Educational jigsaw Europe map puzzle.

Hello, traveler! If you're here, it means you've solved the 240-piece Europe map educational puzzle in a jiffy. That was quick, congratulations! Your journey doesn't stop here, though!

With this Europe map jigsaw puzzle you’ll learn geography in a fun way, and on your adventure across the continent you’ll discover lots of interesting facts, including fun facts about famous places and sights specific to each country in Europe! What are the capital cities, what’s the national currency, what’s the largest city by population or the highest place in each country? If you’re curious to find out more fascinating facts about Europe, click here and let’s hit the road!

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Albania
Capital: Tirana
Area: 28,748 km2
Population: 2,793,592
Official language: Albanian
Currency: Albanian Lek
Largest city by population: Tirana (over 500,000)
Subregion: Southern Europe
Non EU country
Non Schengen country
Highest point: Mount Korab – 2,764 m

AMAZING FACTS

Albania is known for its beautiful beaches and scenic coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.

Albania is home to Lake Ohrid, one of the deepest and oldest lakes in Europe, over 1 million years old.

Albanians have a tradition called “Kanun” which is a code of conduct that regulates social behavior and interactions.

The Skanderbeg Monument in Tirana is an Albanian landmark commemorating the national hero for resisting the Ottomans.

The monument is located in the middle of Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, which is one of the busiest and most popular areas of the city.

Andorra
Capital: Andorra la Vella
Area: 467.63 km2
Population: 79,877
Official language: Catalan
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Andorra la Vella (over 20,000)
Subregion: Southern Europe
Non EU country
Non Schengen country
Highest point: Coma Pedrosa – 2,942 m

AMAZING FACTS

Andorra is one of the smallest countries in Europe, bordered by France to the north, and Spain to the south.

Andorra is known for its mountainous landscape, with the Pyrenees Mountains running through the country.

It is one of the few countries in the world without an airport. The closest airports are in France and Spain.

Andorra is also one of the few countries in the world to have two heads of state, with both the French President and the Bishop of Urgell in Spain serving as co-principals.

It has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, with an average of 82.3 years.

Austria
Capital: Vienna
Area: 83,871 km2
Population: 9,027,999
Official language: German
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Vienna (over 1,8 million)
Subregion: Western Europe
EU country
Schengen country
Highest point: Grossglockner – 3,798 m

AMAZING FACTS

Austria is known for its stunning Alpine scenery, with mountain ranges covering more than 60% of the country.

Austria is home to some of the best-preserved historic towns and villages in Europe, such as the picturesque Hallstatt and the medieval town of Krems.

The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the most famous and highly-regarded orchestras in the world.

Karlskirche was built in the 18th century as a tribute to St. Charles Borromeo, who is said to have protected Vienna from the plague.

This Baroque-style church has a large dome said to have been inspired by the Pantheon in Rome.

Belarus
Capital: Minsk
Area: 207,595 km2
Population: 9,255,524
Official languages: Belarusian, Russian
Currency: Belarusian ruble
Largest city by population: Minsk (over 1,9 million)
Subregion: Eastern Europe
Non-EU country
Non Schengen country
Highest point: Dzyarzhynskaya Hara – 345 m

AMAZING FACTS

Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe that shares borders with Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia.

Belarus is known as the “Lungs of Europe” because it has the largest amount of pristine forests in the continent.

The Belarusian language uses the Cyrillic alphabet, which is also used in Russian, Bulgarian, and Serbian.

The Minsk Gates, one of the landmarks of this country, are two symmetrical high towers in the style of Stalin classicism.

The tower on the right is decorated with the coat of arms of the former Belorussian Soviet Socialist Republic, and on the tower on the left is the German clock, which is the largest in the country.

Belgium
Capital: Brussels
Area: 30,528 km2
Population: 11,584,008
Official languages: Dutch, French, German
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Brussels (over 1,2 million)
Subregion: Western Europe
EU member country
Schengen country
Highest point: Signal de Botrange – 694 m

AMAZING FACTS

Belgium is a fascinating European country, known worldwide for its delicious chocolate, quality beer and incredibly tasty waffles.

It was a Belgian – Georges Lemaître – who discovered the Big Bang theory.

Brussels is considered the capital of the European Union. The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union are based here.

Leuven Town Hall is one of the best-known Gothic town halls worldwide.

