Top 5 visited countries by the numbers:
France
France is a country located in Western Europe, bordered by the English Channel to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. It is the largest country in the European Union and has a population of around 65-70 million people. The official language is French with the capital and largest city being Paris. France is known for its wealth of history, culture, and cuisine. The country has a diverse landscape, including mountains, beaches, and rolling countryside, and is home to numerous iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Palace of Versailles.
France is also renowned for its cuisine, which includes dishes such as coq au vin, beef bourguignon, and ratatouille. French cheeses, wines, and pastries are also famous around the world. The country is home to numerous vineyards and wine regions, including Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne.
France is a major global economic power and is home to many multinational companies. The country has a highly developed transportation infrastructure, including an extensive network of high-speed trains, and is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Italy
Italy is a country located in Southern Europe, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south and east, the Alps to the north, and the Adriatic Sea to the east. It has a population of around 60 million people. The official language is Italian, and the capital city is Rome. Italy is known for its ancient history, art, architecture, and cuisine. The country is home to many famous landmarks, such as the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Vatican City. It also has a vibrant arts scene, with famous museums, galleries, and theaters.
Italian cuisine is renowned around the world, and it includes dishes such as pizza, pasta, risotto, and gelato. The country is also known for its wines, with regions such as Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto producing some of the world's most famous wines.
Italy is a member of the European Union and has a mixed economy, with a large service sector and a significant manufacturing industry. The country is also a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. It is said to be one of the most visited counties in the world on a yearly basis.
Spain
Spain is a country located in southwestern Europe, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the south and east. It has a population of just over 47 million people. The official language is Spanish, and the capital city is Madrid. Spain is known for its rich history, art, and culture, with landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Alhambra in Granada, and the Prado Museum in Madrid. It is also known for its vibrant music and dance scene, with flamenco being a popular dance style.
Spanish cuisine is diverse and includes dishes such as paella, tapas, and churros. The country is also famous for its wines, with regions such as Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Priorat producing some of the world's most famous wines. Spain is a member of the European Union and has a mixed economy, with a significant service sector and a strong manufacturing industry. The country is also a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Turkey
Turkey is a transcontinental country located in Southeastern Europe and Western Asia, bordered by the Black Sea to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. It has a population of over 85 million people and its official language is Turkish, with Ankara being the capital city.
Turkey has an interesting history and culture, with famous landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, as well as ancient cities like Ephesus and Troy. The country is also known for its cuisine, which includes dishes such as kebabs, baklava, and Turkish delight.
The economy of Turkey is diverse, with a significant service sector and a strong manufacturing industry. The country is also a major exporter of textiles, agricultural products, and electronics. Turkey is a member of NATO and the G20, and has been seeking to join the European Union.
Germany
Germany is a country located in central Europe, bordered by nine other countries. It has a population of over 83 million people and its official language is German, with Berlin being the capital city. Germany is known for its history, art, and culture, with landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. The country is also renowned for its contributions to music, philosophy, and science, with famous composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms.
German cuisine is diverse and includes dishes such as sausages, sauerkraut, and schnitzel, as well as famous beers and wines. The country has a highly developed economy, with a strong manufacturing industry and a significant service sector. Germany is a member of the European Union and is the largest economy in Europe.
However, Germany also faces challenges such as demographic changes, climate change, and social inequality. The country has been working to address these issues through various economic and social reforms, as well as efforts to promote environmental sustainability and social cohesion.
Honorable mentions:
UK
The United Kingdom is a country located in northwestern Europe, made up of four constituent countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It has a population of around 65-68 million people and its official language is English, with London being the capital city. The UK is known for its rich football history, culture, and architecture, with landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge, and Edinburgh Castle. The country is also renowned for its contributions to literature, music, and science, with famous authors such as Shakespeare, Austen, and Rowling.
The UK has a highly developed economy, with a strong service sector and a significant manufacturing industry. It left the EU at the end of January 2020 after 47 years of membership, and is a major global economic power. The country faces various challenges, including issues around social inequality, climate change, and political division, which it is working to address through various economic and social reforms, as well as efforts to promote unity and sustainability.
Austria
Austria is a country located in central Europe, bordered by eight other countries. It has a population of almost 9 million people and its official language is German, with Vienna being the capital city. Austria is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Alps dominating much of the country's landscape and attracting tourists for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The country is also renowned for its rich history and culture, with landmarks such as Schönbrunn Palace and the historic city center of Salzburg. Austrian cuisine includes dishes such as schnitzel, strudel, and apfelstrudel, and the country is also known for its wines. Austria has a highly developed economy, with a strong service sector and a significant manufacturing industry, and is a member of the European Union.
