List of Countries in Europe (Alphabetical Order)
As the world’s most densely populated continent, Europe is located in the northern hemisphere of the globe. It comprises a total area of 10,498,000 km² and has a population of 744.7 million. The Russian Federation is the largest country in Europe with 17,075,400 km² , and the most populous nation with 143.5 million residents. Next comes Germany with 357,120 km² , and a population of 81.89 million.
Regions in Europe
Geographically, Europe is bordered to the north by the Arctic Glacial Ocean, to the east with the Ural Mountains, to the south with the Caspian and Black Seas and the Caucasus Mountains (natural boundaries between Europe and Asia), and with the Mediterranean Sea. See the following location map of Europe.
How Many Countries in Europe
As of 2020, there are 45 countries in the continent of Europe. There is great diversity between the sizes of each and we can find the small Vatican (0.44 km²), Monaco (0.44 km²), San Marino (61.2 km²), Liechtenstein (160 km²) and the Principality of Andorra (468 km²).
Transcontinental countries in Europe
The following five countries are located both in Europe and Asia. They are listed by population.
The island of Cyprus is part of Asia but politically belongs to Europe. The small island is occupied by Turkey and the United Kingdom, which still have military bases there. Part of the territory, the south, was admitted to the European Union in 2004. Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, from a geographical point of view, are countries belonging to the Asian continent. They are located in the Caucasus region, and considered transcontinental countries. Azerbaijan and Georgia border Russia (European part), the former being a member of the Council of Europe since 25 January 2001.
Alphabetical List of All Countries in Europe
In summary, there are a total of 45 independent nations and 6 dependent territories in Europe. See the following for full list of European countries in alphabetical order:
| # | Flag | Country Name | Population | Official Name |
| 1 |  |
Albania | 2,877,808 | Republic of Albania |
| 2 |  |
Andorra | 77,276 | Principality of Andorra |
| 3 |  |
Austria | 9,006,409 | Republic of Austria |
| 4 |  |
Belarus | 9,449,334 | Republic of Belarus |
| 5 |  |
Belgium | 11,589,634 | Kingdom of Belgium |
| 6 |  |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | 3,280,830 | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| 7 |  |
Bulgaria | 6,948,456 | Republic of Bulgaria |
| 8 |  |
Croatia | 4,105,278 | Republic of Croatia |
| 9 |  |
Czech Republic | 10,708,992 | Czech Republic |
| 10 |  |
Denmark | 5,792,213 | Kingdom of Denmark |
| 11 |  |
Estonia | 1,326,546 | Republic of Estonia |
| 12 |  |
Finland | 5,540,731 | Republic of Finland |
| 13 |  |
France | 65,273,522 | French Republic |
| 14 |  |
Germany | 83,783,953 | Federal Republic of Germany |
| 15 |  |
Greece | 10,423,065 | Hellenic Republic |
| 16 |  |
Holy See | 812 | Holy See |
| 17 |  |
Hungary | 9,660,362 | Hungary |
| 18 |  |
Iceland | 341,254 | Republic of Iceland |
| 19 |  |
Ireland | 4,937,797 | Ireland |
| 20 |  |
Italy | 60,461,837 | Republic of Italy |
| 21 |  |
Latvia | 1,886,209 | Republic of Latvia |
| 22 |  |
Liechtenstein | 38,139 | Liechtenstein |
| 23 |  |
Lithuania | 2,722,300 | Republic of Lithuania |
| 24 |  |
Luxembourg | 625,989 | Grand Duchy of Luxembourg |
| 25 |  |
Malta | 441,554 | Republic of Malta |
| 26 |  |
Moldova | 4,033,974 | Republic of Moldova |
| 27 |  |
Monaco | 39,253 | Principality of Monaco |
| 28 |  |
Montenegro | 628,077 | Montenegro |
| 29 |  |
Netherlands | 17,134,883 | Kingdom of the Netherlands |
| 30 |  |
North Macedonia | 2,022,558 | Republic of North Macedonia |
| 31 |  |
Norway | 5,421,252 | Kingdom of Norway |
| 32 |  |
Poland | 37,846,622 | Republic of Poland |
| 33 |  |
Portugal | 10,196,720 | Portuguese Republic |
| 34 |  |
Romania | 19,237,702 | Romania |
| 35 |  |
Russia | 145,934,473 | Russian Federation |
| 36 |  |
San Marino | 33,942 | Republic of San Marino |
| 37 |  |
Serbia | 8,737,382 | Republic of Serbia |
| 38 |  |
Slovakia | 5,459,653 | Slovak Republic |
| 39 |  |
Slovenia | 2,078,949 | Republic of Slovenia |
| 40 |  |
Spain | 46,754,789 | Kingdom of Spain |
| 41 |  |
Sweden | 10,099,276 | Kingdom of Sweden |
| 42 |  |
Switzerland | 8,654,633 | Swiss Confederation |
| 43 |  |
Turkey | 84,339,078 | Republic of Turkey |
| 44 |  |
Ukraine | 43,733,773 | Ukraine |
| 45 |  |
United Kingdom | 67,886,022 | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |
European Union
The European Union (EU) is an economic and political bloc whose main objective is to maintain peace on the European continent through economic, social and cultural programs. Of all European countries, 28 countries participate in the European Union.
