Europe Map

Europe stretches from Iceland in the North Atlantic to the Ural Mountains in Russia, and from the Arctic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. This continent contains 44 countries with extraordinary geographic diversity — from Scandinavian fjords to Mediterranean islands, from the vast plains of Russia to the peaks of the Alps and Caucasus.

44 Maps 20-30 min

Click a country to jump to its study card

Study the Countries

Albania

Borders: Montenegro, North Macedonia, Greece, Kosovo

Area: 28,748 km² · Coastline: 362 km

Albania lies on the southeastern coast of the Adriatic Sea in the western Balkans. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, North Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south. The terrain is mostly mountainous with a narrow coastal plain along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts.

Shape: A small, narrow country on the western Balkans coast, roughly rectangular and oriented north-south along the Adriatic Sea.

Fun Facts

Albania has over 750 km of coastline along both the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
About 70% of Albania is mountainous terrain.
Albania is located directly across the Strait of Otranto from Italy, just 72 km away.

Austria

Borders: Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein

Area: 83,871 km² · Landlocked

Austria is a landlocked Alpine country in Central Europe, bordered by eight countries. The eastern Alps dominate the western and southern parts, while the Danube valley and the Pannonian lowland occupy the east. The country stretches east-west with its narrowest point in the west at Vorarlberg.

Shape: An elongated country stretching east-west through the Alps, significantly wider in the east than in the narrow western end.

Fun Facts

Austria borders eight countries — the joint-most of any European country along with Germany.
About 62% of Austria is covered by the Alps.
The Danube River flows through the northern part of Austria for about 350 km.

Armenia

Borders: Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran

Area: 29,743 km² · Landlocked

Armenia is a landlocked mountainous country in the South Caucasus, bordered by Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, Turkey to the west, and Iran to the south. The terrain is dominated by the Armenian Highlands with elevations mostly above 1,000 meters.

Shape: A small, compact landlocked country in the southern Caucasus, located south of Georgia and west of Azerbaijan.

Fun Facts

Armenia is one of the most mountainous countries in the world, with 90% above 1,000 meters.
Mount Ararat, Armenia's national symbol, is visible from the capital but lies across the border in Turkey.
Armenia is landlocked and borders four countries.

Azerbaijan

Borders: Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Turkey, Iran

Area: 86,600 km² · Coastline: 713 km

Azerbaijan is the largest South Caucasus country, on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. It is bordered by Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west, Iran to the south, and Turkey via the Nakhchivan exclave. The terrain varies from Caucasus peaks in the north to lowland plains in the center.

Shape: The easternmost Caucasus country, with the Caspian Sea forming its entire eastern border and the Absheron Peninsula jutting out.

Fun Facts

Azerbaijan has over 700 km of Caspian Sea coastline.
The Nakhchivan exclave is separated from the main territory by Armenia.
Azerbaijan is the largest of the three South Caucasus nations.

Belarus

Borders: Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia

Area: 207,600 km² · Landlocked

Belarus is a large landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia to the east, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. The terrain is predominantly flat with extensive forests, marshes, and numerous rivers and lakes. The Pripyat Marshes in the south are among the largest wetland areas in Europe.

Shape: A large, roughly rectangular country east of Poland and south of the Baltic states, entirely landlocked.

Fun Facts

About 40% of Belarus is covered by forests, earning it the nickname "Lungs of Europe."
Belarus is one of the flattest countries in Europe with its highest point at only 346 meters.
The Pripyat Marshes in southern Belarus are Europe's largest natural wetland.

Belgium

Borders: Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France

Area: 30,689 km² · Coastline: 67 km

Belgium is in western Europe, bordered by the Netherlands to the north, Germany to the east, Luxembourg to the southeast, and France to the south and west. It has a short North Sea coastline. The terrain rises from coastal plains through a central plateau to the forested Ardennes hills in the southeast.

Shape: A compact, roughly trapezoidal country between France and the Netherlands, wider in the east.

