Europe
Europe is the western peninsula of Eurasia — compact, densely populated and rich in history. Seven time zones, 44 countries and a mosaic of languages and cultures make this one of the most varied continents on Earth.
Europe by the numbers
Key facts about the continent, as of 2025.
Location & geography
Europe occupies the western part of the Eurasian landmass. Its boundary with Asia follows not a sea but a historical convention: running via the Ural Mountains, the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus and the Bosphorus at Istanbul. To the west and north, Europe faces the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Ocean; to the south, the Mediterranean Sea separates it from Africa. The oceans and inland seas are covered on the oceans page.
The landscape is varied. The Alps form the backbone of central Europe, with Mont Blanc (4,808 m) as the highest peak in Western Europe. Elbrus in the Caucasus, on the boundary of Europe and Asia, reaches 5,642 m higher still. In the north, glaciers carved the famous fjords of Norway. The North European Plain extends from northern France into western Russia and is the most densely populated and agriculturally productive part of the continent. The Volga (3,531 km) is Europe's longest river and drains into the Caspian Sea; the Danube flows through ten countries before emptying into the Black Sea; the Rhine is the main artery of the Western European economy.
Population
With roughly 744 million people in 2025, Europe holds about 9% of the world's population (UN WPP 2024). That share is declining: population growth is low or even negative in many countries, and the average age is rising fast. Europe is the most rapidly ageing continent.
The population is unevenly spread. The so-called "blue banana" — an arc from London through the Randstad, the Rhine Valley and northern Italy — is one of the most densely settled regions in the world. Large parts of Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and the Caucasus region are sparsely populated. Compare Europe with other continents on the comparison page or check the figures at most populous countries.
Countries & capitals
Europe has 44 countries (UN count). Russia and Turkey are transcontinental and stretch across both Europe and Asia. Below are the five most populous countries; the full list with all capitals is on the separate page countries of Europe.
| Country | Capital | Population (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Russia (European part) | Moscow | ~110,000,000 |
| Germany | Berlin | 83,000,000 |
| United Kingdom | London | 68,000,000 |
| France | Paris | 66,000,000 |
| Italy | Rome | 59,000,000 |
Source: UN World Population Prospects 2024, Worldometer 2025.
Climate & seasons
Europe has a relatively mild climate, largely thanks to the Gulf Stream, which carries warm ocean water from the Gulf of Mexico to European shores. In Western Europe a temperate oceanic climate prevails, with cool summers, mild winters and rainfall throughout the year. Moving eastward the climate becomes more continental: cold, dry winters and hot summers are characteristic of Eastern Europe and Russia.
In the south — Spain, Italy, Greece — a Mediterranean climate dominates, with dry, warm summers and mild, wet winters. The highest mountain areas and the far north of Scandinavia have a subarctic or tundra climate. Read more about the climate zones on Europe's climate.
Plants & animals
Europe is less species-rich than the tropical continents, yet it has remarkable biodiversity. The brown bear still lives in the Carpathians, the Baltic states and Scandinavia. The wolf has recovered over the past few decades and is returning to Germany, the Netherlands and even Belgium. The lynx and the wisent — the European bison, which was extinct in the wild at the start of the 20th century — have been successfully reintroduced.
In the mountain areas, chamois and ibex are found. The mixed deciduous forests of Central Europe give way in the north to the vast taiga. The Mediterranean Sea holds distinctive marine ecosystems with more than 500 species of fish. More species and their conservation status are on animals of Europe.
History & culture
Europe is the cradle of Western civilisation. The Greek city-states laid the foundations for democracy and the scientific method; Rome built an empire that spread its languages, legal system and roads across the entire continent. The Renaissance, the Reformation, the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution all began in Europe and transformed the world.
At the same time, Europe was the source of devastating wars. The First and Second World Wars cost tens of millions of lives and ultimately led to the founding of the European Union — a historic project of political and economic integration that today encompasses 27 countries. On how many continents are there? you can read more about how the division into continents grew historically.
Economy & cities
Europe is one of the wealthiest regions in the world by purchasing power per head. Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Italy all rank among the ten largest economies on the planet. The European Union as a whole is the world's largest trading bloc.
The cities are dense and old. Moscow, with around 12 million inhabitants, is the largest city in Europe; Istanbul is formally transcontinental but lies largely in Asia. Paris, London and Madrid are economic and cultural magnets. The Randstad in the Netherlands — Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht together — is one of the most densely urbanised areas in north-western Europe. See how Europe compares to other continents on the comparison page.
Famous places
- 🗼Eiffel Tower — iconic steel tower in Paris (1889), 330 m tall.
- 🏟️Colosseum — amphitheatre in Rome, built 72–80 AD, with room for 50,000 spectators.
- 🏛️Acropolis of Athens — the rock with the Parthenon, symbol of classical Greece.
- 🕰️Big Ben & Tower Bridge — twin icons of London on the banks of the Thames.
- ⛪Sagrada Família — Gaudí's unfinished basilica in Barcelona, construction began 1882.
- 🏔️Norwegian Fjords — spectacular glacial valleys such as the Sognefjord (204 km long).
What time is it in Europe?
Europe spans roughly seven time zones, from UTC−1 on the Azores to UTC+5 in the far east of Russia. Most countries in Western and Central Europe use Central European Time (CET, UTC+1 in winter; CEST, UTC+2 in summer). Portugal and the United Kingdom follow UTC (WET/GMT) in winter.
ExampleWhen it is noon in the Netherlands (CET, UTC+1), it is 11:00 in Lisbon (UTC+0) and 14:00 in Moscow (UTC+3). Russia does not observe daylight saving time. Read more on all about time zones.
Live time in four European cities, based on your device.
🎒 For kids
Europe is a compact continent with lots of countries close together. It has ancient cathedrals, high mountain peaks and cool fjords. You can find bears, wolves and bison here. Read the easy version with big pictures.
Frequently asked questions
How many people live in Europe?
In 2025 Europe is home to around 744 million people — about 9% of the world's population. Russia (European part), Germany and the United Kingdom are the largest countries. Europe is ageing rapidly and has little natural population growth (UN WPP 2024).
What is the highest mountain in Europe?
Elbrus in the Caucasus is at 5,642 m the highest peak in Europe. In Western Europe, Mont Blanc (4,808 m) on the border of France and Italy is the highest point. Which of the two counts as "the highest" depends on where one draws the European boundary.
How many countries does Europe have?
Europe has 44 countries. Russia and Turkey are transcontinental countries that span both Europe and Asia. The full list is on countries of Europe.
Why is Europe a separate continent from Asia?
Physically, Europe and Asia form a single landmass: Eurasia. The separation is historically and culturally defined. Read more on how many continents are there?
Sources
- United Nations — World Population Prospects 2024 (population figures)
- Worldometer 2025 — current estimates by country
- CIA World Factbook — area and geography
- IUCN Red List — conservation status of wildlife
- Köppen-Geiger — climate classification