10 smallest European countries
๐ป๐ฆ Vatican City (0.17 square miles)
Vatican City, the smallest country globally and the spiritual
headquarters for the Roman Catholic Church, is a city-state surrounded
by Rome, Italy. Beyond its religious significance, it's also home to
some of the world's most treasured art and architecture, including the
Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Its total population, mostly
made up of priests, guards, and nuns, is fewer than 1,000, making it
the smallest internationally recognized independent state in both area
and population.
๐ฒ๐จ Monaco (0.78 square miles)
Monaco is a tiny independent city-state on France's Mediterranean
coastline known for its upscale casinos, yacht-lined harbor, and
prestigious Grand Prix motor race, which runs through Monaco's streets
once a year. It has a monarchy currently headed by Prince Albert II
and is a playground for the rich and famous, partly due to its tax
laws.
๐ธ๐ฒ San Marino (23.63 square miles)
San Marino, surrounded by Italy, is one of the world's oldest
republics and holds the title for the least visited country in Europe.
Despite its size, it has its own government and military force. Its
capital, also called San Marino, is perched atop a mountain and famous
for its beautiful views, medieval architecture, and a certain charm
often overshadowed by its larger neighbor.
๐ฑ๐ฎ Liechtenstein (62 square miles)
Liechtenstein, a German-speaking microstate located between
Switzerland and Austria, is the only country entirely located within
the Alps. It's a constitutional monarchy headed by a prince.
Interestingly, it has one of the world's highest GDPs per capita and
is known for its banking sector and low corporate taxes, attracting
companies worldwide.
๐ฒ๐น Malta (122 square miles)
Malta is a scenic island country located in the Mediterranean Sea. A
strategic naval base for centuries, Malta's history is rich with
influence from various cultures, including the Romans, Moors, French,
and British. Today, it's known for historic sites tied to these
rulers, such as the fortified capital, Valletta, and the ฤฆal Saflieni
Hypogeum, a subterranean complex of halls and burial chambers dating
back to 3600 B.C.
๐ฆ๐ฉ Andorra (181 square miles)
Nestled in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, Andorra is
a small principality known for its ski resorts and a tax haven status
that encourages duty-free shopping. Andorra la Vella, its capital, is
the highest capital city in Europe, sitting over 1,000 meters above
sea level. Though not a member of the EU, the euro is the country's
currency.
๐ฌ๐ฎ Gibraltar (2.6 square miles)
Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located on Spain's south
coast, is dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, a major landmark of the
region. This strategic location at the entrance of the Mediterranean
Sea has made it a central focus of territorial disputes between
Britain and Spain. Interestingly, it is home to the Barbary macaques,
the only wild monkeys found in Europe.
๐ธ๐ฎ Slovenia (7,827 square miles)
Slovenia is located in Central Europe and known for its mountains, ski
resorts, and lakes. The capital, Ljubljana, is appreciated for its
baroque facades mixed with the 20th-century architecture of Joลพe
Pleฤnik. It's also notable for its environmentally friendly practices
and has been dubbed the "Green Heart of Europe".
๐ฑ๐บ Luxembourg (998 square miles)
Luxembourg is a landlocked country in Western Europe, bordered by
Belgium, Germany, and France. It is a parliamentary democracy headed
by a constitutional monarch. Known for its wealth, it has the highest
GDP per capita globally. The old quarter of its capital, Luxembourg
City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famed for its fortified
medieval old town perched on sheer cliffs.
๐จ๐พ Cyprus (3,572 square miles)
Cyprus is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean, famous for
its beaches and historical sites. It's culturally diverse, with Greek
and Turkish influences, and has a complex history of division between
the two. The capital, Nicosia, is split between Turkish Cypriot and
Greek Cypriot communities, but efforts to unify continue. Cyprus is
also renowned for its archaeological sites, including well-preserved
Roman villas with stunning mosaics.
