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Europe FAST FACTS
 
Population: 730,916,000 (3)
Area: 4,063,000 Sq. miles (6)
 

Europe NATIONS

Iceland
  Iceland, the westernmost nation considered to be part of Europe, is one of the world's most prosperous nations. It is a beautiful land of arctic desert, volcanoes, and numerous glaciers. Visitors from around the world come to experience Iceland's hot springs.
   
 
Population: 318,000 (175)
 
Area: 39,770 sq. miles (107)
 
Language(s): Icelandic
 
Capital: Reykjavik
 
Largest City: Reykjavik
 
Currency: Icelandic Krona
 

Ireland
  Ireland has been inhabited for nearly 7,000 years. Its long history has been full of legendary wars, invasions and incursions. The Irish are famous for their glassware, china, and ales. St. Patrick's Day and the legend of the leprechaun come from Ireland.
   
 
Population: 4,426,000 (119)
 
Area: 32,595 sq. miles (120)
 
Language(s): English
 
Capital: Dublin
 
Largest City: Belfast
 
Currency: Irish Pound; Euro
 

United Kingdom
  The United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It has traditionally been one of the most powerful nations in the world and once ruled over the original 13 colonies that started the United States of America. The United Kingdom is home to Stonehenge, one of the world's most mysterious pre-historic landmarks.
   
 
Population: 62,042,000 (22)
 
Area: 94,060 sq. miles (79)
 
Language(s): English
 
Capital: London
 
Largest City: London
 
Currency: Pound Sterling
 

Portugal
  Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe. During the 1400's, it was one of Europe's most powerful nations. Portuguese explorers were the first to establish colonies on the coasts of Africa. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama was the first explorer to find the vaunted sea route to Asia, by sailing around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, through the Indian Ocean to Calicut, India.
   
 
Population: 11,317,000 (77)
 
Area: 35,645 sq. miles (110)
 
Language(s): Portuguese
 
Capital: Lisbon
 
Largest City: Lisbon
 
Currency: Euro
 

Spain
   
  The Spanish empire was once the most powerful in the world. Spanish settlers were the first to establish colonies in North and South America. Almost the entire western hemisphere was once controlled by Spain. Famous explorers Christopher Columbus and Ponce de Leon were among explorers who claimed large areas in the New World for Spain
   
 
Population: 46,030,000 (27)
 
Area:195,364 sq. miles (51)
 
Language(s): Spanish
 
Capital: Madrid
 
Largest City: Madrid
 
Currency: Euro
 

France
  France is the world's leading tourist destination and Paris is the most visited city in Europe. France is famous for its culture, fine museums, art, food, and style, and of course, the Eiffel Tower. Paris is also home to The Louvre, the most famous art museum in the world. At the Louvre, visitors can view Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, arguably the most famous portrait in history. The southern part of France is famous for its excellent vineyards.
   
 
Population: 65,447,000 (20)
 
Area: 260,558 sq. miles (43)
 
Language(s): French
 
Capital: Paris
 
Largest City: Paris
 
Currency: Euro; Franc
 

Belgium
  Belgium is the world headquarters for both NATO and the European Union. Belgium is famous for its medieval castles and architecture.
   
 
Population: 10,828,000 (76)
 
Area: 11,787 sq. miles (139)
 
Language(s): Dutch, French, German
 
Capital: Brussles
 
Largest City: Brussels
 
Currency: Euro
 

The Netherlands
  The ecclectic city of Amsterdam is one of the most visited cities in the world. Many people refer to The Netherlands as "Holland," but Holland is actually only a small section of the country.
   
 
Population: 16,622,000 (61)
 
Area: 16,033 sq. miles (135)
 
Language(s): Dutch
 
Capital: Amsterdam
 
Largest City: Amsterdam
 
Currency: Euro
 

Luxembourg
  At 998 square miles in area, Luxembourg is one of the smallest landlocked nations in the world. Luxembourg is a prosperous nation and home of many banking institutions.
   
 
Population: 502,000 (170)
 
Area: 998.6 sq. miles (175)
 
Language(s): German, French, Luxembourgish
 
Capital: Luxembourg
 
Largest City: Luxembourg
 
Currency: Euro
 

Denmark
  Denmark is the southernmost of the Scandanavian nations, and is made up of 400 individual islands. Copenhagen is a lively capital city known for its museums and fabulous shopping.
   
