The Largest Countries In Europe

Europe stretches across an estimated 10 million km² and has a population of about 743 million people. It ranks as the sixth-largest continent, covering approximately 6.8% of Earth's land. A highly diverse continent, Europe's highest point is Mt. Elbrus, located in Russia at 18,506 feet (5,642 meters), while its lowest point is in the Caspian Sea, also in Russia, at -92 feet (-28 meters).

Despite being substantially smaller than the Asian continent, there are 50 independent states within Europe's boundaries, compared to Asia's 48. This diverse continent boasts a wide range of geographical features, encompassing breathtaking mountain ranges and expansive coastal regions. These are the ten largest countries in Europe, ranked by the total area of their territories in the European contitnet.

10. Italy - 301,958 km²

Italy is the tenth largest country in Europe. Italy is a cultural powerhouse, consistently pioneering new trends in the world of fashion, music, and cuisine. Italy was also the birthplace of the Renaissance, with many monuments and art from that era still attracting a significant number of tourists. Northern Italy is a mountainous region that experiences frigid temperatures during the winter months and humid, hot weather during the summer months.

9. Poland - 312,679 km²

Poland covers 312,679 square kilometers, making it the ninth-largest European country. It shares its borders with seven countries. Poland's landscape is primarily flat, with vast plains dominating much of the country, though there are some mountainous regions in the south. Much of Poland's economy comes from its agricultural, industrial, and services industries.

8. Norway - 323,772 km²

Norway is the sixth-largest country in Europe. Unbeknownst to many, Norway boasts the second-largest coastline in the world, stretching 58,133 kilometers. Thanks to its geographical position, Norway enjoys a thriving fishing industry, ranking first globally.

7. Finland - 336,884 km²

Finland, also known as the "Land of a Thousand Lakes," thanks to its more than 188,000 lakes, is a fascinating country with unique geographical features. Around 75% of Finland is covered in forests, while the northern region of Lapland is a mix of boreal forests and tundra. This area is also home to some of the most ethereal and beautiful auroras (commonly known as Northern Lights) on the planet.

6. Germany - 357,587 km²

Germany, at 357,587 square kilometers, offers a diverse landscape network, including the Alps, the North German Plain, and central forested regions. This country is also an export giant, consistently ranking among the top for automobiles and other machinery, thanks to its highly skilled workforce. Given its excellent economy, Germany is one of the top creditor nations in Europe.

5. Sweden - 438,574 km²

Sweden covers a total land area of 438,574 square kilometers. The Scandinavian nation is home to a unique blend of mountain ranges, boreal forests, and tundra in the north. Despite being near the Arctic, residents experience relatively mild weather in the coastal areas. And thanks to its strong welfare system, the people of Sweden consistently rank among the happiest people in the world.

4. Spain - 498,485 km²

Spain is the fourth-largest country in Europe. This Mediterranean country boasts a wide range of landscapes—from the sunny, dry terrains close to Morocco to the magnificent peaks in the Pyrenees Mountains—and Spaniards are accustomed to it all. Spain also claims the 15th largest economy in the world, with tourism and the industrial sector playing vital roles in the country's economic landscape.

3. France - 543,941 km²

France occupies a surface area of 543,941 square kilometers. The French-speaking nation ranks as the largest country in the European Union and the third-largest in Europe. In addition to its mainland territory, France has multiple overseas territories, including Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guiana in South America. Among many notable regions, the French Riviera features a year-round mild climate and is home to some of the most magnificent beaches in the world.

2. Ukraine - 603,549 km²

Ukraine is the second-largest country in Europe, encompassing a massive 603,549 square kilometers. Ukraine also boasts a massive coastline that borders the Black Sea, extending 2,700 km long (1,677 miles). The overall population of Ukraine is roughly 42 million people, though this figure varies, as many have moved out in recent years due to geopolitical factors. A significant chunk of Ukraine's economy is tied to its agricultural sector, making it one of the largest exporters of grain products globally, earning it the nickname "the world's breadbasket."

