There are 50 countries in Europe, and with one great exception (Russia – which resides on both Europe and Asia), Europe‘s 10 largest countries are far from the sizes of the world’s largest countries. After listing Europe’s 10 smallest countries, here’s a list of Europe’s largest countries, by area
1. Russia
Russia resides on both Europe and Asia. It’s area in Europe alone is 3,836,652 km² (1,481,340 mi²) which makes it the largest country in Europe. It’s total area including Asia is 17,098,242 km² (6,601,668 mi²), which makes it by far the largest country in the world. Russia is the only European country in the list of the 10 largest countries in the world. Click here for Moscow attractions
The Moscow Kremlin, in Russia, the largest country in Europe and the world
2. Ukraine
The Second largest country in Europe is Ukraine, which has an area of 603,628 km² (233,062 mi²) including Crimea, over which it is currently in dispute with Russia
The famous Potemkin Stairs in Odessa, Ukraine
3. France
The largest country in the European Union and third largest in the entire continent is France, with an area of 551,695 km² (213,010 mi²). Like other Western European countries, France is among the world’s most visited countries, and is often first in the list. Click here for Paris attractions
Mont Saint Michel in the western coast of France
4. Spain
The largest country in the Iberian Peninsula has an area of 505,992 km² (195,364 mi²) – about 10% smaller than France. Here are my lists for best attractions in: Barcelona, Madrid and Seville
The white houses of Granada, seen from the famous Alhambra palace, the most visited site in all of Spain
5. Sweden
In the north, Sweden has an area of 449,964 km² (173,732 mi²) – the largest of the Scandinavian countries
The Royal palace in Stockholm, Sweden (source: Brorsson)
6. Germany
Located at the heart of the continent, Germany has an area of 357,168 km² (137,903 mi²). Click here for my list of best attractions in Berlin
The Spree River with the Berlin TV Tower in the background, Berlin, Germany
7. Finland
Finland is Europe’s 7th largest country, and the EU’s 5th largest, with an area of 338,145 km² (130,558 mi²)
Aleksanterinkatu street in Helsinki, Finland
8. Norway
The second largest of the Scandinavian countries, Norway has an area 323,802 km² (125,020 mi²)
Oslo, Norway (source: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra)
9. Poland
Poland has an area of 312,685 km² (125,728 mi²), not much smaller than Germany, to which it borders to the west
Market Square in the Warsaw’s old town, Poland (source: Adrian Grycuk)
10. Italy
Closing the list of 10 largest countries in the old continent, the boot shaped country has an area of 301,318 km² (116,339 mi²). Here are my lists for best attractions in: Rome, Florence, Milan and Venice
Vernazza, one of the villages in Cinque Terre, Italy. Cinque Terre is one of the world’s most colorful places