Fun Facts

Belgium borders four countries despite being one of Europe's smallest nations.
Brussels serves as the de facto capital of the European Union.
Belgium has the highest population density of any large European country.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Borders: Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro

Area: 51,197 km² · Coastline: 20 km

Bosnia and Herzegovina is in the western Balkans, bordered by Croatia to the north, west, and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast. The country is predominantly mountainous with dense forests. It has a tiny 20 km coastline on the Adriatic Sea at Neum.

Shape: A roughly triangular country in the western Balkans, almost entirely enclosed by Croatia, with the triangle pointing south.

Fun Facts

Bosnia and Herzegovina has only 20 km of coastline — the shortest of any coastal European country.
About 50% of the country is covered by forest.
The country is almost entirely surrounded by Croatia, which wraps around its northern and western borders.

Bulgaria

Borders: Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, Turkey

Area: 110,879 km² · Coastline: 354 km

Bulgaria is located in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east. The Balkan Mountains run east-west through the center of the country, dividing the Danubian Plain in the north from the Thracian Plain in the south.

Shape: A roughly rectangular country in the eastern Balkans, with the Black Sea forming its eastern edge.

Fun Facts

Bulgaria borders five countries and the Black Sea.
The Danube River forms most of Bulgaria's northern border with Romania.
Bulgaria has diverse terrain from Black Sea beaches to mountains over 2,900 meters.

Croatia

Borders: Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro

Area: 56,594 km² · Coastline: 5,835 km

Croatia has one of Europe's most distinctive shapes, forming a crescent around Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is bordered by Slovenia to the northwest, Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the south and east, and Montenegro to the far south. The long Adriatic coastline is famous for its islands and clear waters.

Shape: A uniquely shaped country forming a crescent or boomerang — a flat northern portion and a long thin coastal strip along the Adriatic wrapping around Bosnia.

Fun Facts

Croatia has over 1,200 islands along its Adriatic coast.
Croatia's unusual crescent shape wraps almost entirely around Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Adriatic coastline stretches over 5,800 km including islands.

Cyprus

Area: 9,251 km² · Coastline: 648 km

Cyprus is an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey and west of Syria and Lebanon. It is the third-largest Mediterranean island. The terrain features two mountain ranges — the Troodos in the center and the Kyrenia range in the north — separated by a fertile central plain.

Shape: An island in the eastern Mediterranean with a distinctive rectangular shape and a pointed peninsula extending to the northeast.

Fun Facts

Cyprus is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean after Sicily and Sardinia.
Cyprus has no land borders — its nearest neighbor is Turkey, about 75 km to the north.
The island sits at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Czechia

Borders: Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Austria

Area: 78,871 km² · Landlocked

Czechia is a landlocked country in Central Europe, bordered by Germany to the west, Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, and Austria to the south. The western part (Bohemia) is a basin ringed by low mountains, while the eastern part (Moravia) features rolling hills and the western Carpathians.

Shape: A distinctive shape resembling a pointing hand or arrowhead, wider in the west (Bohemia) and tapering eastward.

Fun Facts

Czechia is almost entirely enclosed by mountain ranges forming natural borders.
The country sits at the watershed of three seas: the North Sea, Baltic Sea, and Black Sea.
Czechia officially adopted its short name in 2016 alongside "Czech Republic."

Denmark

Borders: Germany

Area: 43,094 km² · Coastline: 7,314 km

Denmark is the southernmost Nordic country, consisting of the Jutland Peninsula and over 400 islands. It is bordered by Germany to the south and surrounded by the North Sea and Baltic Sea. The terrain is mostly flat with gently rolling plains and no point is more than 52 km from the sea.

Shape: A small peninsula extending northward from Germany with several large islands to the east.

Fun Facts

Denmark consists of the Jutland Peninsula and over 400 islands.
No point in Denmark is more than 52 km from the sea.
Denmark connects to Sweden via the 16 km Oresund Bridge.

Estonia

Borders: Latvia, Russia

Area: 45,228 km² · Coastline: 3,794 km

Estonia is the northernmost Baltic state, bordered by Latvia to the south, Russia to the east, and the Gulf of Finland to the north. The terrain is mostly flat with many lakes and forests. Over 2,200 islands dot its western and northern coasts.