The iconic facade of City Hall has been empty for a long time. The 235 statues that can still be seen today were added later at the suggestion of the French writer Victor Hugo.

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Capital: Sarajevo
Area: 51,129 km2
Population: 3,475,000
Official languages: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
Currency: Convertible mark
Largest city by population: Sarajevo (over 270,000)
Subregion: Southern Europe
Non EU country
Non Schengen country
Highest point: Maglić – 2,386 m

AMAZING FACTS

Bosnia and Herzegovina gained its independence from Yugoslavia in 1992.

Half of this country is covered by forests.

The town of Mostar is famous for its iconic Stari Most bridge, which was destroyed during the Bosnian War in the 1990s and rebuilt in 2004.

A famous landmark of the country is Sarajevo City Hall, a monument reflecting architectural sophistication and multiculturalism.

The building was opened in 1896 and was the largest and most representative building of the Austro-Hungarian period in Sarajevo.

Bulgaria
Capital: Sofia
Area: 110,993.6 km2
Population: 6,520,314
Official language: Bulgarian
Currency: Lev
Largest city by population: Sofia (over 1,2 million)
Subregion: Eastern Europe
EU country
Non Schengen country
Highest point: Musala – 2,925 m

AMAZING FACTS

Bulgaria is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning Black Sea coastline, which draws tourists from all over the world.

The Bulgarian language uses the Cyrillic alphabet, which can be tricky for non-native speakers to read and pronounce.

The country is also famous for its rose oil, which is used in a variety of perfumes and cosmetic products around the world.

A famous Bulgarian landmark is The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia. This is one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world and can hold up to 10,000 people at a time.

The cathedral’s bell tower houses 12 bells, including the largest bell in Bulgaria, which weighs over 12 tons.

Czech Republic
Capital: Prague
Area: 78,871 km2
Population: 10,533,399
Official language: Czech
Currency: Czech koruna
Largest city by population: Prague (over 1,3 million)
Subregion: Eastern Europe
EU member country
Schengen country
Highest point: Sněžka – 1,603 m

AMAZING FACTS

The Czech Republic is famous for its medieval originals, amazing castles, tasty food, and quality beer.

There are over 2,000 castles and chateaux in the Czech Republic, more than in any other country in Europe.

Prague is home to the famous Charles Bridge, built by Charles IV according to a mathematical sequence and astrological signs.

Prague was the first post-communist city to have a Michelin-starred restaurant.

The Astronomical Clock in the Czech capital is the third oldest medieval astronomical clock in the world.

Cyprus
Capital: Nicosia
Area: 9,251 km2
Population: 1,244,188
Official languages: Greek, Turkish
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Nicosia (over 200,000)
Subregion: Southern Europe
EU country
Non Schengen country
Highest point: Mount Olympus – 1,952 m

AMAZING FACTS

Cyprus is the third largest and third most populous island in the Mediterranean.

The Cyprus Mouflon, a rare variety of sheep, can be seen nowhere else in the world.

In Cyprus, it is customary to break plates during weddings and celebrations.

Over 45 beaches in Cyprus have been awarded the Blue Flag for their beauty and cleanliness.

In Cyprus, it is considered good luck to throw a pomegranate on the floor during the New Year’s celebrations.

Denmark
Capital: Copenhagen
Area: 42,943 km2
Population: 5,935,619
Official language: Danish
Currency: Danish krone
Largest city by population: Copenhagen (over 600,000)
Subregion: Northern Europe
EU country
Schengen country
Highest point: Møllehøj – 171 m

AMAZING FACTS

Denmark is known for its love of bikes – in fact, there are more bikes in Copenhagen than there are people!

The popular Lego was founded in Denmark and its name is derived from the Danish words “leg godt,” which means “play well.”

Denmark is home to the world’s oldest amusement park, Tivoli Gardens, which opened in 1843.

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen Harbor is one of Denmark’s most famous landmarks, but it’s only 1.25 meters tall!

The Danish monarchy is the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 10th century.

Estonia
Capital: Tallinn
Area: 45,339 km2
Population: 1,357,739
Official language: Estonian
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Tallinn (over 400,000)
Subregion: Northern Europe
EU country
Schengen country
Highest point: Suur Munamägi – 318 m

AMAZING FACTS

Estonia is a small country in northern Europe with one of the most unique and difficult languages in the world.