Greece
Greece is a country located in southeastern Europe, with a population of just over 10 million people and its official language is Greek, with Athens being the capital city. Greece is known for its mythical history, art, and culture, with famous landmarks such as the Acropolis in Athens and the ancient city of Delphi. Greek cuisine is also renowned, with dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, and feta cheese. Greece has a highly developed tourism industry, with visitors attracted to its stunning beaches, islands, and historical sites. The country has faced significant economic challenges in recent years, but has been working to address these through various economic and social reforms, as well as efforts to promote innovation and sustainability. Greece is a member of the European Union, and has been playing an active role in regional and global affairs.
Portugal
Portugal is a country located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, with a population of over 10 million people. Its official language is Portuguese, with Lisbon being the capital city. Portugal is known for its stunning beaches, historic cities, and rich cultural heritage, with landmarks such as the Tower of Belem and the Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon. Portuguese cuisine includes dishes such as bacalhau, sardines, and pasteis de nata, and the country is also known for its wines and port. Portugal has a diversified economy, with a strong tourism industry and a significant service sector, as well as a growing technology and innovation sector. The country is quickly becoming one of the most visited countries in Europe because of the ease of access as well as more relaxed laws and regulations when it comes to traveling. Portugal is a member of the European Union and has been an active participant in regional and global affairs.
Croatia
Croatia is a country located in southeastern Europe, with a population of just over 4 million people. Its official language is Croatian, with Zagreb being the capital city. Croatia is known for its stunning coastline along the Adriatic Sea, with cities such as Dubrovnik and Split attracting tourists for their historic architecture and beautiful beaches. The country is also renowned for its national parks and nature reserves, including Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park. Croatian cuisine includes dishes such as cevapi, pasticada, and rakija, and the country is also known for its wines. Croatia has a diversified economy, with a significant service sector, as well as a growing manufacturing and technology sector. The country has faced various challenges, including economic inequality and political instability, but has been working to address these through various economic and social reforms, as well as efforts to promote sustainable development and social cohesion. Croatia is one of the most picturesque countries in Europe and has become a popular photography destination over the last few years.
History and culture like no other:
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a country located in central Europe. With a population of over 10 million people, its official language is Czech with Prague being the capital city. The country is known for its absolutely stunning historic architecture, with landmarks such as the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, as well as its rich cultural heritage, with music, art, and literature playing an important role. Czech cuisine includes dishes such as goulash, schnitzel, and dumplings, and the country is also known for its beer. The Czech Republic has a diversified economy, with a significant manufacturing and technology sector, as well as a growing service sector. The country has faced various challenges, including economic inequality and environmental sustainability, but has been working to address these through various economic and social reforms, as well as efforts to promote green growth and social cohesion. The Czech republic has always been one of the most inclusive countries in Europe and has been open minded when it comes to its immigration laws well before most other countries.
Hungary
Hungary is a country located in central Europe, with a population of over 10 million people as well. Its official language is Hungarian, with Budapest being the capital city. Hungary is known for its stunning architecture, with landmarks such as the Hungarian Parliament Building and the Fisherman's Bastion, as well as its rich cultural heritage, with music and cuisine playing an important role. Hungarian cuisine includes dishes such as goulash, chimney cake, and langos, and the country is also known for its wines. Hungary has a diversified economy, with a significant manufacturing and service sector, as well as a growing technology and innovation sector. The country has faced various challenges, including economic inequality and political polarization, but has been working to address these through various economic and social reforms, as well as efforts to promote sustainable development and social cohesion.
Slovenia
Slovenia is a country located in central and southeastern Europe, with a population of over 2 million people. Its official language is Slovene, with Ljubljana being the capital city. Slovenia is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Julian Alps and Lake Bled attracting tourists for their hiking and outdoor activities. The country is also renowned for its historic cities, including Ljubljana and Maribor, with a rich cultural heritage that includes music, art, and literature. Slovenian cuisine includes dishes such as potica, idrijski zlikrofi, and struklji, and the country is also known for its wines. Slovenia has a diversified economy, with a significant manufacturing and service sector, as well as a growing tourism and innovation sector. It is also home to the Solkan bridge which is the longest stone-arch bridge railway in the world. It was built between years 1900 and 1906 and features 4533 stone blocks that stretch 220 meters.
There are many other beautiful countries in Europe that we have not covered. To find out more about all of the European travel opportunities we offer, click the link below to schedule your free travel planning session.