Shape: A compact, roughly rectangular country at the top of the three Baltic states, with many islands to the west.

Fun Facts

Estonia has over 2,200 islands along its coast.
Estonia is just 80 km from Finland across the Gulf of Finland.
About 50% of Estonia is covered by forest.

Finland

Borders: Sweden, Norway, Russia

Area: 338,455 km² · Coastline: 1,250 km

Finland is in northeastern Europe between Sweden, Norway, and Russia. Known as the "Land of a Thousand Lakes," it actually has about 188,000 lakes. The terrain is mostly flat with thick boreal forests covering about 75% of the land. It extends well above the Arctic Circle in the north.

Shape: An elongated country shaped like a raised arm, stretching north from the Gulf of Finland.

Fun Facts

Finland has approximately 188,000 lakes.
About 75% of Finland is forested — the most in Europe.
Finland shares a 1,340 km border with Russia, its longest.

France

Borders: Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Andorra, Monaco

Area: 643,801 km² · Coastline: 3,427 km

France is the largest country in Western Europe, bordered by Belgium and Luxembourg to the north, Germany and Switzerland to the east, Italy and Monaco to the southeast, Spain and Andorra to the southwest. It has coastlines on the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea. The terrain ranges from northern plains to the Alps and Pyrenees mountains.

Shape: A large hexagonal country (nicknamed "l'Hexagone") in western Europe, with distinctive coastlines on three sides.

Fun Facts

France is the largest country in the EU by area and is often called "l'Hexagone" for its shape.
France borders eight countries — tied with Germany for the most in Europe.
France has coastlines on three bodies of water: the English Channel, Atlantic, and Mediterranean.

Georgia

Borders: Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey

Area: 69,700 km² · Coastline: 310 km

Georgia sits in the northwestern South Caucasus, with a Black Sea coastline to the west. It is bordered by Russia to the north along the Greater Caucasus range, Azerbaijan to the east, Armenia to the south, and Turkey to the southwest. The Greater Caucasus Mountains form a dramatic northern wall.

Shape: The northwesternmost Caucasus country, facing the Black Sea, with mountain ranges along the northern border.

Fun Facts

Georgia is the only South Caucasus country with a Black Sea coast.
The Greater Caucasus along Georgia's northern border includes peaks over 5,000 meters.
Georgia sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

Germany

Borders: Denmark, Poland, Czechia, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands

Area: 357,022 km² · Coastline: 2,389 km

Germany is the most populous country in the EU, located in Central Europe. It borders nine countries and has coastlines on both the North Sea and Baltic Sea. The terrain rises from the North German Plain in the north through central uplands to the Bavarian Alps in the south. Major rivers include the Rhine, Elbe, and Danube.

Shape: A large country in the center of Europe, wider in the south and tapering to the north where it meets the sea.

Fun Facts

Germany borders nine countries — the most of any European nation.
Germany has coastlines on both the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
The Rhine River forms much of Germany's western border with France.

Greece

Borders: Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey

Area: 131,957 km² · Coastline: 13,676 km

Greece occupies the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula and includes over 6,000 islands in the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean seas. It is bordered by Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria to the north, and Turkey to the northeast. About 80% of the mainland is mountainous.

Shape: A country at the southern tip of the Balkans with a very irregular coastline and a distinctive peninsular shape (Peloponnese) connected by an isthmus.

Fun Facts

Greece has over 6,000 islands, of which about 227 are inhabited.
Greece has the longest coastline in Europe and one of the longest in the world.
About 80% of Greece is mountainous.

Hungary

Borders: Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria

Area: 93,028 km² · Landlocked

Hungary is a landlocked country in the Carpathian Basin, bordered by seven countries. The country is predominantly flat, dominated by the Great Hungarian Plain in the east and the Transdanubian Hills in the west, bisected by the Danube River flowing north to south.

Shape: A roughly oval country in the center of the Carpathian Basin, wider east to west.

