Europe
Information about countries
Are you looking for an overview of Europe and ways to get visa for this place? In this article, we will provide you with some requirements for getting a visa, list all the countries as well as some attractions that visitors should come here. Let’s get started!
Getting a visa for Europe
Quick facts about Europe
Here are some quick facts about Europe:
| Category | Fact |
| Total Area | 10,180,000 km2 |
| Number of countries | 48 |
| Biggest country by area | Russia (17,098,242 km2) |
| 2024 population | 735 million people |
| Most populated country | Russia (144 million people) |
| Number of languages | 200+ |
| Largest peninsula | Scandinavian Peninsula (750,000 km2) |
| Highest mountain | Mt. Elbrus (5,642 m) |
| Longest river | Volga River (3,692 km) |
| Largest economy | Germany ($4.3 trillion GDP) |
| Newest country | Kosovo (Declared independence in 2008) |
| Longest coastline | Norway (25,148 km) |
| Most visited country | France (89.3 million tourists) |
| A country with most UNESCO sites | Italy (55 sites) |
Countries in Europe
Area and population in Europe
| Country | Area (km2) | Population (2024) |
| Albania | 28,748 | 2,832,439 |
| Andorra | 468 | 80,088 |
| Austria | 83,858 | 8,958,960 |
| Belarus | 207,560 | 9,498,238 |
| Belgium | 30,528 | 11,686,140 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 51,129 | 3,210,847 |
| Bulgaria | 110,910 | 6,687,717 |
| Croatia | 56,542 | 4,008,617 |
| Cyprus | 9,251 | 1,260,138 |
| Czech Republic | 78,866 | 10,495,295 |
| Denmark | 43,094 | 5,910,913 |
| Estonia | 45,226 | 1,322,765 |
| Finland | 338,455 | 5,545,475 |
| France | 547,030 | 64,756,584 |
| Germany | 357,168 | 83,294,633 |
| Greece | 131,957 | 10,341,277 |
| Hungary | 93,030 | 10,156,239 |
| Iceland | 103,000 | 375,318 |
| Ireland | 70,280 | 5,056,935 |
| Italy | 301,338 | 58,870,762 |
| Kosovo | 10,887 | 1,964,327 |
| Latvia | 64,589 | 1,830,211 |
| Liechtenstein | 160 | 39,584 |
| Lithuania | 65,300 | 2,718,352 |
| Luxembourg | 2,586 | 634,814 |
| Malta | 316 | 442,784 |
| Moldova | 33,846 | 3,435,931 |
| Monaco | 2.020 | 39,511 |
| Montenegro | 13,812 | 629,219 |
| Netherlands | 41,543 | 17,618,299 |
| North Macedonia | 25,713 | 2,085,679 |
| Norway | 385,203 | 5,474,360 |
| Poland | 312,685 | 41,026,067 |
| Portugal | 92,212 | 10,247,605 |
| Romania | 238,397 | 19,892,812 |
| Russia | 17,098,242 | 144,444,359 |
| San Marino | 61.2 | 34,017 |
| Serbia | 88,361 | 7,149,077 |
| Slovakia | 49,035 | 5,795,199 |
| Slovenia | 20,273 | 2,119,675 |
| Spain | 505,990 | 47,519,628 |
| Sweden | 450,295 | 10,612,086 |
| Switzerland | 41,285 | 8,796,669 |
| Ukraine | 603,628 | 36,744,634 |
| United Kingdom | 244,820 | 67,736,802 |
| Vatican City | 0.44 | 764 |
Language spoken in Europe
| Language | Regions | Number of speakers (2024) |
| Russian | Russia, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Ukraine | 150 million |
| German | Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg | 98 million |
| French | France, Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Italy (Aosta Valley), Andorra | 82 million |
| Turkish | Turkey, Cyprus, North Macedonia, Greece, Serbia, Albania, Kosovo | 80 million |
| Italian | Italy, Switzerland, San Marino, Vatican City | 58 million |
| English | United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, France, Germany | 63 million |
| Spanish | Spain, Gibraltar, Andorra, France, Germany, Portugal | 44 million |
| Polish | Czechia, Hungary, Belarus, Ukraine | 38 million |
| Ukrainian | Russia, Poland, Romania, Latvia, Estonia | 28 million |
| Dutch | Belgium, Suriname | 27 million |
Best countries to visit in Europe
Italy
Italy seduces over 60 million visitors a year with its art, food, wine, fashion, and beauty. Lose yourself in the marvels of Rome, Florence, Venice, and beyond.
- Feast on incredible Italian food: Indulge in pizza in Naples, creamy gelato, pasta bathed in savory sauces, and more.
- Marvel at legendary art: See Michelangelo’s David and da Vinci’s Last Supper. Tour galleries overflowing with works by Raphael, Botticelli, Caravaggio, and others.
- Relax on pristine beaches: With over 4,700 miles of coastline, Italy boasts superb beach destinations like Capri, Cinque Terre, Sicily, and more.
Spain
From tasty tapas to sensational art, Spain excites the senses. Over 80 million people visit annually for festivals, nightlife, beaches, and more.