 
Population: 5,540,000 (108)
 
Area: 16,640 sq. miles (134)
 
Language(s): Danish
 
Capital: Copenhagen
 
Largest City: Copenhagen
 
Currency: Danish Krone
 

Germany
 

The nation of Germany has a long, storied, and sometimes
dubious history. It joined forces against the Allies (England, France, Russia, Italy, and the USA) with Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and the Ottoman Empire in World War I. In addition, the Nazi (German political party) invasions of neighboring countries during the reign of Adolf Hitler prompted World War II. They were eventually defeated in both wars.

Today, Germany is the most populous nation in Europe. Before 1990, it was divided into West and East Germany. With the fall of communism, and the famed Berlin Wall, it is once again united.
   
 
Population: 81,758,000 (14)
 
Area: 137,847 sq. miles (63)
 
Language(s): German
 
Capital: Berlin
 
Largest City: Berlin
 
Currency: Euro
 

Austria
  Mountainous Austria is world famous for its incredible composers. Brahms, Haydn, Mahler, Mozart, Schubert and the Strausses
were all born in Austria. Austria is also famous for its beautiful scenery, skiing, and many castles.
   
 
Population: 8,357,000 (92)
 
Area: 32,383 sq. miles (115)
 
Language(s): German
 
Capital: Vienna
 
Largest City: Vienna
 
Currency: Euro
 

Switzerland
  Switzerland is one of the top tourists destinations on the planet, particularly for skiiers visiting the Swiss Alps. Switzerland is also world famous for its chocolate, cheese, and finely crafted watches.
 
Population: 7,783,000 (93)
 
Area: 15,940 sq. miles (133)
 
Language(s): German, French, Italian, Romanish
 
Capital: Bern
 
Largest City: Zurich
 
Currency: Swiss Fran
 

Italy
  World famous for its architecture, food, culture, art, and beautiful landscapes, Italy and its vibrant cities are among the most popular destinations in the world. Italy is also one of the most historic
nations in the world. The vaunted Roman empire once stretched
across most of Europe, northern Africa and parts of Asia. Italy is
home to some of the world's most famous landmarks including the
Tower of Pisa and The Colosseum.
   
 
Population: 60,231,000 (23)
 
Area: 116,346 sq. miles (71)
 
Language(s): Italian
 
Capital: Rome
 
Largest City: Rome
 
Currency: Euro
 

Slovenia
  Slovenia became a nation in 1991 after the collapse of Yugoslavia.
   
 
Population: 2,054,000 (144)
 
Area: 7,827 sq. miles (153)
 
Language(s): Slovene
 
Capital: Ljubljana
 
Largest City: Ljubljana
 
Currency: Euro
 

Bosnia and Herzogovina
  Bosnia gained its independence from Yugoslavia in 1992. Ethnic fighting, however, has devastated the country and resulted in the destruction of many cities and the deaths of thousands of people.
   
 
Population: 4,613,000 (120)
 
Area: 19,767 sq. miles (127)
 
Language(s): Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
 
Capital: Sarajevo
 
Largest City: Sarajevo
 
Currency: Convertible Mark
 

Croatia
  Croatia gained its independence from the communist nation of Yuogslavia in 1991. Ethnic fighting, however, in western Croatia has resulted in the destruction of many historic towns. Croatia is a popular tourist destination for its nice weather, Roman ruins, and capital city.
   
 
Population: 4,490,000 (122)
 
Area: 21,851 sq. miles (126)
 
Language(s): Croatian
 
Capital: Zagreb
 
Largest City: Zagreb
 
Currency: Kuna
 

Serbia and Montenegro
  Serbia and Montenegro is one of the world's newest nations, formed on Feb. 5, 2003, when the former nation of Yugoslavia dissolved. The Kosovo region of Serbia was the site of unspeakable atrocities against ethnic Albanians living in the region.
   
