Europe

Europe is a continent generally “considered to have between 44 and 50 countries”. The exact number depends on how international organizations like the United Nations and some countries recognize borders and political status. Of these countries, 29 are part of the Schengen Area, and 27 are members of the European Union. European countries are often grouped by geography into Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Western Europe, and Eastern Europe, each with its own unique characteristics.

Southern Europe

Southern Europe rings the warm shores of the Mediterranean Sea, covering the Iberian and Italian peninsulas, the sunny Balkan coast, and a cluster of island micro-states. Its countries enjoy mild winters, hot dry summers, and a shared Mediterranean way of life built around olives, wheat, and wine. From the ruins of ancient Greece and Rome to the white villages of Spain and Portugal, this region blends deep history with modern beach resorts and bustling port cities. Scroll down for the complete list of Southern European countries and dive into what each one has to offer.

Western Europe

Western Europe is the broad area between the Atlantic Ocean and the Alps. In the United Nations system it includes Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. These countries share a mild temperate climate, dense rail and road networks, and advanced economies based on industry, trade, and services. Most were early members of the European Union and work closely together on laws, transport, and energy. Local languages are mainly Germanic or Romance, and the region ranks high worldwide in education, health, and technology. See the list below for each Western European country.

Northern Europe

Northern Europe stretches from the icy Arctic Circle down to the mild shores of the Baltic Sea. It covers the Nordic nations—Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden—plus the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. These countries share cool climates, long summer days, strong welfare systems, and high English proficiency. They are also leaders in green energy, digital services, and quality of life rankings. Scroll down to see the full list of Northern European countries and start exploring what each one offers.

Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe stretches from the Baltic Sea down to the Black Sea and from Poland’s eastern border to the Ural foothills. The United Nations places ten countries here: Belarus, Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, the Russian Federation, Slovakia, and Ukraine. The land is mostly broad plains with key rivers like the Danube and Dnieper, plus mountain belts such as the Carpathians. Most languages are Slavic, and the region shares a recent history of Soviet influence, now moving toward mixed economies that combine industry, farming, and growing tech sectors. See below for the list of Eastern European countries and learn what each one offers.