- Feast on Tapas and Paella: Graze on small plates of chorizo, manchego cheese, stuffed peppers, and other tapas delights. Enjoy savory paella loaded with seafood or sausage.
- See surreal art and architecture: Gape at Salvador Dalí’s Melting Clocks. Tour Gaudí’s fantastical Sagrada Familia basilica.
- Dance at festivals all year long: Celebrate at Las Fallas in Valencia or Pamplona’s famous Running of the Bulls.
Switzerland
The snow-capped Alps, shimmering lakes, storybook villages, and incredible hiking bring over 10 million visitors a year to Switzerland.
- Hike spectacular trails: Trek through mountain meadows blanketed in wildflowers. Climb challenging peaks and take in panoramic views.
- Savor Swiss specialties: Fondue, raclette, rösti, chocolate, and fresh bread and pastries tempt taste buds. Swiss cuisine showcases local ingredients.
- Marvel at Alpine Vistas: Ride trains and cable cars to mountain peaks and hamlets.
France
Home to chic Paris, Provence’s lavender fields, and the French Riviera, France enchants over 80 million visitors annually. Savor the food, art, fashion, and culture.
- Stroll charming villages and cities: Meander medieval streets in Carcassonne. Explore hilltop villages in Provence. Visit bustling markets and world-class museums.
- Indulge in bread, cheese, and wine: Savor buttery croissants, stinky cheese, silky chocolate, and renowned wines. French markets brim with fresh baguettes, colorful produce, and sublime foods.
- Relax on gorgeous beaches: Soak up the sun on the ritzy beaches in St. Tropez, Nice, and Cannes. Head to surf towns like Biarritz. With over 2,000 miles of coastline, beach bliss abounds.
Turkey
Blending European and Asian influences, Turkey amazes with markets, mosques, ancient sites, beaches, and natural wonders. Over 50 million come to explore each year.
- Tap into history in Istanbul: See Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. Cruise the Bosphorus for stellar city views.
- Behold Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys: Hike among the fantastical rock formations and underground cities of Cappadocia. Hot air balloon rides provide epic views.
- Relax on sun-drenched beaches: Bask on beaches in Bodrum, Kalkan, and other resort towns. Swim in translucent waters, then unwind at al fresco cafes.
Most popular tourist attractions in Europe
Here are the popular attractions in Europe:
Eiffel Tower, France
Features
- Being one of the most iconic landmarks in the world and a symbol of Paris.
- The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 and stands 324 meters tall.
Activities
- Going up the tower for incredible panoramic views of Paris, dining at one of the restaurants, and admiring the architecture and engineering.
- At night, the tower is lit up with 20,000 sparkling lights.
Visiting tips
- Buy tickets in advance online to avoid long lines.
- The views are best from the top floor.
- Go at night to see the Eiffel Tower lit up.
- Avoid the crowds by going early in the morning or later at night.
Colosseum, Italy
Features
- Being an ancient Roman amphitheater used for gladiator contests and public events.
- The Colosseum is an architectural and engineering marvel, built in 70-80 AD.
Activities
- Take a guided tour of the interior to see the underground tunnels and chambers.
- Climbing up for views of the Roman Forum.
- Wandering the grounds to admire the structure from all angles.
Visiting tips
- Purchase skip-the-line tickets online for faster entry.
- Go early to avoid crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking on uneven terrain.
- Visit the Roman Forum nearby to see more ancient ruins.
The Acropolis, Greece
Features
- Housing famous ancient Greek temples like the Parthenon.
- The Acropolis sits atop a hill rising 490 feet over Athens with history dating back 5,000 years.
Activities
- Exploring the ancient Greek ruins and hilltop temples.
- Admiring views of Athens and surrounding areas.
- Visiting the Acropolis Museum nearby to see artifacts.
Visiting tip
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and large tour groups.
- Wear appropriate clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
- Bring water – there is a lot of walking and uphill climbing.
- Purchase tickets online in advance to skip ticket booth lines.
Stonehenge, England
Features
- Being a prehistoric monument consisting of huge stones arranged in a circle.
- It was constructed between 3000 BC – 2000 BC.
Activities
- Walking around the stone circle and admiring the architecture.
- Pondering the mysteries and purposes of Stonehenge.
- Visiting the Stonehenge Visitor Centre to learn more about it.
Visiting tips
- Purchase an English Heritage ticket with timed entry to avoid crowds.
- Take a guided tour for expert commentary.
- Visit during the solstices for special events and access.
- Bring binoculars to admire the details on top of the stones.
Grand Canal, Italy
Features
- Being the main water corridor and most famous canal running through Venice.
- The Grand Canal is lined with over 170 buildings dating back to the 13th – 18th century.
Activities
- Take a gondola ride down the canal to soak in the ambiance.
- Admiring the elegant palaces and architecture along the banks.
- Crossing the Rialto Bridge for shops and restaurants.
Visiting tips
- Avoid the crowded Rialto Bridge area by exploring side canals.
- Visit early morning or late evening when canal traffic is lighter.
- Ride the length of the Grand Canal on the Vaporetto public boat for better views.
- Time your visit to Carnival for elaborate masks and costumes.