Estonia is known for its beautiful forests, lakes and islands, and is home to several national parks.

Estonia is one of the most digitally advanced countries in the world, with the majority of government services available online.

Estonia has more than 2,000 islands, but only a few dozen of them are inhabited.

The tallest building in Estonia is only 121 meters tall, making it one of the smallest tallest buildings in Europe.

Finland
Capital: Helsinki
Area: 338,455 km2
Population: 5,614,571
Official language: Finnish
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Helsinki (over 600,000)
Subregion: Northern Europe
EU country
Schengen country
Highest point: Halti – 1,324 m

AMAZING FACTS

Finland is one of the few countries in the world where reindeer roam freely, and there are more reindeer than people in Lapland.

Finland has the most heavy metal bands per capita in the world, with around 50 metal bands per 100,000 people.

The Finns are known for their love of saunas. This country has more than 3 million saunas for a population of around 5.5 million people!

Helsinki Cathedral, which is also known as the “White Cathedral,” was built in the early 19th century and is one of the most famous landmarks of Finland.

The cathedral has a statue of Emperor Alexander II of Russia in front of it, which was built in honor of his role in granting Finland autonomy from Russia.

France
Capital: Paris
Area: 643,801 km2
Population: 65,273,511
Official Language: French
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Paris (over 2 million)
Subregion: Western Europe
EU member country
Schengen country
Highest point: Mont Blanc – 4,809 m

AMAZING FACTS

It is the largest country in the European Union and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

If you spend just 30 seconds looking at each work of art in the Louvre – the largest art museum in the world – it would take you about 100 days to go through the entire museum.

Snails are a delicacy in France. On average, a French person eats around 500 snails a year.

The Eiffel Tower contains 18,038 pieces connected by no less than 2,500,000 rivets.

60 tons of paint are used to maintain the tower every 7 years to prevent rust.

Germany
Capital: Berlin
Area: 357,592 km2
Population: 83,783,942
Official Language: German
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Berlin (over 3,5 million)
Subregion: Western Europe
EU member country
Schengen country
Highest point: Zugspitze
– 2,962 m

AMAZING FACTS

Germany has been called the “Land of poets and thinkers”. It was here that some of the most important names in European culture were born: Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, Kant, Schopenhauer, Goethe and many others.

There are 97 nature reserves in Germany, the largest being the Black Forest.

Germany has 1,000 varieties of sausages and over 300 kinds of bread.

One of Germany’s most iconic landmarks is the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, a symbol of absolute peace.

Napoleon was the first famous person to use the Brandenburg Gate for a triumphal procession after his victory over the Prussians in 1806.

Greece
Capital: Athens
Area: 131,957 km2
Population: 10,482,487
Official language: Greek
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Athens (over 3 million)
Subregion: Southern Europe
EU member country
Schengen country
Highest point: Mount Olympus – 2,917 m

AMAZING FACTS

Greece is home to over 2,000 islands, but only about 170 of them are inhabited. That’s a lot of places to explore!

In Greece, it’s common to smash plates as a sign of celebration.

The Olympic Games were first held in ancient Greece over 2,700 years ago.

The Parthenon is a temple in Athens, and it was built over 2,400 years ago. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in the world!

The Parthenon has been damaged by earthquakes, war, and pollution over the years, but it’s still standing today.

Hungary
Capital: Budapest
Area: 93,030 km2
Population: 9,678,000
Official language: Hungarian
Currency: Forint
Largest city by population: Budapest (over 1,7 million)
Subregion: Eastern Europe
EU member country
Schengen country
Highest point: Kékes – 1,014 m

AMAZING FACTS

Hungary is home to Lake Balaton, which is the largest lake in Central Europe. It’s a popular destination for swimming, fishing, and boating.

The Rubik’s Cube, a popular puzzle toy, was invented by a Hungarian professor named Erno Rubik in 1974.

Known throughout the ages as the “Paris of the East”, or the “Pearl of the Danube”, Budapest is crossed by the Danube River and is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

The Hungarian Parliament Building is a landmark and a symbol of the country and one of the top 10 most popular destinations in Budapest.

Nearly 100,000 people worked on the construction of this impressive building, in which 40 million bricks and half a million precious stones were used.

