination for foreign travel. Home to the “city of love,” France is widely popular with tourists—especially as a proposal destination for couples.
  • Spain. Spain is another popular destination with over 80 million visitors every year. The country has over 47 UNESCO sights that make up an attractive place for tourists.
  • Italy. In Italy, you will have the opportunity to see some of the most famous landmarks, including the Colosseum.
  • Germany. Germany is a European country that you must visit at least once while in Europe. It has several famous spots and some breathtaking green spaces. Plus, if your timing is right, you can experience several cultural festivals while in Germany.
  • The United Kingdom. The UK is another European destination that sees the highest number of visitors every year. Between Big Ben and Stonehenge, you experience critical human history events when you visit the UK.

Reminder: Before you visit any of these European countries, make sure you check whether you need a Schengen visa or not.

Top European Tourist Attractions

Rich with history, culture, and diversity Europe is home to some of the most top tourist attractions in the world, which include the following:

  • Eiffel Tower. Located in Paris, France, this historic landmark is one of the most famous buildings worldwide. With more than 250 million visitors since it was built, it’s one destination you must cross off your bucket list. The entrance fee for an adult to go up to the top is €26 ($29), but you can also pay a cheaper entrance fee to visit up the second floor.
  • Neuschwanstein Castle. Known as the ‘fairytale’ castle, the Neuschwanstein was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and finished in 1886—the same year the King died, who was unable to ever live in the completed castle. Nevertheless, the castle served as an inspiration to Disney castle, now worldwide famous.
  • Lake Bled. This lake is found in Slovenia, and it surrounds the Bled island, wherein the center of the island the most prominent building is a church dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. As a result, the lake makes up for some fantastic views.
  • Saint Basil’s Cathedral. In Russia’s Red Square, you can come across one of the most colorful church buildings. Built between 1555 and 1561, the building is now a museum open to the public.
  • Dubrovnik Old Town. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval structures in the world. You’re transported back in time by visiting the old town and walking along its cobblestone streets and ancient walls.
  • Canals of Venice. Cars are strictly forbidden in Venice. Because the entire city functions with canals, all forms of transportation are done by boats along the canals. If you want to visit the city, you must park your car for the day for a fee of €25 ($28).
  • Alhambra. Built in 1238, Alhambra is one of the few remaining architectural structures of Muslim influence in Spain. The name derives from Arabic ‘al-Hamra’, meaning “the red one.” The building got its name from its reddish walls, which resulted from construction with rammed earth. You can fully explore the building at the price of €14 ($16).
  • Acropolis of Athens. Here, in Greece’s oldest city structures, you can find the Parthenon. As a former temple, it was built dedicated to the goddess Athena, who the locals considered their patroness. Now, you have the opportunity to visit one of the oldest symbols of democracy and Western civilization.
  • Colosseum. The colosseum was built in 80 AD in the city of Rome and to this day is one of the largest amphitheaters in the world. Now, the building is one of the seven wonders in the world.

What Is the European Union?

The European Union is a coalition between 27 member states in Europe, including the countries listed below:

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czechia
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden

The EU was officially established in 1993 with the Maastricht Treaty. Since then, the EU has established a single internal market and standardized laws where each member state is considered one.

Did you find this page helpful?
Yes No