Fun Facts

Hungary borders seven countries — more than any other in the Visegrad group.
Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe.
The Danube flows through Hungary for about 417 km.

Iceland

Area: 103,000 km² · Coastline: 4,970 km

Iceland is an island nation in the North Atlantic on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, between Greenland and Norway. It has no land borders. The landscape is shaped by volcanic activity and glaciation, with geysers, lava fields, hot springs, and glaciers covering about 11% of the surface.

Shape: A compact, roughly oval island in the North Atlantic, clearly separated from mainland Europe.

Fun Facts

Iceland sits on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where two tectonic plates pull apart.
About 11% of Iceland is covered by glaciers.
Iceland averages a volcanic eruption every 4-5 years.

Ireland

Borders: United Kingdom

Area: 70,273 km² · Coastline: 1,448 km

Ireland occupies most of the island of Ireland in the North Atlantic, west of Great Britain. It shares the island with Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom). The terrain features a central lowland plain surrounded by coastal mountains, with many rivers and lakes.

Shape: An island west of Great Britain, roughly diamond-shaped with an irregular coastline.

Fun Facts

Ireland's only land border is with the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland).
The Shannon is the longest river in Ireland and the British Isles at 360 km.
Ireland is known as the "Emerald Isle" due to its lush green landscape.

Italy

Borders: France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, San Marino, Vatican City

Area: 301,340 km² · Coastline: 7,600 km

Italy is a boot-shaped peninsula extending into the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by France to the northwest, Switzerland and Austria to the north, and Slovenia to the northeast. The Alps form the northern border, while the Apennine Mountains run the length of the peninsula. Italy includes the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.

Shape: One of the most recognizable shapes in the world — a boot kicking a ball (Sicily) into the Mediterranean.

Fun Facts

Italy's boot shape makes it one of the most recognizable countries on any map.
Italy contains two independent microstates: Vatican City and San Marino.
The Alps form Italy's entire northern border.

Latvia

Borders: Estonia, Lithuania, Belarus, Russia

Area: 64,589 km² · Coastline: 498 km

Latvia is the middle Baltic state, bordered by Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, Belarus to the southeast, and Russia to the east. Its coastline faces the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga. The landscape is mostly flat lowland plains with gentle hills in the east.

Shape: The middle of the three Baltic states, with the Gulf of Riga indenting the western coast.

Fun Facts

Latvia has four neighbors, making it the most-bordered Baltic state.
The Gulf of Riga is almost entirely enclosed by Latvian and Estonian territory.
About 54% of Latvia is covered by forests.

Lithuania

Borders: Latvia, Belarus, Poland, Russia

Area: 65,300 km² · Coastline: 90 km

Lithuania is the southernmost and largest Baltic state, bordered by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east, Poland to the south, and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad to the southwest. The terrain is predominantly flat with gentle hills and numerous lakes.

Shape: The southernmost Baltic state, roughly diamond-shaped, slightly larger than its neighbors.

Fun Facts

Lithuania is the largest and most populated Baltic state.
Lithuania borders the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.
The geographic center of Europe is claimed to be near Vilnius.

Luxembourg

Borders: Belgium, Germany, France

Area: 2,586 km² · Landlocked

Luxembourg is a tiny landlocked country in western Europe, bordered by Belgium to the west, Germany to the east, and France to the south. The northern third is part of the Ardennes plateau, while the southern two-thirds features rolling farmland.

Shape: A very small, roughly triangular country wedged between Belgium, Germany, and France.

Fun Facts

Luxembourg is one of the smallest sovereign nations in Europe.
Despite its tiny size, Luxembourg borders three countries.
Luxembourg is a founding member of the EU, NATO, and the United Nations.

Moldova

Borders: Romania, Ukraine

Area: 33,846 km² · Landlocked

Moldova is a small landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered by Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south. The terrain is predominantly rolling steppe with fertile black soil. The Dniester and Prut rivers define much of its borders.

Shape: A small, elongated country between Romania and Ukraine, oriented roughly north-south.