Ireland
Capital: Dublin
Area: 84,421 km2
Population: 4,937,786
Official languages: Irish and English
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Dublin (over 540,000)
Subregion: Northern Europe
EU country
Non Schengen country
Highest point: Carrauntoohil – 1,041 m

AMAZING FACTS

Ireland is known for its pubs and beer, but did you know that the traditional Irish drink is actually tea?

Dublin, the capital of Ireland, was originally founded by Vikings in the 9th century.

The Irish love their potatoes so much that they even have a potato museum in County Antrim!

The Campanile of Trinity College Dublin is Ireland’s tallest bell tower and one of its most iconic landmarks.

The clock faces on the tower have only three numbers – 4, 8, and 12 – because the tower is not visible from the north side of the campus.

Iceland
Capital: Reykjavík
Area: 103,000 km2
Population: 376,248
Official language: Icelandic
Currency: Icelandic króna
Largest city by population: Reykjavík (over 120,000)
Subregion: Northern Europe
EU country
Schengen country
Highest point: Hvannadalshnjúkur – 2,110 m

AMAZING FACTS

Iceland, a Nordic island country, is known for its stunning natural beauty, including glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, and the Northern Lights.

Iceland is home to the world’s oldest functioning parliament, the Althing, which was established in 930 AD.

There are no McDonald’s in Reykjavik, and the beer was banned in Iceland until 1989.

Hallgrímur Church is one of Iceland’s landmarks. The church tower is 73 meters high and the organ has 5,000 pipes.

Because of its special shape, the church has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including the Game of Thrones.

Italy
Capital: Rome
Area: 301,230 km2
Population: 60,461,826
Official Language: Italian
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Rome (over 2.5 million)
Subregion: Southern Europe
EU member country
Schengen country
Highest point: Monte Bianco – 4,809 m

AMAZING FACTS

Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country in Europe.

Italy is home to three impressive mountain ranges: the Alps, the Dolomites and the Apennines.

The city built on water, Venice, is criss-crossed by more than 150 canals.

The Colosseum is one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks and is thought to have been built by between 60,000 and 100,000 Jewish slaves.

After the period of the games and gladiator fights, the Colosseum was used as a housing complex, a place of worship and a cemetery.

Latvia
Capital: Riga
Area: 64,589 km2
Population: 1,842,226
Official language: Latvian
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Riga (over 600,000)
Subregion: Northern Europe
EU country
Schengen country
Highest point: Gaiziņkalns (Gaising) – 312 m

AMAZING FACTS

Latvia is known for its picturesque countryside, with over half of its territory covered by forests and more than 12,000 rivers and streams.

This country has one of the oldest flags in the world, dating back to the 13th century.

Latvia is known for its traditional drink called “Balsam” which is made from more than 24 different ingredients.

The House of Blackheads is one of the most important landmarks in Riga. Its name comes from the guild of unmarried German merchants famous for their black headwear.

The façade of the building is decorated with over 30 statues, including figures of Poseidon, Neptune, and several mythological creatures.

Liechtenstein
Capital: Vaduz
Area: 160 km2
Population: 38,387
Official language: German
Currency: Swiss franc
Largest city by population: Schaan (over 5,500)
Subregion: Western Europe
Non EU country
Schengen country
Highest point: Grauspitz (Vorder Grauspitz) – 2,599 m

AMAZING FACTS

Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in the world located between Switzerland and Austria.

The official language of Liechtenstein is German, but the locals also speak a dialect called Alemannic.

Liechtenstein is the only country in the world that is entirely located in the Alps mountain range.

Despite its small size, Liechtenstein is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with a thriving economy based on financial services and manufacturing.

Liechtenstein is also famous for its postage stamps, which are popular with collectors around the world.

Lithuania
Capital: Vilnius
Area: 65,300 km2
Population: 2,862,380
Official language: Lithuanian
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Vilnius (over 500,000)
Subregion: Northern Europe
EU country
Schengen country
Highest point: Aukštojas Hill – 294 m

AMAZING FACTS

Lithuania is the largest of the three Baltic states.

The Lithuanian language is considered one of the oldest surviving languages in Europe.

Lithuania is home to the Hill of Crosses, a unique pilgrimage site where over 100,000 crosses have been placed over the years.

St Anne’s Church is a Gothic-style church located in the old center of Vilnius and is a landmark in the country.