1. Russia, 3,952,550 km²

Russia is the largest country in Europe and the world by a significant margin. For context, it extends across Asia all the way into Europe. While its total area is 17,098,242 square kilometers, only 23% is located in Europe. But fascinatingly, a staggering 77% of Russia's 145 million residents live in the European part due to the milder climate and the fact that most of its major cities, such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, were built closer to the European side. The Russian Federation's most populous city is Moscow, which also happens to be its capital.

Are Europe and Asia separate continents?

It is worth noting that historically, Europe and Asia have traditionally been considered separate continents. However, geographically, they form a continuous landmass known as Eurasia that stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific region. Intriguingly, Eurasia encompasses approximately 55 million square kilometers, covering up around 36% of our planet's land area. A few notable countries that share land from both continents include Russia and Turkey. For a deeper dive into this topic, check out our comprehensive coverage of Eurasia.

Countries In Europe Ranked By Size

a: Contiguously Transcontinental - Comprising European Russia. Excludes annexations that are internationally recognized as part of Ukraine. Total area is 17,035,650 km²  when including Siberia or North Asia (13,083,100 km²).

b: Includes Crimea (26,945 km²) and other territory annexed by Russia but internationally recognized as part of Ukraine.

c: Transcontinental - Mainland France (535,261 km²) and Corsica (8,680 km²) comprise European France or Metropolitan France. Total area is 633,109 km² when including Overseas departments (89,168 km²).

d: Transcontinental - Excluding Ceuta (19 km²), Melilla (12 km²), and the Canary Islands (7,493 km²). Total area is 506,009 km².

e: Excludes Aland.

f: Excludes Svalbard.

g: Transcontinental - Excluding the African islands of Pantelleria (25 km²) and Lampedusa e Linosa (85 km²). Total area including these is 302,068 km².

h: Constituent countries have area 130,462 km² (England), 14,333 km² (Northern Ireland), 78,803 km² (Scotland) and 20,782 km² (Wales). Figures may not include coastal water.

i: Contiguously Transcontinental - European portion is about 5% of total area, with the rest in Central Asia. Nine districts are entirely in Europe, but the Ural river runs through the middle of four districts (Akzhaik, Inder, Makhambet, and Atyrau). Value given is a point estimate between entirely excluding (122,176 km²) or including (174,814 km²) these four districts. Overall area is 2,724,902 km².

j: Transcontinental - Including the islands just off the coast of Asia Minor, such as Rhodes, Kos, Samos, Chios, Lesbos, Kastellorizo, Strongyli Megistis, and Ro.

k: Transcontinental - Excluding Madeira (801 km²). Total area is 92,225 km2.

l: Area is from official figures, but excluding Kosovo.

m: Transcontinental - Excludes the Faroe Islands and Greenland.

n: Transcontinental - Area is 34,651 km² when including the Caribbean Netherlands (322 km²).

o: Contiguously Transcontinental - European Turkey or East Thrace comprises the entire provinces of Tekirdağ, Kırklareli and Edirne, as well as the portion of Istanbul Province west of the Bosporus Strait and the portion of Çanakkale Province north of the Dardanelles Strait. Total area is 769,734 km² when including Asia Minor or Anatolia (745,978 km²).

p: Contiguously Transcontinental - The Guba-Khachmaz Economic Region comprises Azerbaijan's land north of the Caucasus. Some definitions of the Europe-Asia border place more of Azerbaijan in Europe. Total area is 86,600 km².

q: Contiguously Transcontinental - The historically defined regions of Khevi, Khevsureti and Tusheti comprise Georgia's area north of the Greater Caucasus. Some definitions place the Europe-Asia border inside of Georgia. Total area is 69,700 km².

r: Area and population are from official figures.

s: The De Agostini Atlas Calendar listed the area of Vatican City as 0.44 km² in its 1930 edition but corrected it to 0.49 km² in its 1945–46 edition. The figure of 0.44 km² is still widely cited by many sources despite its inaccuracy.

t: Culturally European - Culturally but often not geographically in Europe, so total figures are given.

u: Culturally European - Culturally but often not geographically in Europe, so total figures are given. Not including Northern Cyprus or Akrotiri and Dhekelia.