 
Population:10,833,000 (75)
 
Area: 39,518 sq. miles (108)
 
Language(s): Serbo-Croatian; Serbian
 
Capital: Belgrade
 
Largest City: Belgrade
 
Currency: Yugoslav Dinar, Euro,
 

Albania
  Albania abandoned communist rule for democracy in the early 1990's. Albania's economy has suffered in recent years due to the large number of ethnic Albanian Muslims who have fled the former Yugoslavia for Albania.
   
 
Population: 3,660,000 (129)
 
Area: 11,100 sq. miles (128)
 
Language(s): Albania
 
Capital: Tirana
 
Largest City: Tirana
 
Currency: Lek
 

Macedonia
  Macedonia gained its independence from Yugoslavia in 1993. Civil Wars and refugee factions have plagued the small nation ever since.
   
 
Population: 2,115,000 (142)
 
Area: 9,779 sq. miles (148)
 
Language(s): Macedonian
 
Capital: Skopje
 
Largest City: Skopje
 
Currency: Macedonian denar
 

Greece
  Greek civilization was one of the most influential in world history. Their achievements in math, art, drama and philosophy formed the basis of the modern disciplines. The 2004 summer olympics in Athens commemorated the original olympic games staged over 2,000 years ago in Greece.
   
 
Population: 11,306,000 (74)
 
Area: 50,944 sq. miles (96)
 
Language(s): Greek
 
Capital: Athens
 
Largest City: Athens
 
Currency: Euro
 

Bulgaria
  Although Hungary was once one of the dominant kingdoms in Europe, centuries of war and invasions have taken their toll. Today, the capital city of Budapest is a dazzling city of beautiful architecture, fine restaurants, and gypsy peoples.
   
 
Population: 7,564,000 (95)
 
Area: 42,843 sq. miles (104)
 
Language(s): Bulgaria
 
Capital: Sofia
 
Largest City: Sofia
 
Currency: Lev
 

Romania
  Romania broke free from the brutal communist rule of Nicholas Ceaucescu in 1989. Since then, Romania has become a popular tourist destination. The beautiful Carpathian Mountains, and the Transylvania region (where the Legend of Dracula began) are particularly popular.
   
 
Population: 22,215,000 (51)
 
Area: 92,043 sq. miles (82)
 
Language(s): Romania
 
Capital: Bucharest
 
Largest City: Bucharest
 
Currency: Romanian Leu
 

Moldova
  Moldova is an ancient land full of castles. It is one of many new nations in eastern Europe that broke away from Russia in 1991. Moldova was once a major wine producing area. Its future is dependent on its fertile land for agriculture.
   
 
Population: 3,567,500 (129)
 
Area: 13,067 sq. miles (139)
 
Language(s): Moldovan (Romanian)
 
Capital: Chişinău
 
Largest City: Chişinău
 
Currency: Moldovan Leu
 

Hungary
  Although Hungary was once one of the dominant kingdoms in Europe, centuries of war and invasions have taken their toll. Today, the capital city of Budapest is a dazzling city of beautiful architecture, fine restaurants, and gypsy peoples.
   
 
Population: 10,007,000 (83)
 
Area: 35,919 sq. miles (109)
 
Language(s): Hungarian
 
Capital: Budapest
 
Largest City: Budapest
 
Currency: Forint
 

Czech Republic
  The Czech Republic and neighboring Slovakia were once a single country named Czechoslovakia. In 1993, the two countries gained their independence. Today, the Czech Republic capital of Prague is well known for its architecture, castles and cobblestone streets.
   
 
Population: 10,507,000 (78)
 
Area: 30,450 sq. miles (116
 
Language(s): Czech
 
Capital: Prague
 
Largest City: Prague
 
Currency: Czech koruna
 

Slovakia
  Slovakia became a nation on January 1, 1993 when Czechoslovakia was divided into two nations. Slovakia is an extremely mountainous nation that attracts skiiers from around the world.
   
 
Population: 5,380,000 (109)
 
Area: 18,932 sq. miles (123)
 
Language(s): Slovak
 
Capital: Bratislava
 
Largest City: Bratislava
 
Currency: Euro
 

Poland
  Poland's history is one of hardship and war. Its economy is just beginning to recover from the fall of Communism and the implementation of a free-market system. Today, coal and petroleum production, and farming are its major industries.
   