The church was reportedly built by a group of 12 masons who were brought to Vilnius from the Netherlands.

Luxembourg
Capital: Luxembourg
Area: 2,586.4 km2
Population: 640,064
Official languages: Luxembourgish, French, and German.
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Luxembourg (over 110,000)
Subregion: Western Europe
EU country
Schengen country
Highest point: Kneiff – 560 m

AMAZING FACTS

Luxembourg is the only Grand Duchy in the world, which means that the country is ruled by a Grand Duke or Grand Duchess.

Luxembourg is known for its strong banking sector and is home to many international banks.

Luxembourg has the highest GDP per capita in the world.

It is the only country in the world that has a “mosquito barrier” to protect its citizens from mosquitos.

The country has the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world.

North Macedonia
Capital: Skopje
Area: 25,713 km2
Population: 2,083,374
Official languages: Macedonian, Albanian
Currency: Macedonian denar
Largest city by population: Skopje (over 500,000)
Subregion: Southern Europe
Non EU country
Non Schengen country
Highest point: Mount Korab – 2,764 m

AMAZING FACTS

North Macedonia is a landlocked country located in Southeast Europe.

It became an independent state in 1991, after the breakup of Yugoslavia.

The national dish is called “Tavce Gravce,” which means “beans cooked in a skillet”.

There is a statue of Alexander the Great in Skopje, although there is no evidence that he ever visited the region.

North Macedonia is home to one of the oldest cities in Europe, the ancient city of Stobi, which dates back to the 3rd century BC.

Malta
Capital: Valletta
Area: 316 km2
Population: 519,562
Official language: Maltese
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Saint Paul’s Bay (over 30,000)
Subregion: Southern Europe
EU country
Schengen country
Highest point: Ta’ Dmejrek – 253 m

AMAZING FACTS

Malta is one of the smallest countries in the world, but it has more churches per square kilometer than any other country in the world.

The Maltese language is one of the few in the world that uses both the Latin and Arabic scripts.

Malta was once home to a prehistoric species of dwarf elephants that were only about 3 feet tall.

In Malta, it is considered good luck to keep a picture of a peacock in the house.

Malta’s national dish is rabbit stew, which is often served with pasta or potatoes.

United Kingdom
Capital: Londra
Area: 243,610 km2
Population: 67,886,011
Official Language: English
Currency: Pound sterling (GBP)
Largest city by population: London (over 8,5 million)
Subregion: Northern Europe
Non-EU country
Non Schengen country
Highest point: Ben Nevis – 1,345 m

AMAZING FACTS

Located off the northwest coast of Europe, the United Kingdom includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The British drink more than 60 billion cups of tea a year – around 100 million each day.

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, being in use since the 11th century.

Big Ben is one of London’s iconic landmarks, referring actually to the bell inside the clock tower.

The tower is 96 meters high, the equivalent of 21 London buses stacked on top of each other.

Moldova
Capital: Chișinău
Area: 33,846 km2
Population: 2.998.235
Official language: Romanian
Currency: Moldovan Leu
Largest city by population: Chisinau (over 500,000)
Subregion: Eastern Europe
Non EU country
Non Schengen country
Highest point: Bălănești Hill – 430 m

AMAZING FACTS

Moldova is known for its wine production, with an estimated 25% of the country’s population being involved in the wine industry.

The Museum of Alcoholic Beverages in the village of Tîrnauca is the world’s largest bottle-shaped building (28 meters).

Chisinau has a large central market where you can find all sorts of goods – including live animals such as chickens and rabbits.

Chișinău is also home to the famous Water Tower, a landmark architectural and historical monument.

The tower is sometimes called “the leaning tower of Chișinău” because it leans slightly to one side.

Monaco
Capital: Monaco
Area: 2.02 km2
Population: 39,242
Official language: French
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Monaco (over 30,000)
Subregion: Southern Europe
Non EU country
Non Schengen country
Highest point: Chemin des Révoires – 163 m

AMAZING FACTS

Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, but it has the highest per capita income in the world.

The country’s flag is almost identical to Indonesia’s flag, except that it’s flipped horizontally.

Monaco’s famous Monte Carlo Casino was originally built as a way to help the royal family avoid bankruptcy.

There are more police officers per capita in Monaco than anywhere else in the world.

