West Europe Countries
West Europe refers to the western region of Europe, encompassing a diverse array of countries with rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and economic prosperity. There are a total of 17 countries in West Europe, each contributing uniquely to the region’s tapestry of cultures, traditions, and landscapes. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Austria
Country Overview:
Austria, located in Central Europe, covers an area of approximately 83,879 square kilometers. It is bordered by Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, and Switzerland. Austria is renowned for its stunning Alpine scenery, historic cities, and cultural heritage. The country is famous for classical music composers such as Mozart and Strauss, as well as its rich architectural heritage, including iconic landmarks like Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace and Salzburg’s Old Town.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1955
- Population: Approximately 8.9 million
- Capital City: Vienna
- Language: German
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +43
- Top-Level Domain: .at
- ISO Country Codes: AT, AUT
Belgium
Country Overview:
Belgium, located in Western Europe, covers an area of approximately 30,689 square kilometers. It is bordered by France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Belgium is famous for its medieval towns, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine, including Belgian chocolates, waffles, and beer. The country is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Bruges offering world-class museums, art galleries, and music festivals.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1830
- Population: Approximately 11.5 million
- Capital City: Brussels
- Language: Dutch, French, German
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +32
- Top-Level Domain: .be
- ISO Country Codes: BE, BEL
Denmark
Country Overview:
Denmark, located in Northern Europe, covers an area of approximately 42,933 square kilometers. It is bordered by Germany, Sweden, and Norway. Denmark is famous for its picturesque landscapes, including sandy beaches, rolling hills, and charming islands. The country is known for its strong maritime tradition, Viking heritage, and progressive social policies. Copenhagen, the capital city, is renowned for its historic architecture, vibrant street life, and innovative design scene.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 10th century (unification)
- Population: Approximately 5.8 million
- Capital City: Copenhagen
- Language: Danish
- Currency: Danish Krone (DKK)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +45
- Top-Level Domain: .dk
- ISO Country Codes: DK, DNK
Finland
Country Overview:
Finland, situated in Northern Europe, covers an area of approximately 338,455 square kilometers. It is bordered by Sweden, Norway, and Russia. Finland is famous for its pristine wilderness, thousands of lakes, and the magical Northern Lights. The country is known for its high quality of life, education system, and innovation, with Nokia and Marimekko being global brands. Helsinki, the capital city, is celebrated for its modern architecture, design, and vibrant cultural scene.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1917
- Population: Approximately 5.5 million
- Capital City: Helsinki
- Language: Finnish, Swedish
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: EET (GMT+2)
- Country Area Code: +358
- Top-Level Domain: .fi
- ISO Country Codes: FI, FIN
France
Country Overview:
France, located in Western Europe, covers an area of approximately 551,695 square kilometers. It is bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Andorra, and Monaco. France is famous for its rich history, culture, and contributions to art, literature, and cuisine. The country is renowned for iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. Paris, the capital city, is known as the “City of Light” and is a global center for fashion, gastronomy, and the arts.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 843 (from Carolingian Empire), 1789 (French Revolution)
- Population: Approximately 67.1 million
- Capital City: Paris
- Language: French
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +33
- Top-Level Domain: .fr
- ISO Country Codes: FR, FRA
Germany
Country Overview:
Germany, situated in Central Europe, covers an area of approximately 357,022 square kilometers. It is bordered by Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Germany is famous for its historic cities, medieval castles, and picturesque landscapes. The country is known for its technological innovation, automotive industry, and contributions to philosophy, literature, and music. Berlin, the capital city, is celebrated for its vibrant arts scene, nightlife, and historical significance.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1871 (unification)
- Population: Approximately 83.2 million
- Capital City: Berlin
- Language: German
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +49
- Top-Level Domain: .de
- ISO Country Codes: DE, DEU
Greece
Country Overview:
Greece, located in Southern Europe, covers an area of approximately 131,957 square kilometers. It is bordered by Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Greece is famous for its ancient civilization, classical architecture, and stunning islands. The country is known as the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games. Athens, the capital city, is home to iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1821
- Population: Approximately 10.4 million
- Capital City: Athens
- Language: Greek
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: EET (GMT+2)
- Country Area Code: +30
- Top-Level Domain: .gr
- ISO Country Codes: GR, GRC
Iceland
Country Overview:
Iceland, located in the North Atlantic Ocean, covers an area of approximately 103,000 square kilometers. It is an island nation with no land borders. Iceland is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, including glaciers, volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs. The country is known for its Viking heritage, folklore, and rich literary tradition, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and renewable energy sources.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1918 (from Denmark), 1944 (Republic declared)
- Population: Approximately 364,000
- Capital City: Reykjavik
- Language: Icelandic
- Currency: Icelandic Krona (ISK)
- Time Zone: GMT (GMT+0)
- Country Area Code: +354
- Top-Level Domain: .is
- ISO Country Codes: IS, ISL
Ireland
Country Overview:
Ireland, located in Northwestern Europe, covers an area of approximately 70,273 square kilometers. It shares a border with Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. Ireland is famous for its lush green landscapes, rugged coastlines, and rich cultural heritage. The country is known for its traditional music, literature, and folklore, as well as its friendly people and warm hospitality.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: Partially 1921 (from the United Kingdom), Fully 1937 (Constitution)