 
Population: 37,811,000 (34)
 
Area: 120,696 sq. miles (69)
 
Language(s): Polish
 
Capital: Warsaw
 
Largest City: Warsaw
 
Currency: Polish złoty
 

Belarus
  Belarus was one of several nations that broke away from Russia in 1991. The newly formed nations then formed the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and made headquarters at Minsk, Belarus. Like Ukraine, Belarus is still suffering from environmental damage caused by the 1986 Chornobyl nuclear accident.
   
 
Population: 9,684,000 (86)
 
Area: 80,155 sq. miles (85)
 
Language(s): Belarusian; Russian
 
Capital: Minsk
 
Largest City: Minsk
 
Currency: Belarusian Ruble
 

Lithuania
  Lithuania was one of several countries that gained its indepen-dence from Russia in 1991. Lithuania, however has been slower to adapt to modern times and depends mostly on agriculture for its economy.
   
 
Population: 3,342,000 (130)
 
Area: 25,173 sq. miles (123)
 
Language(s): Lithuanian
 
Capital: Vilnius
 
Largest City: Vilnius
 
Currency: Lithuanian Litas
 

Latvia
  Latvia was one of several nations that gained its independence from Russia in 1991. It has adapted well to modern times and has a strong textile and dairy industry. The capital city of Riga is an important seaport on the Baltic Sea.
   
 
Population: 2,217,969 (143)
 
Area: 24,938 sq. miles (124)
 
Language(s): Latvian
 
Capital: Riga
 
Largest City: Riga
 
Currency: Lats
 

Estonia
  Estonia, the smallest, and northernmost of the Baltic States, gained its independence from Russia in 1991. Although its economy is still largely dependent on agriculture, the capital city of Tallinn draws many visitors each year for its medieval architecture.
   
 
Population: 1,340,000 (151)
 
Area: 17,413 sq. miles (132)
 
Language(s): Estonian
 
Capital: Tallinn
 
Largest City: Tallinn
 
Currency: Estonian Kroon
 

Russia
  Russia is the world's largest nation in terms of area, and is so large it extends through two continents, despite losing huge chunks of land when nine countries declared independence in 1991. European Russia is considered the mass of land west of the Ural Mountains.
   
 
Population: 141,927,297 (9)
 
Area: 6,592,800 sq. miles (1)
 
Language(s): Russian
 
Capital: Moscow
 
Largest City: Moscow
 
Currency: Ruble
 

Finland
  Finland is the newest of four Scandinavian nations. It is a paradise for those who love the outdoors with over 60,000 pristine lakes, thick boreal forests, and some of the best
fishing in the world.
   
 
Population: 5,359,538 (115)
 
Area: 130,596 sq. miles (64)
 
Language(s): Finnish, Swedish
 
Capital: Helsinki
 
Largest City: Helsinki
 
Currency: Norwegian Krone
 

Sweden
  Sweden is the largest of the four Scandinavian nations and is one of the most prosperous nations in the world. Sweden has a vibrant economy that includes production of Volvo and Saab automobiles. It is known as a progressive nation and is a world leader in women's rights.
   
 
Population: 9,354,462 (88)
 
Area: 173,745 sq. miles (57)
 
Language(s): Swedish
 
Capital: Stockholm
 
Largest City: Stockholm
 
Currency: Swedish krona
 

Norway
  Norway, home of the Vikings, is one of Earth's most beautiful places. Its western coast is full of fjords and islands, and its economy is largely based on fishing and other maritime interests such as oil production. Winter sports, especially skiing, are very popular in Norway.
   
 
Population: 4,890,200 (111)
 
Area: 148,746  sq. miles (61)
 
Language(s): Norwegian
 
Capital: Oslo
 
Largest City: Oslo
 
Currency: Norwegian krone
 

Ukraine
  Ukraine was the largest of the nations that gained its independence from Russia in 1991. In 1986, a horrible nuclear accident just north of Kiev at the Chornobyl plant changed the area forever. Much of land remains contaminated and the once fertile soil remains unusable.
   
 
Population: 46,011,300 (27)
 
Area: 233,090  sq. miles (44)
 
Language(s): Ukrainian
 
Capital: Kiev
 
Largest City: Kiev
 
Currency: Hyrvnia