Fun Facts

Moldova is almost entirely enclosed by Romania and Ukraine.
The Prut River forms Moldova's entire western border with Romania.
Moldova is one of the smallest and least-visited countries in Europe.

Montenegro

Borders: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Albania, Kosovo

Area: 13,812 km² · Coastline: 294 km

Montenegro is a small Adriatic country in the western Balkans, bordered by Croatia and Bosnia to the north, Serbia to the east, Kosovo to the east, and Albania to the south. Despite its small size, it has dramatic landscapes from the Adriatic coast to mountain peaks over 2,500 meters.

Shape: A small, compact country on the Adriatic coast in the central Balkans, south of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Fun Facts

Montenegro's name means "Black Mountain" in Venetian Italian.
The Bay of Kotor is the deepest natural fjord-like bay in the Mediterranean.
Montenegro is one of Europe's newest independent nations (2006).

Netherlands

Borders: Belgium, Germany

Area: 41,543 km² · Coastline: 451 km

The Netherlands is in northwestern Europe, bordered by Belgium to the south, Germany to the east, and the North Sea to the north and west. About one-third of the country lies below sea level, protected by dikes and dams. The Rhine, Meuse, and Scheldt rivers flow to the sea through its territory.

Shape: A compact country at the mouth of the Rhine with a curved North Sea coastline, widening from south to north.

Fun Facts

About one-third of the Netherlands lies below sea level.
The Dutch have reclaimed vast areas of land from the sea.
The Netherlands has over 6,000 km of navigable waterways.

North Macedonia

Borders: Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, Kosovo

Area: 25,713 km² · Landlocked

North Macedonia is a landlocked country in the central Balkans, bordered by Serbia to the north, Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south, and Albania to the west. The terrain is mostly mountainous with deep valleys and basins. Lake Ohrid on the Albanian border is one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes.

Shape: A compact, roughly square landlocked country in the central Balkans, south of Serbia and north of Greece.

Fun Facts

Lake Ohrid on the Albanian border is one of Europe's oldest lakes, over 1 million years old.
North Macedonia is entirely landlocked and surrounded by five territories.
The country changed its name from "Macedonia" to "North Macedonia" in 2019.

Norway

Borders: Sweden, Finland, Russia

Area: 385,207 km² · Coastline: 25,148 km

Norway occupies the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, stretching from the North Sea well above the Arctic Circle. It is bordered by Sweden along its entire eastern edge, and Finland and Russia in the far northeast. The western coastline is deeply indented with thousands of fjords.

Shape: A very long, narrow country along the western Scandinavian coast, wider in the south and tapering northward.

Fun Facts

Norway's coastline stretches over 25,000 km — one of the world's longest.
Norway extends further north than most of Iceland.
Norway shares its longest border with Sweden at about 1,630 km.

Poland

Borders: Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Russia

Area: 312,696 km² · Coastline: 440 km

Poland is a large Central European country bordering the Baltic Sea to the north, Germany to the west, Czechia and Slovakia to the south, and Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia (Kaliningrad) to the east and northeast. The terrain is mostly flat in the north and center, rising to the Carpathians and Sudeten mountains in the south.

Shape: A large, roughly square country with a Baltic Sea coast along the top and Carpathian Mountains along the southern border.

Fun Facts

Poland borders seven countries including Russia's Kaliningrad exclave.
Poland is the sixth-largest country in the EU.
The Vistula River, Poland's longest, flows from the Carpathians to the Baltic.

Portugal

Borders: Spain

Area: 92,212 km² · Coastline: 1,794 km

Portugal occupies the western edge of the Iberian Peninsula, bordered by Spain to the north and east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and west. The terrain is varied: mountainous in the north, rolling plains in the south (Alentejo), and dramatic cliffs along the Algarve coast.

Shape: A narrow, elongated country on the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, running north-south along the Atlantic.

Fun Facts

Portugal has only one land neighbor: Spain.
Cape Roca in Portugal is the westernmost point of mainland Europe.
The Tagus River, shared with Spain, divides Portugal roughly in half.