- Population: Approximately 4.9 million
- Capital City: Dublin
- Language: Irish (Gaelic), English
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: WET (GMT), IST (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +353
- Top-Level Domain: .ie
- ISO Country Codes: IE, IRL
Italy
Country Overview:
Italy, located in Southern Europe, covers an area of approximately 301,340 square kilometers. It is bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, and the microstates of San Marino and Vatican City. Italy is famous for its rich history, art, architecture, and cuisine. The country is known for iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the canals of Venice. Rome, the capital city, is home to the Vatican City and countless historical treasures.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1861 (unification)
- Population: Approximately 60.4 million
- Capital City: Rome
- Language: Italian
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1), CEST (GMT+2)
- Country Area Code: +39
- Top-Level Domain: .it
- ISO Country Codes: IT, ITA
Luxembourg
Country Overview:
Luxembourg, located in Western Europe, covers an area of approximately 2,586 square kilometers. It is bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany. Luxembourg is famous for its picturesque landscapes, historic castles, and vibrant cultural scene. The country is known for its high standard of living, financial services sector, and multilingual population. Luxembourg City, the capital, is home to impressive fortifications, European Union institutions, and a UNESCO-listed old town.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1815 (from the Netherlands), 1839 (recognized)
- Population: Approximately 634,000
- Capital City: Luxembourg City
- Language: Luxembourgish, French, German
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +352
- Top-Level Domain: .lu
- ISO Country Codes: LU, LUX
Netherlands
Country Overview:
The Netherlands, located in Western Europe, covers an area of approximately 41,543 square kilometers. It is bordered by Belgium, Germany, and the North Sea. The Netherlands is famous for its flat landscape, extensive canal systems, windmills, and tulip fields. The country is known for its progressive social policies, cycling culture, and vibrant cities. Amsterdam, the capital city, is renowned for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and world-class museums.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1581 (from Spain), 1648 (recognized)
- Population: Approximately 17.5 million
- Capital City: Amsterdam
- Language: Dutch
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +31
- Top-Level Domain: .nl
- ISO Country Codes: NL, NLD
Norway
Country Overview:
Norway, located in Northern Europe, covers an area of approximately 385,207 square kilometers. It is bordered by Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Norway is famous for its stunning fjords, mountains, and wilderness areas. The country is known for its high standard of living, social welfare system, and commitment to environmental sustainability. Oslo, the capital city, is celebrated for its modern architecture, cultural institutions, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1905 (from Sweden)
- Population: Approximately 5.4 million
- Capital City: Oslo
- Language: Norwegian
- Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +47
- Top-Level Domain: .no
- ISO Country Codes: NO, NOR
Portugal
Country Overview:
Portugal, located in Southern Europe, covers an area of approximately 92,090 square kilometers. It is bordered by Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal is famous for its stunning coastline, historic cities, and delicious cuisine. The country is known for its maritime heritage, including exploration during the Age of Discovery. Lisbon, the capital city, is renowned for its colorful neighborhoods, Moorish architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1143
- Population: Approximately 10.3 million
- Capital City: Lisbon
- Language: Portuguese
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: WET (GMT), WEST (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +351
- Top-Level Domain: .pt
- ISO Country Codes: PT, PRT
Spain
Country Overview:
Spain, located in Southern Europe, covers an area of approximately 505,990 square kilometers. It is bordered by Portugal, France, Andorra, and the Mediterranean Sea. Spain is famous for its diverse culture, historic cities, and beautiful beaches. The country is known for its vibrant fiestas, flamenco music and dance, and world-renowned cuisine. Madrid, the capital city, is home to iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace and Prado Museum.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1492 (completion of the Reconquista)
- Population: Approximately 46.8 million
- Capital City: Madrid
- Language: Spanish
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1), CEST (GMT+2)
- Country Area Code: +34
- Top-Level Domain: .es
- ISO Country Codes: ES, ESP
Sweden
Country Overview:
Sweden, located in Northern Europe, covers an area of approximately 450,295 square kilometers. It is bordered by Norway and Finland, and connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Øresund Strait. Sweden is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including forests, lakes, and islands. The country is known for its progressive social policies, innovation, and design. Stockholm, the capital city, is celebrated for its historic architecture, cultural institutions, and vibrant urban lifestyle.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1523 (from the Kalmar Union)
- Population: Approximately 10.4 million
- Capital City: Stockholm
- Language: Swedish
- Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +46
- Top-Level Domain: .se
- ISO Country Codes: SE, SWE
Switzerland
Country Overview:
Switzerland, located in Central Europe, covers an area of approximately 41,290 square kilometers. It is bordered by Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and Liechtenstein. Switzerland is famous for its stunning Alpine scenery, picturesque villages, and chocolate. The country is known for its neutrality, political stability, and high standard of living. Zurich, the largest city, is a global financial center, while Geneva is home to numerous international organizations.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1291 (founding of the Swiss Confederation)
- Population: Approximately 8.7 million
- Capital City: Bern
- Language: German, French, Italian, Romansh
- Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +41
- Top-Level Domain: .ch
- ISO Country Codes: CH, CHE