GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Europe is a fascinating continent that has become the epitome of world tourism. What makes it unique is that it is a land of one color and one landmass, yet it is home to numerous countries, languages, cultures, climates, and a rich history of colonization. Even though technology was not as advanced in the past, people were still able to explore the entire world from Europe.
In terms of size, Europe is the second smallest continent after Australia, covering an area of 22,845,000 square kilometers. However, when it comes to population, Europe ranks third with the highest population (after Asia and Africa), with approximately 747.6 million people in 2020, accounting for about one-eighth of the world's population. Astronomically, Europe is located between 35° N and 71° N latitude and 11° W and 66° E longitude.
EUROPE HISTORY
The history of Europe is rich in culture and economy, dating back to the Paleolithic era. Recent discoveries in Monte Poggiolo, Italy, have provided significant evidence of human-made tools dating back 800,000 years ago.
The origins of Western democratic and individualistic culture are often attributed to Ancient Greece, although other influences such as Christianity have also played a role in spreading concepts like egalitarianism and universal law.
The Roman Empire divided the continent along the Rhine and Danube for several centuries. Following the decline of the Roman Empire, Europe experienced a period known as the Migration Period. This era, also referred to as the Dark Ages, lasted until the Renaissance. During this time, isolated monastic communities in Ireland and other places carefully preserved and collected written knowledge from earlier times. The Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment marked the beginning of a period of discovery, exploration, and scientific advancement. In the 15th century, Portugal led the way in exploration, followed by Spain. Later, France, the Netherlands, and Great Britain joined in building vast colonial empires with extensive territories in Africa, America, and Asia.
After the era of discovery, the concepts of democracy began to exert their influence in Europe. Struggles for independence emerged, especially in France during the period known as the French Revolution. This resulted in great turmoil in Europe as these revolutionary ideas spread throughout the continent. The rise of democracy led to increased pressure in Europe, in addition to the tensions that already existed due to competition in the New World. Among all of this, the most famous conflict was when Napoleon Bonaparte seized power and formed the French Empire, which fell shortly after. After these events, Europe slowly became stable, but remnants of the old period began to crumble.
The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the late 18th century, leading to a shift from agriculture, increasing prosperity for the people, and population growth. Many countries in Europe took on their current forms after World War II. From the end of World War II until the Cold War, Europe was divided into two political and economic blocs: communist countries in Eastern Europe and capitalist countries in Western Europe. Around 1989, the Eastern Bloc broke apart, coinciding with the fall of the Berlin Wall.
GEOGRAPHICAL
The geographical and political boundaries of Europe don't always align. This map shows Europe in its widest scope, reaching all the way to the Ural Mountains. Geographically, the European plain is part of a larger landmass known as the continent of Asia. This plain starts from the Ural Mountains in Russia, which marks the eastern boundary of Europe with Central Asia. The southeastern boundary with Central Asia is not clearly defined. The most common markers are the Ural River or the Emba River. The boundary continues with the Caspian Sea, and then the Caucasus Mountains or the Kuma-Manych Depression, until it reaches the Black Sea. The Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles mark the end of the boundary with Central Asia. The Mediterranean Sea to the south separates Europe from the continent of Africa. The western boundary is the Atlantic Ocean.
Almost all European countries are members of the Council of Europe, with the exceptions of Belarus and the Holy See (Vatican City). Europe has a union of European countries known as the European Union, which currently has 27 member states and is still expanding.
Europe is a diverse continent with rich history, culture, and landscapes. From the snowy peaks of the Alps to the picturesque coastlines of the Mediterranean, Europe offers a wide range of experiences for travelers. Whether you're exploring the ancient ruins of Rome, enjoying the vibrant nightlife of Berlin, or indulging in the culinary delights of Paris, there is something for everyone in Europe. With its interconnected transportation systems and open borders, it's easy to hop from one country to another and discover the unique charms of each destination. So, whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing beach getaway, Europe has it all.
INDEPENDENT STATES TERRITORIES IN EUROPE
The following independent states have territories in Europe:
Albania
Andorra
Austria
Dutch
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
great Britain
Bulgaria
Czech
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
German
Croatia
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
North Macedonia
Malta
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
Norway
French
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
San Marino
Serbia
Slovenia
Slovakia
Spanish
Sweden
Switzerland
Türkiye
Ukraine
Vatican
Greece
1 Kosovo's independence is only recognized by a small number of countries in the world.
2 Some parts of Azerbaijan and Georgia are located in Europe based on the definition of the border between Europe and Asia, which is the peak of the Caucasus Mountains.
3 The European region of Kazakhstan consists of the western part of the Ural River and Emba.
4 The western region of the Ural Mountains in Russia is considered part of Europe.
BIODIVERSITY IN EUROPE
Both in terms of animals and plants, has been greatly influenced by the presence and activities of humans, as they have coexisted with agricultural communities for thousands of years. Except for Scandinavia and Russia (and protected forests), untouched areas are rarely found in Europe.
Eighty to ninety percent of Europe used to be covered in forests. These forests stretched from the Mediterranean Sea to the Arctic Ocean. However, almost half of the original forests have disappeared after centuries of colonization. Currently, Europe still holds a quarter of the world's forests, including the vast Scandinavian forests, the expansive taiga forests in Russia, the chestnut rainforests of the Caucasus, and the cork oak forests in the Mediterranean. Deforestation has now been halted, and many trees are being planted. The country with the smallest forest coverage is Ireland (8%), while Finland has the largest forest coverage (72%).
The biodiversity in Europe is a result of the long-standing relationship between humans and nature. The impact of human activities, such as agriculture and deforestation, has shaped the landscape and influenced the distribution of species. Despite the loss of forests over the centuries, efforts are now being made to preserve and restore the natural habitats in Europe. Conservation initiatives and reforestation projects are helping to protect and increase the biodiversity of the continent. It is crucial to continue these efforts to ensure the survival of diverse plant and animal species in Europe.
MUCH MORE THINGS TO DO IN COUNTRIES OF EUROPE CONTINET