Romania

Borders: Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary

Area: 238,397 km² · Coastline: 225 km

Romania is located in southeastern Europe, bordered by Ukraine to the north, Moldova to the northeast, Bulgaria to the south, Serbia to the southwest, and Hungary to the west. The Carpathian Mountains arc through the center of the country, surrounded by hills, plains, and the Danube Delta on the Black Sea coast.

Shape: A large, roughly circular country in southeastern Europe with the Carpathian arc curving through its center.

Fun Facts

The Carpathian Mountains form an arc through Romania covering about one-third of the country.
The Danube Delta, where the river meets the Black Sea, is Europe's best-preserved river delta.
Romania borders five countries and the Black Sea.

Russia

Borders: Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan

Area: 17,098,242 km² · Coastline: 37,653 km

Russia is by far the world's largest country, spanning Europe and Asia. In Europe, its western portion extends from the Arctic Ocean to the Black and Caspian seas. The European part includes the vast East European Plain, bound by the Ural Mountains in the east. The Kaliningrad exclave sits between Poland and Lithuania on the Baltic.

Shape: An enormous country dominating the eastern portion of the European map, extending far to the east with the Kaliningrad exclave on the Baltic.

Fun Facts

Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning 11 time zones.
European Russia alone is larger than any other European country.
The Kaliningrad exclave on the Baltic is separated from mainland Russia by other countries.

Serbia

Borders: Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia

Area: 77,474 km² · Landlocked

Serbia is a landlocked country in the central Balkans, bordered by eight countries and territories. The northern third (Vojvodina) is flat and fertile, part of the Pannonian Plain, while the south is mountainous. The Danube and Sava rivers converge at Belgrade.

Shape: A medium-sized country in the central Balkans, roughly heart-shaped, with flat northern plains and mountainous south.

Fun Facts

Serbia borders eight countries or territories — more than any other Balkan nation.
The Danube and Sava rivers meet at Belgrade, Serbia's capital.
Northern Serbia (Vojvodina) is one of Europe's most fertile agricultural regions.

Slovakia

Borders: Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Austria, Czechia

Area: 49,035 km² · Landlocked

Slovakia is a landlocked Central European country bordered by Poland to the north, Ukraine to the east, Hungary to the south, Austria to the southwest, and Czechia to the west. The Carpathian Mountains dominate the north, while the Danubian Lowland lies in the south.

Shape: An elongated country stretching east-west, narrower in the middle, south of Poland and north of Hungary.

Fun Facts

Slovakia has the highest number of castles per capita in the world.
The Tatra Mountains on the Polish-Slovak border are the highest in the Carpathians.
Slovakia borders five countries.

Slovenia

Borders: Italy, Austria, Hungary, Croatia

Area: 20,273 km² · Coastline: 47 km

Slovenia is a small country at the crossroads of Central and Southern Europe, bordered by Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Hungary to the northeast, and Croatia to the south and east. It has a tiny Adriatic coastline of just 47 km. The Julian Alps dominate the northwest, including Mount Triglav, the country's symbol.

Shape: A small, compact country shaped like a chicken, wedged between the Alps and the Adriatic, north of Croatia.

Fun Facts

Slovenia has only 47 km of Adriatic coastline.
Over 60% of Slovenia is covered by forest.
Slovenia is the only country that has "love" in its English name.

Spain

Borders: Portugal, France, Andorra

Area: 505,990 km² · Coastline: 4,964 km

Spain occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, bordered by Portugal to the west, France to the northeast, and Andorra in the Pyrenees. It has coastlines on the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Bay of Biscay. The interior is dominated by the Meseta Central, a high plateau.

Shape: A large, roughly square country forming most of the Iberian Peninsula, with coasts on the Mediterranean and Atlantic.

Fun Facts

Spain is the second-largest country in the EU by area.
The Pyrenees form a natural wall along Spain's entire border with France.
Spain has more surface area above 500 meters than any other European country except Switzerland.

