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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Europe is the second-smallest continent in the world, covering about 2% of the Earth's surface. Spanning nearly one-fifteenth of the world’s whole land area, Europe is estimated to be 3,930,000 square miles.
Despite the relatively small land, these European countries are both majestic in size and appearance.
10 Largest Countries in Europe
This article reveals the 10 largest countries in Europe, citing Britannica and National Geographic.
1. Russia: 2,881,250 square kilometers
Russia is the largest country in Europe by land area, with a total of 2,881,250 square kilometers claimed to be a part of the Russian Federation. Russia is also among the largest countries in the world. To date, 77% of the country’s population lives on the European side, with Moscow being the capital city. Russia is also home to the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal.
2. Ukraine: 603,549 square kilometers
As the second largest country in Europe, Ukraine shares borders with seven other countries, including Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Russia, Romania, and Belarus. The country’s official page records that the total length of the Ukrainian border can be illustrated by comparing the distance between Washington, D.C., and Berlin.
Among the diversified natural wonders in Ukraine are the Carpathian Mountains and the Crimean Mountains, which take up to 5% of the territory.
3. France: 543,941 square kilometers
Located in northwestern Europe, France boasts a distinctive habitat for a broad spectrum of animals and plants. According to National Geographic, France is the agricultural epicenter of Europe, with wide fertile plains dominating the country.
While 50% of France is covered with countryside or farmland, more than 25% of the entire territory is occupied by forest.
4. Spain: 505,983 square kilometers
Named as one of the oldest nations in European history, Spain is geographically and culturally diverse. The country shares its northeastern border with France, separated by the great wall of the Pyrenees Mountains.
Due to its proximity to North Africa and the Atlantic Ocean, Spain is exposed to both Saharan and maritime influences. As a result, the country is characterized by humid, continental, and mountain climates.
5. Sweden: 447,425 square kilometers
Bordering by Finland and Norway, Sweden is covered by diverse natural wonders. As a matter of fact, the country is heralded as the center of an effort to save many endangered animals and birds due to its rich habitats consisting of broadleaved woodlands, ancient forests, wetlands, and mountains.
6. Norway: 384,482 square kilometers
Lagging one place behind Sweden is its neighboring country, Norway. According to Britannica, about two-thirds of the country is mountainous, attracting travelers from around the world to enjoy its fresh air and one of Norway’s most revered natural phenomena, the Northern Lights.
7. Germany: 358,596 square kilometers
Located at the heart of Europe, Germany is an attractive travel destination for international tourists. Within the entire area of 358,596 square kilometers lies a variety of different entertainment sources to indulge in during vacation times.
In terms of natural wonders, there are 97 reserves in Germany in an effort to save many species at risk of extinction like beavers, minks, and whales.
8. Finland: 338,485 square kilometers
Finland is a beautiful Nordic country that houses 56,000 lakes, countless rivers, and an impressive spread of marshland. Finland’s highest mountain, Month Halti, is nestled comfortably within the area of the country’s border with Sweden.
9. Poland: 311,895 square kilometers
Occupying about 311,895 kilometers of European land, Poland retains more than 1,300 lakes throughout the country. Today, the government provides 23 national parks, 1,268 nature reserves, and one hundred bird sanctuaries.
On the other hand, Poland’s forests are best known to be the ideal habitats for many endangered animal species like gray wolves, brown bears, chamois goats, and wild horses.
10. Italy: 302,069 square kilometers
Italy has been a mainstream travel destination due to several factors, including the country’s celebrated natural wonders. Among them are approximately 1,500 lakes, its three major rivers, and Italy’s coastal areas that are filled with pristine beaches.
There are two approaches that can be adopted in determining the largest countries in Europe: by area and by the overall population.
BRITANNICA | NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
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