The Largest Countries In Europe

The total surface area of Europe is approximately 3,930,000 square miles and the population as of 2016 was 741,447,158, which was 11% of the world’s population. Europe covers about 2% of the whole surface of Earth and 6.8% of the land area. Europe is made up of 50 countries with Russia being the largest occupying 39% of the total land area in Europe. Europe is the world's sixth largest continent by land area.

The Biggest Countries in Europe by Land Area

1. Russia - 3,972,400 sq km

Russia is the largest country in Europe by land area. Also called the Russian Federation, Russia is not only the largest country in Europe but also the largest in the world. The whole of Russia has a total land area of 17,098,242 square km, with 3,972,400 sq km of the country considered to be part of Europe. 77% of the total population of the country lives on the European side. Moscow is the capital city and is the largest city in Russia.

2. Ukraine - 605,628 sq km

Ukraine covers a total land area of 605,628 sq km and a population of about 42 million people. The capital is Kiev, which is also the largest city in the country. The official language in the country is Ukrainian. Ukraine is a significant producer and exporter of wheat and several other grains. The country has the second largest military in Europe after Russia.

3. France - 551,394 sq km

France has a surface area of about 551,394 sq km, making it the largest country in the European Union and the third largest country in Europe overall. The country is located in Western Europe with Paris as its capital. France has five overseas departments namely Guadeloupe in the Caribbean, French Guiana in South America, Martinique in the Caribbean, Mayotte island, and Reunion in Africa. The overseas regions are considered part of France and have equal representation in the country.

4. Spain - 498,468 sq km

Spain is found in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It is the fourth largest country in Europe. The capital and largest city in Spain is Madrid, while the second largest city is Barcelona. Spain is a popular tourist destination.

5. Sweden - 449,964 sq km

Sweden is the fifth largest country in Europe by land area with a total of 449,964 sq km. It is found in the northern part of the continent, bordering Finland, Norway, and Denmark. The largest city in Sweden is Stockholm.

6. Norway - 385,178 sq km

Sweden's neighbor of Norway is the sixth largest country in Europe. It has a total land area of 385,178 square km. Norway, which is found in northwestern Europe, has Oslo as its capital and largest city.

7. Germany - 357,168 sq km

Germany is a country found in Central Europe. It is the seventh largest country on the continent, with a total land area of 357,168 sq km. Germany is also the second most populated country in Europe, after only Russia.

8. Finland - 338,145 sq km

Finland is Europe's eighth largest country. It has a land area of 338,145 sq km. Finland borders Russia, Norway, and Sweden. Its largest city and capital is Helsinki.

9. Poland - 312,338 sq km

Poland is Europe's ninth largest country by land area. It has a total land area of 312,338 square km. Poland borders a number of countries, namely Germany, Lithuania, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.

10. Italy - 301,338 sq km

Italy is Europe's tenth largest country. It has a total of 301,338 square km. Italy shares its land borders with four countries: France, Austria, Switzerland, and Slovenia.

Are Europe and Asia separate continents?

Together, Europe and Asia are often referred to as Eurasia because of the lack of a definitive border between the two continents of Europe and Asia. However, by most definitions Europe and Asia are considered to be separate continents. Several countries like Russia and Turkey that are located on the Europe-Asia border are called transcontinental countries.