This country has no income tax, which makes it a popular destination for the rich and famous.

Montenegro
Capital: Podgorica
Area: 13,812 km2
Population: 602,445
Official language: Montenegrin
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Podgorica (over 200,000)
Subregion: Southern Europe
Non EU country
Non Schengen country
Highest point: Zla Kolata – 2,534 m

AMAZING FACTS

Montenegro means “black mountain” in Italian, which is a translation of the country’s name in the Venetian language.

Montenegro is one of the youngest countries in the world, having gained independence from Serbia in 2006.

The Tara River Canyon, located in Montenegro, is one of the deepest canyons in the world, even deeper than the Grand Canyon.

Montenegro is the only country in the world that has a national park that extends from the seashore all the way to the mountains.

The city of Kotor in Montenegro has a unique defensive system of walls and fortresses that has remained unchanged for over a thousand years.

Norway
Capital: Oslo
Area: 385,207 km2
Population: 5,488,984
Official language: Norwegian, Sámi
Currency: Norwegian krone
Largest city by population: Oslo (over 600,000)
Subregion: Northern Europe
Non-EU country
Schengen country
Highest point: Galdhøpiggen – 2,469 m

AMAZING FACTS

Norway, or the Land of the Fjords, where night blends into day, where the sun shines for 24 hours or disappears for weeks at a time, is a fascinating Nordic country.

Norway is also home to some of the world’s tallest waterfalls, including the Seven Sisters waterfall, which is said to resemble the hair of seven women.

Norway is famous for its Vikings, and many Norwegians take pride in their Viking heritage. You can even visit a Viking ship museum in Oslo!

Borgund Stave Church is a landmark in Norway, dating back to 1180 which has been very well preserved until today.

The church is said to have been built by trolls without the use of nails, instead relying on a complex system of interlocking joints to hold it together.

Poland
Capital: Warsaw
Area: 312,696 km2
Population: 38,036,118
Official Language: Polish
Currency: Złoty
Largest city by population: Warsaw (over 1.7 million)
Subregion: Eastern Europe
EU member country
Schengen country
Highest point: Rysy – 2,499 m

AMAZING FACTS

Poland is home to many famous personalities who marked the world, such as Pope John Paul II, Frédéric Chopin, Marie Curie, and Nicolaus Copernicus.

The Błędow Desert is the largest sandy area, far from the sea, in Europe. It is nicknamed the Polish Sahara.

During WWII, the original Old Town in Warsaw was completely destroyed. It was rebuilt after the war using paintings by a Venetian artist.

The Palace of Culture and Science is a very tall and imposing building in the center of Warsaw, with a complicated history.

The building is associated with Stalin’s name and is considered a symbol of Soviet rule. For some, the negative sentiment persists even today.

Portugal
Capital: Lisbon
Area: 92,212 km2
Population: 10,421,117
Official language: Portuguese
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Lisbon (over 500,000)
Subregion: Southern Europe
EU member country
Schengen country
Highest point: Serra da Estrela – 1,993 m

AMAZING FACTS

Portugal is famous for its delicious pastries, especially the custard tarts known as “pastel de nata.”

The national symbol of Portugal is the rooster, and you can find statues of roosters all over the country.

Portugal is home to the longest bridge in Europe, the Vasco da Gama Bridge, which stretches for over 10 miles.

The Belém Tower is a famous landmark in Lisbon, and was built over 500 years ago. It was originally built as a fortress to protect the city from invaders.

The tower has been featured in many movies and TV shows, including the popular video game Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood.

Republic of Croatia
Capital: Zagreb
Area: 56,594 km2
Population: 3,871,833
Official language: Croatian
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Zagreb (over 800,000)
Subregion: Southern Europe
EU country
Schengen country
Highest point: Dinara – 1,831 m

AMAZING FACTS

Croatia has over 1,000 islands, but only 48 are inhabited.

Croatia is home to the smallest town in the world, called Hum, which has a population of only 20 people.

The Dalmatian dog breed originates from Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast.

The Zagreb Cathedral, one of the country’s most famous landmarks, took over 20 years to build and was completed in 1217.

The cathedral’s two bell towers are not symmetrical – one is slightly taller than the other.

