Europe

Introduction

Paris

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Europe may be the world's second smallest continent, but it's a place of extreme importance, both in today's world and throughout history. The grand empires of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome were the early signposts, but the centuries since that time have seen the rise and fall of more great powers. Perhaps the era of Europe's greatest dominance began several centuries ago, as European nations set out to explore, colonise, and "Westernise" the rest of the world. Even now, decades after the official end of colonisation, Europe enjoys the power birthed and fostered during previous centuries.

Europe may not be large, but it is unique and diverse. Compare the wealth and power of Western Europe with the comparatively underdeveloped Eastern Europe. Enjoy the warmth of Southern Europe; or take in breathtaking winter scenery in Northern Europe. Witness some of the world's most modern buildings in some of the world's oldest cities.

Geography

Countries like Turkey and Greenland do not technically belong in Europe when defined as a continent. For travelling purposes however, these countries are generally considered part of this region.

Subregions

• Eastern Europe: Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine
• Northern Europe: Denmark (includes Faroe Islands and Greenland), Estonia, Finland (includes Åland), Guernsey, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway (includes Svalbard), Sweden, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
• Southern Europe: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia And Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Gibraltar (UK), Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Malta, Montenegro, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Vatican City
• Western Europe: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Switzerland
• Russia and the Caucasus: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia.^[1]

Several other sub-groupings exist within Europe, including the Benelux and Scandinavia.

Countries

• Åland (Finland)
• Albania
• Andorra
• Austria
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Bosnia And Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• England (UK)
• Estonia
• Faroe Islands (Denmark)
• Finland
• France
• Georgia
• Germany
• Gibraltar (UK)
• Greece
• Greenland (Denmark)
• Guernsey
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Isle of Man
• Italy
• Jersey
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Macedonia
• Malta
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• Netherlands
• Northern Ireland (UK)
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Russia
• San Marino
• Scotland (UK)
• Serbia
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Svalbard (Norway)
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Turkey
• United Kingdom
• Ukraine
• Vatican City
• Wales (UK)

Sights and Activities

Major cities

Some of the world's most important cities are found in Europe. Paris. Amsterdam. London. Rome. Barcelona. Berlin. The list goes on and on. Each city is a symbol of Europe, marrying modern industry with a long, proud heritage.

Landmarks

• Norwegian Fjords
• The Alps
• Eiffeltower - Paris
• Big Ben and Tower Bridge - London
• Icelandic geysirs
• Alhambra - Spain
• Italian cities like Venice, Florence, Pisa and Siena
• Monaco
• Auschwitz - an important landmark regarding European historics
• Hermitage - St. Petersburg, the place for all sorts of art
• Colosseum in Rome
• Acropolis in Athens

Skiing

In Alpine countries such as Switzerland and Austria, skiing is an immensely popular activity. Further north, the Scandinavian countries of Norway and Sweden also offer skiing opportunities, while in the very far east of Europe, in the Caucasus, are lesser-known skiing destinations.

Beaches

The warm Mediterranean at the southern end of Europe affords some of the world's most popular beaches. Countries like Greece, Italy, Spain and France receive many visitors each year in search of a tan. Over the past decade, Croatia has also become popular as a beach destination, thanks to its ideal location on the Adriatic Sea.