Sweden

Borders: Norway, Finland

Area: 450,295 km² · Coastline: 3,218 km

Sweden is the largest Nordic country, occupying the eastern side of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It is bordered by Norway to the west and Finland to the northeast, with a long Baltic Sea coastline to the east. The country stretches from temperate farmland in the south to subarctic wilderness above the Arctic Circle.

Shape: A long, elongated country forming the eastern half of the Scandinavian Peninsula, wider in the south.

Fun Facts

Sweden is the largest Nordic country and fifth-largest in Europe.
About 65% of Sweden is covered by forest.
Sweden has about 100,000 lakes.

Switzerland

Borders: Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Liechtenstein

Area: 41,285 km² · Landlocked

Switzerland is a landlocked country in the heart of Western Europe, bordered by Germany to the north, France to the west, Italy to the south, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. The Alps cover about 60% of the country in the south, while the Jura Mountains form the northwestern border. The Swiss Plateau between them holds most of the population.

Shape: A compact, roughly rectangular country in the Alps, located between Germany, France, Italy, and Austria.

Fun Facts

Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh.
The Alps cover about 60% of Switzerland's territory.
Switzerland borders five countries despite being a small country.

Turkey

Borders: Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Syria

Area: 783,356 km² · Coastline: 7,200 km

Turkey straddles Europe and Asia, with its small European portion (East Thrace) bordered by Greece and Bulgaria. The much larger Asian portion (Anatolia) is bounded by the Black Sea to the north, the Mediterranean to the south, and the Aegean to the west. The terrain features a high central plateau flanked by mountain ranges.

Shape: A large, roughly rectangular country bridging Europe and Asia, with a small portion west of the Bosporus in Europe.

Fun Facts

Turkey spans two continents, with about 3% of its territory in Europe.
The Bosporus Strait at Istanbul separates Europe from Asia.
Turkey has coastlines on four seas: the Black Sea, Mediterranean, Aegean, and Sea of Marmara.

Ukraine

Borders: Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova

Area: 603,550 km² · Coastline: 2,782 km

Ukraine is the largest country entirely within Europe, located in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Russia to the east, Belarus to the north, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west, Romania and Moldova to the southwest. The terrain is predominantly flat steppe with fertile black soil, with the Carpathians in the west and coastline on the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.

Shape: A large, irregularly shaped country in Eastern Europe, wider in the south with a Black Sea coastline.

Fun Facts

Ukraine is the largest country entirely within Europe by area.
Ukraine borders seven countries.
The Ukrainian steppe contains some of the world's most fertile soil (chernozem).

United Kingdom

Borders: Ireland

Area: 243,610 km² · Coastline: 12,429 km

The United Kingdom is an island nation off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe, comprising Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) and Northern Ireland. It is separated from France by the English Channel (34 km at its narrowest). The terrain varies from the Scottish Highlands to the lowland plains of England.

Shape: A distinctive island group northwest of France — Great Britain is one of the most recognizable shapes on any world map.

Fun Facts

The UK's only land border is between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Great Britain is the largest island in Europe.
The English Channel separates the UK from France by just 34 km at its narrowest.

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Can you identify these countries on the map?

About Europe Geography

Europe is the world's second-smallest continent by area but third-most populous, home to 44 countries with extraordinary geographic diversity. From the Arctic tundra of Scandinavia to the Mediterranean warmth of Greece, and from the Atlantic shores of Portugal to the Ural Mountains of Russia, Europe's compact size belies its remarkable variety of landscapes, climates, and cultures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many countries are in Europe?

Europe has 44 internationally recognized countries (or more depending on how transcontinental nations like Turkey, Russia, and the Caucasus states are counted). This lesson covers 44 countries that appear on the Europe SVG map.

Which is the largest country in Europe?

Russia is the largest country that spans Europe (and Asia). Ukraine is the largest country entirely within Europe at 603,550 km², followed by France at 643,801 km² (including overseas territories).

Which European country borders the most other countries?

Germany borders nine countries (Denmark, Poland, Czechia, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands), making it the most-bordered nation in Europe.