Romania
Capital: Bucharest
Area: 238,397 km2
Population: 19,053,815
Official language: Romanian
Currency: Romanian Leu (RON)
Largest city by population: Bucharest (over 1.5 million)
Subregion: Eastern Europe
EU member country
Non Schengen country
Highest point: Moldoveanu Peak – 2,544 m

AMAZING FACTS

Romania is home to the Palace of Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon in the United States.

The first European city to have electric street lights is in Romania and is named Timișoara.

The modern jet engine was invented by a Romanian: Henri Coandă, an aerodynamics pioneer, and engineer.

One of Romania’s landmarks is Bran Castle, best known for the legend of the bloody vampire Dracula.

This imposing castle, with a fascinating history, has historically been a fortress, border guard, and royal residence.

Russia
Capital: Moscow
Area: 17.1 million km²
Population: 147,182,123
Official Language: Russian
Currency: Russian Ruble
Largest city by population: Moscow (over 11 million)
Subregion: Eastern Europe
Non-EU country
Non Schengen country
Highest point: Elbrus – 5,642 m

AMAZING FACTS

Russia is the world’s largest country by area, occupying about 1/8 of the Earth’s surface.

Around 100,000 rivers flow through Russia, including the Volga, the longest river in Europe.

Russia’s best-known animal is the Siberian tiger, considered the largest cat in the world.

Located in the center of Moscow, St. Basil’s Cathedral was built in the 16th century to mark the victory of Ivan the Terrible against the Tatars of the Kazan Khanate.

Legend says that the tsar blinded the church’s architect so as not to create a similar masterpiece anywhere else in the world.

San Marino
Capital: San Marino
Area: 61.2 km2
Population: 33,600
Official language: Italian
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Serravalle (over 9,000)
Subregion: Southern Europe
Non EU country
Non Schengen country
Highest point: Monte Titano – 749 m

AMAZING FACTS

San Marino is the third smallest country in Europe, is completely surrounded by Italy, and is landlocked.

San Marino is the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world, having been established in 301 AD.

It has a strong economy based on tourism, banking, and light manufacturing.

It has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, with no prisons in the country.

The country’s coat of arms depicts three towers, which are said to represent the three towers of San Marino’s capital city.

Serbia
Capital: Belgrade
Area: 88,499 km2
Population: 6,647,003
Official language: Serbian
Currency: Serbian dinar
Largest city by population: Belgrade (over 1,3 million)
Subregion: Southern Europe
Non-EU country
Non Schengen country
Highest point: Midžor – 2,168 m

AMAZING FACTS

Serbia is located in the heart of the Balkans, and is home to many beautiful national parks, including Tara National Park and Kopaonik National Park.

The Drina River, which flows through Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, is famous for its unique rock formations and stunning scenery.

In Serbia, stepping in dog poop is believed to bring good luck and money.

The Saint Sava Temple in Belgrade, an iconic landmark in Serbia, is one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, with a dome that is over 70 meters tall.

Construction of the church began in 1935, but was interrupted by World War II and wasn’t completed until 2004.

Slovakia
Capital: Bratislava
Area: 49,035 km2
Population: 5,460,185
Official language: Slovak
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Bratislava (over 400,000)
Subregion: Eastern Europe
EU country
Schengen country
Highest point: Gerlachovský štít – 2,655 m

AMAZING FACTS

Slovakia is known for its production of traditional folk art, including embroidered clothing and pottery.

Slovakia is home to one of the world’s most unique museums, the Slovak Museum of Toilet History, which features exhibits on the history of toilets and bathrooms.

Slovakians have a tradition of pouring water on the heads of single women on Easter Monday, in exchange for a painted egg or a small amount of money.

Bratislava Castle is a famous landmark in this country. Several prison cells are kept here and can be visited by tourists.

A popular legend is that a group of soldiers tried to steal the crown jewels stored there, but were thwarted by a group of crows.

Slovenia
Capital: Ljubljana
Area: 20,273 km2
Population: 2,110,547
Official language: Slovene
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Ljubljana (over 250,000)
Subregion: Southern Europe
EU country
Schengen country
Highest point: Triglav – 2,864 m

AMAZING FACTS

Slovenia is mostly mountainous and forested and has the largest bear population in Europe.

Slovenia also has the highest number of beekeepers per capita in the world.

Slovenia is the first country in the world to be declared a green destination based on its sustainability and eco-friendliness.

One of Slovenia’s attractions is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Ljubljana, located on a hill with a spectacular view of the city.