Map of Countries in Europe
Brief History of Europe
Ancient Civilizations
Prehistoric Europe
Europe’s history begins with prehistoric human activity, evidenced by the Lascaux cave paintings in France and Stonehenge in England. The Neolithic Revolution saw the advent of agriculture and permanent settlements, leading to the rise of early civilizations.
Classical Antiquity: Greece and Rome
Ancient Greece, flourishing from the 8th to 4th centuries BCE, laid the foundations of Western civilization through advancements in philosophy, politics, and the arts. The city-states of Athens and Sparta were prominent, and Alexander the Great’s conquests spread Hellenistic culture across Europe and Asia.
The Roman Republic, established in 509 BCE, evolved into the Roman Empire by 27 BCE. Rome’s vast empire unified much of Europe, bringing roads, aqueducts, and the Latin language. The Pax Romana (27 BCE-180 CE) marked a period of relative peace and stability. The Western Roman Empire’s decline in the 5th century CE led to the fragmentation of Europe into smaller kingdoms.
Middle Ages
Byzantine Empire and Early Medieval Kingdoms
The Byzantine Empire, the continuation of the Eastern Roman Empire, preserved Roman and Greek traditions while influencing Eastern Europe and the Middle East. In Western Europe, Germanic kingdoms like the Franks emerged, with Charlemagne (768-814 CE) establishing the Carolingian Empire and reviving the title of Emperor in the West.
Feudalism and the Holy Roman Empire
The collapse of centralized power led to the rise of feudalism, a system where local lords governed their own lands but owed military service to a king. The Holy Roman Empire, established in 962 CE, sought to revive Charlemagne’s legacy, though it remained a fragmented confederation of states. Monasticism and the Catholic Church played pivotal roles in preserving knowledge and stabilizing society during this period.
Renaissance and Reformation
The Renaissance
The Renaissance, beginning in Italy in the 14th century and spreading across Europe, was a period of renewed interest in classical learning and artistic innovation. It brought advancements in art, science, and thought, with figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Galileo making significant contributions.
The Reformation
The 16th century Protestant Reformation, initiated by Martin Luther’s 95 Theses in 1517, challenged the Catholic Church’s authority and led to religious fragmentation. The Reformation and subsequent Catholic Counter-Reformation reshaped Europe’s religious landscape, leading to conflicts like the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) and the establishment of Protestant and Catholic states.
Early Modern Period
Age of Exploration
The Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries saw European powers like Spain, Portugal, and later England, France, and the Netherlands expand their empires across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. This era brought immense wealth to Europe but also initiated centuries of colonization and exploitation.
Enlightenment and Revolutions
The Enlightenment of the 17th and 18th centuries emphasized reason, individual rights, and scientific inquiry. Philosophers like Voltaire, Rousseau, and Kant influenced political thought, setting the stage for revolutionary movements. The French Revolution (1789-1799) dramatically transformed France and inspired uprisings across Europe, leading to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815).
19th Century
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution, beginning in Britain in the late 18th century, spread across Europe, transforming economies from agrarian to industrial. Innovations in technology and transportation, such as the steam engine and railways, spurred urbanization and societal changes.
Nationalism and State Formation
The 19th century was marked by the rise of nationalism and the formation of modern nation-states. The unification of Italy and Germany in the 1860s and 1870s reshaped the political map of Europe. The decline of empires like the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires led to the emergence of new states and heightened national tensions.
20th Century and Contemporary Era
World Wars and Their Aftermath
The 20th century was dominated by two World Wars. World War I (1914-1918) led to significant political upheaval, the collapse of empires, and the redrawing of national boundaries. World War II (1939-1945) brought unparalleled destruction and the Holocaust, followed by the division of Europe during the Cold War. The Eastern Bloc, led by the Soviet Union, and the Western Bloc, led by the United States, represented ideological conflicts between communism and capitalism.
European Integration
Post-World War II Europe saw efforts to promote peace and cooperation, leading to the establishment of the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957 and its evolution into the European Union (EU). The EU aimed to ensure economic cooperation, political stability, and prevent future conflicts.
Modern Challenges
The 21st century has brought new challenges, including economic crises, migration issues, and the rise of populism. The Brexit referendum in 2016 highlighted tensions within the EU. Europe also faces environmental concerns and the need for sustainable development. Despite these challenges, Europe remains a global leader in culture, technology, and political thought.