A land of contrasts, rich in history, an amazing cultural legacy, and iconic landmarks, Europe is defined by its beautiful countries, brimming with natural wonders and awe-inspiring architecture. And, these countries, particularly the largest ones, mark Europe's wonderful story carved by the eons of the past.
From Europe's oldest cities that were founded before 1000 BCE, which all boast amazing architecture, to discovering the road less traveled with the undiscovered gems, these largest countries have their own unique character and tell a story of beauty and resilience.
Unsurprisingly, Europe has so much to offer all types of travelers wanting to explore this jewel of a continent. It is also home to the largest country in the world, Russia, which has the world's deepest lake and is also the oldest.
Besides Russia, which also extends to Asia, here are the largest countries in Europe by landmass.
Related
246 Feet Below Sea Level Is Europe's Largest Underwater Tunnel
Lying deep underneath the strip of water between England and France lies Europe's largest underwater tunnel, but why is it there and how is it used?
Posts
9 Italy
Approximate total landmass: 74.4 million acres
Close
Italy's landscapes are as diverse as its cultural landmarks -- from the Renaissance masterpieces to the beautiful peaks of the Apennine Mountains and the long Mediterranean coast. All these occupy Italy's 74 million acres, making it one of the largest countries in Europe by landmass.
With so many landmarks in Italy that go beyond Rome's best tourist spots, it's hard to decide which one that travelers should visit first. But with the country's exquisite cuisine, which has become a feast for everyone in the world, it's easy to experience this in all parts of Italy -- in an authentic Italian way (wine, please!).
Population:
58,968,501
Capital:
Rome
Currency:
Euro (€) (EUR)
Official Language:
Italian
Location:
Southwestern Europe
8 Poland
Approximate total landmass: 77.2 million acres
Close
With diverse landforms, ecosystems, and bodies of water, Poland covers more than 77 million acres in Central Europe. A unique mélange of modernity and tradition, there are so many reasons why you'll fall in love with Poland -- from the medieval castles to the ancient and UNESCO-protected Białowieża Forest, one of Europe's last and largest primeval forests.
Poland is home to 38 million people, and its capital, Warsaw, is also the largest city. Poland's earliest human activity dates back to the Lower Paleolithic. The country is culturally diverse and has seen different ethnic groups, particularly the tribal Polans, hence the country's name.
Population:
38,036,118
Capital:
Warsaw
Currency:
Złoty (PLN)
Official Language:
Polish
Location:
Central Europe
7 Finland
Approximate total landmass: 83.5 million acres
Close
At more than 83.5 million acres, Finland is one of the largest countries in Europe by landmass. First settled after the last Ice Age, Finland cradles around five million people and more than 180,000 lakes, which gained the country its nickname, "the land of a thousand lakes."
Finland has been the happiest country in the world for many consecutive years and is defined by igloos, Northern Lights, ski resorts, vast forests, and lakes. Its capital, Helsinki, boasts the most beautiful churches and is also Finland's largest city.
Population:
5,603,851
Capital:
Helsinki
Currency:
Euro (€) (EUR)
Official Languages:
Finnish, Swedish
Location:
Northern Europe
6 Germany
Approximate total landmass: 88.3 million acres
Close
Germany occupies more than 88.3 million acres in Central Europe and cradles over 82 million people, making it the second-most populous country in Europe. The country is geographically diverse and is surrounded by the Alps, the Baltic Sea, and the North Sea.
It is known for its solid economy, with more than 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Germany's richest cities are surprisingly wealthy, including Wolfsburg, home to luxury vehicle brands like Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, and Volkswagen. Its capital is Berlin, a vibrant city with many spectacular things to do!
Population:
82,719,540
Capital:
Berlin
Currency:
Euro (€) (EUR)
Official Language:
German
Location:
Central Europe
Related
7 Trending Bucket List Destinations In Europe (& Cheaper Alternatives)
If you're thinking of taking that epic European vacation this year, check out these cheaper alternatives.