The church was built in the 18th century in the Baroque style and is known for its striking white façade, intricate frescoes, and ornate altar.

Spain
Capital: Madrid
Area: 505,994 km2
Population: 47,325,360
Official Language: Spanish
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Madrid (over 3.2 million)
Subregion: Southern Europe
EU country member
Schengen country
Highest point: Teide – 3,718 m

AMAZING FACTS

Spain occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula, stretching south from the Pyrenees Mountains to the Strait of Gibraltar.

It is the only European country to have a physical border with an African country (Morocco).

Spanish is the second most spoken mother tongue in the world, after Mandarin Chinese.

The Sagrada Família, one of Spain’s iconic landmarks, is located in Barcelona and was designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi.

The Sagrada Família has been under construction since 1882, exclusively from donations, and is not yet entirely finished.

Sweden
Capital: Stockholm
Area: 447,425 km2
Population: 10,481,937
Official language: Swedish
Currency: Swedish krona
Largest city by population: Stockholm (over 950,000)
Subregion: Northern Europe
EU member country
Schengen country
Highest point: Kebnekaise – 2,104 m

AMAZING FACTS

In Sweden, there is a tradition called “Fika” which means taking a break for coffee and pastries.

Every year, Sweden hosts a unique competition called “wife carrying” where men race while carrying their wives on their backs.

The Nobel Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in the world, is named after Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor and chemist.

The old town of Sweden’s capital is called Gamla stan and is built on an island that preserves its medieval charm.

Gamla stan is said to be haunted by ghosts, including a ghostly woman in black who wanders the narrow alleyways.

Switzerland
Capital: Zürich
Area: 41,285 km2
Population: 8,738,791
Official languages: German, French, Italian, Romansh
Currency: Swiss franc
Largest city by population: Zürich (over 400,000)
Subregion: Western Europe
Non-EU country
Schengen country
Highest point: Dufourspitze – 4,634 m

AMAZING FACTS

Switzerland is known for its stunning natural beauty, including snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests.

The Swiss are famous for their precision and attention to detail, which is evident in their world-renowned watches and clocks.

The Swiss are also known for their delicious chocolate, which is made with high-quality ingredients and comes in a wide variety of flavors.

Grossmünster is a famous landmark in Zurich, known for its distinctive twin towers and beautiful stained-glass windows.

Legend says that the church was built on the spot where three Christian martyrs were buried.

The Netherlands
Capital: Amsterdam
Area: 41,543 km2
Population: 17,863,300
Official language: Dutch
Currency: Euro
Largest city by population: Amsterdam (over 850,000)
Subregion: Western Europe
EU member country
Schengen country
Highest point: Vaalserberg – 321 m

AMAZING FACTS

The Netherlands is known as the land of tulips, windmills, canals, clogs, coffee shops, and many other impressive things.

The tallest people in the world live in the Netherlands. The average height for men is 183 cm (6ft), while women’s average is 171 cm (5ft 7in).

Almost 80% of the world’s flower bulbs, including tulips, come from the Netherlands.

The first Dutch windmills were built in 1221 and they were the best tools to battle the sea.

The most traditional windmills in the Netherlands – 19 in number – can be found today in the village of Kinderdijk, 16 kilometers from Rotterdam.

Ukraine
Capital: Kyiv
Area: 603,628 km2
Population: 36,744,636
Official Language: Ukrainian
Currency: Ukrainian hryvnia
Largest city by population: Kyiv (over 2.5 million)
Subregion: Eastern Europe
Non-EU country
Non Schengen country
Highest point: Hoverla – 2,061 m

AMAZING FACTS

Ukraine is the second largest country in Europe by area.

Ukraine has the fourth-highest literacy rate in the world.

Ukrainians are known for their hospitality, but they rarely smile in public.

Golden Gate in Kyiv, is one of the most notable architectural and historical landmarks in Ukraine and was named in imitation of the Golden Gate of Constantinople.

The Gate was rebuilt in 1982 and stones and brick remnants from the original 11th century gate were used to restore it.

Vatican City State
Capital: Vatican City
Area: 0.49 km2
Population: 801
Official language: Latin
Currency: Euro
Subregion: Southern Europe
Non EU country
Associate member of Schengen
Highest point: Vatican Hill – 75 m