10 largest European countries
๐ณ๐ด Norway (148,729 square miles)
Norway, known for its breathtaking fjords, high standard of living,
and as a global leader in environmental conservation, lies in the
western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It's also home to the
northernmost point in Europe, Cape Nordkinn. The country is famous for
the northern lights and its Viking heritage. Its capital, Oslo, is a
cosmopolitan city with modern architecture, a thriving food scene, and
museums showcasing the country's rich history.
๐ฉ๐ช Germany (137,988 square miles)
Germany, Europe's most industrialized and populous country, is known
for its high technological development, a rich cultural history, and
tumultuous past. It is home to the largest economy in Europe and is a
leader in many types of technology. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and
Hamburg offer a rich tapestry of historical sites, culture, and
entertainment. Germany is also famous for its beer, sausages, and
automobile industry.
๐ซ๐ฎ Finland (130,666 square miles)
Finland, known as the "Land of a Thousand Lakes," boasts beautiful
natural landscapes, including numerous lakes and islands. It's also
known for its high standard of living, excellent education, and
welfare systems. Every winter, it hosts a vibrant display of the
northern lights. The Finnish people are known for their love of sauna
culture, with more than two million saunas for a population of around
5.5 million.
๐ต๐ฑ Poland (120,726 square miles)
Poland, located in Central Europe, is a country with a rich history,
diverse culture, and several natural landscapes. From the Tatras
mountains in the south to the Baltic Sea in the north, Poland boasts a
rich diversity of nature. Cities like Warsaw and Krakow blend
historical architecture with modern lifestyle, whereas sites like the
Auschwitz concentration camp remind of the country's painful history.
๐ฎ๐น Italy (116,350 square miles)
Italy, located in Southern Europe, is renowned for its rich history,
cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes. It's home to numerous
UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Colosseum in Rome, the
Canal Grande in Venice, and the historic city center of Florence.
Italian cuisine, famous for its regional diversity and abundance of
taste, is globally acclaimed. Italy is also the world's largest wine
producer.
๐ฌ๐ง United Kingdom (93,628 square miles)
The United Kingdom, composed of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern
Ireland, boasts a rich history and culture. It's been influential in
many areas, such as language, law, industry, and art. Cities like
London, Edinburgh, and Manchester are known for their cultural
landmarks, institutions, and vibrant lifestyle. The UK is also famous
for its royal family, numerous historic castles, and landmarks like
Big Ben and Stonehenge.
๐ซ๐ท France (211,209 square miles)
France, in Western Europe, is renowned for its culture, gastronomy,
fashion, and history. It's the most visited country in the world,
hosting iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and
Palace of Versailles. France is also famous for its culinary
tradition, with French cuisine achieving global recognition.
Furthermore, it's a significant player in global affairs and a
founding member of the United Nations and European Union.
๐ช๐ธ Spain (195,364 square miles)
Spain, located in Southwestern Europe, is a country known for its
cultural diversity, historical heritage, vibrant festivals, and sunny
beaches. It boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is famous
for landmarks such as the Alhambra, Sagrada Familia, and the Prado
Museum. Spanish cuisine, including tapas, paella, and Spanish wines,
enjoys international recognition.
๐ธ๐ช Sweden (173,860 square miles)
Sweden, the largest country in Northern Europe, is known for its
impressive landscapes, from vast forests and archipelagos to snowy
mountains. It's recognized for its commitment to civil liberties,
human rights, and sustainability. Sweden is also famous for its
welfare system, high standard of living, and contributions to music
(ABBA, Avicii) and literature (Astrid Lindgren, Stieg Larsson).
๐บ๐ฆ Ukraine (233,031 square miles)
Ukraine, the largest country entirely within Europe, is known for its
Orthodox churches, Black Sea coastline, and forested mountains. It's
home to diverse cultures and languages, with Ukrainian being the
official language. The capital, Kyiv, is notable for its gold-domed
St. Sophia's Cathedral. Ukraine has a rich historical heritage with
numerous cultural monuments and archaeological sites.