The vast continent of Europe encompasses no less than 50 sovereign states, as well as seven non-sovereign territories and regions, and another six territories and regions that are partially recognised.
Europe borders Asia in the east at the Ural Mountains and the Caspian Sea, and in the south at the Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea. Countries such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Georgia, and Russia are considered part of both Asia and Europe. The islands in the Mediterranean Sea are also considered to be part of Europe, as is Malta. The sovereign states, by definition, are political entities governing a geographical area that is bound by an institution of rules recognising its authority over that area in the form of the courts, armed forces, civil service, and police.
Some of the sovereign states in Europe are Austria, Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. Boasting a total population of over 700 million inhabitants, Europe is home to a curious mix – or clash – of cultures, whose similarities and differences cover the areas of religion, philosophy, language, sport, art, etc. In addition to this, Europe has another grouping of sorts that crosses cultural lines, and this is the European Union. The EU is a union of 27 European member states, with another seven countries awaiting inclusion in this economically and politically powerful group. The EU includes in its force a membership of some 500 million people and generates an estimated 30% share of the nominal gross world product.
Map Of Europe