Posts
5 Norway
Approximate total landmass: 95.1 million acres
Close
Norway is defined by the awe-inspiring fjords, beautiful mountains, and the Aurora Borealis. A Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula, Norway is bordered by Sweden, Finland, and Russia and cradles 5.5 million people.
Norway boasts the most beautiful places to visit, including the Geirangerfjord, arguably the most beautiful among all Norwegian fjords. Norway's green capital city, Oslo, offers many spectacular things to do, such as visiting the Viking Ship Museum, which preserves Viking ships found in the country that tell stories of Norway and Scandinavia's Viking Age.
Population:
5,550,203
Capital:
Oslo
Currency:
Norwegian Krone (NOK)
Official Languages:
Norwegian, Sámi
Location:
Northern Europe
4 Sweden
Approximate total landmass: 111.2 million acres
Close
Along with Norway and Finland, Sweden is also one of the countries that make up Northern Europe. With over 111 million acres of total landmass, Sweden is one of Europe's largest countries, with 10.5 million residents.
It's a highly developed country on the Scandinavian Peninsula and has been settled since prehistoric times. The Northern Lights, museums, palaces, and friendly locals are just among the top reasons to visit Sweden, but above it all, the country ranks very high in terms of quality of life, education, health, income equality, and many more, making it one of the happiest countries in the world.
Population:
10,540,886
Capital:
Stockholm
Currency:
Swedish Króna (SEK)
Official Language:
Swedish
Location:
Northern Europe
3 Spain
Approximate total landmass: 125 million acres
Close
Hola! Bienvenidos a España! Spain, whose culture has spread out globally, is one of the largest countries in Europe by landmass. With a whopping 125 million acres, Spain also has territories in North Africa, such as the cities of Ceuta and Melilla.
Madrid, the Spanish capital and largest city, is one of the cities in Spain worth visiting for first-timers to experience authentic Spanish culture and rich history. Barcelona, the beautiful Catalan capital, boasts amazing things to do, including a visit to the awe-inspiring Sagrada Família, designed by Antoni Gaudí, known for his modernist architectural designs.
Population:
48,946,035
Capital:
Madrid
Currency:
Euro (€) (EUR)
Official Language:
Spanish
Location:
Southwestern Europe
2 France
Approximate total landmass: 136.3 million acres
Close
France occupies 136 million acres in Europe. It also spans overseas regions and territories, such as Saint Pierre and Miquelon, French Guiana, the French West Indies, and many other islands in the Indian Ocean and Oceania. France paved its way through the military and political apogee under the leadership of the world-famous Napoleon Bonaparte, who led the French army in the French Revolution.
France is best known for its iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, and the Palace of Versailles. And, of course, its world-class cuisine is easy to experience in its capital, Paris, the City of Love, which offers remarkable things to do!
Population:
68,373,433
Capital:
Paris
Currency:
Euro (€) (EUR), CFP franc (XPF)
Official Language:
French
Location:
Western Europe
Related
Europe On $2000? Here's How To Travel For Cheap
Discover the best ways to save money while enjoying an epic yet affordable European vacation.
Posts
1 Ukraine
Approximate total landmass: 149.1 million acres
Close
Ukraine, the second-largest country in Europe by landmass, trailing Russia, occupies almost 150 million acres and is home to 33 million people. It was first inhabited around 32,000 BC and is known for its vast fertile land, making it a great exporter of grain, which gained the country its nickname, "the bread basket of Europe."
Ukraine's military is one of the largest in the world, operating a diverse and large drone fleet. There are so many hidden gems in Ukraine that will inspire wanderlust. The Carpathian Mountains stand sentinel in Ukraine's western section.
Population:
33,443,000
Capital:
Kyiv
Currency:
Hryvnia (₴) (UAH)
Official Language:
Ukrainian
Location:
Eastern Europe
The U.S. Department of State still issues the "Do Not Travel - Level 4" advisory for Ukraine.