Historically, Russia is simultaneously a part of Europe and Asia, being the largest power in the world in terms of occupied space on planet Earth. Despite the fact that our country is geographically closer to Asian countries, most of the population lives in its central part, which is closer to European states. Therefore, it is generally accepted that our place of residence is in Europe. Today we look at the 5 largest countries by area in Europe.
Russia - I place in the occupied territory in the world
The capital of the country is Moscow. Russia occupies 12% of the earth’s surface on the planet, which is 17 124 442 km 2. This is not only the largest country in Europe by area, but also in the world. The distant Slavic ancestors roamed the eastern part, then still the future state. But the unification of all the peoples of a powerful power occurred precisely on the territory of Europe, then Kievan Rus was formed. And today, the heart of the country is in its "central" part, although geographically, relative to the state, it is very far from this term, rather closer to the borders of Europe. The population is about 146.4 million people, which is also the dominant place among European countries.
Ukraine - II place by area in Europe
Ukraine takes an honorable second place in Europe. It also belongs to the largest country in Europe in terms of area, numbering about 559 713 square kilometers. The capital of the state is Kiev. Most of the country is located within the East European Plain. The climate can be classified as temperate continental: the average temperature in January is from -1C to -6C, in July + 18C-23C. Almost the entire territory is flat, and the mountains occupy only 5% of the country's area.
Due to the difficult political situation in the country, the population of the state declined markedly (Crimea, Donbass separated, military operations in the country affected), from 46.5 million (as of 2008) to 42.3 million people, according to official estimates.
France - III place
The capital of France is the city of Paris, which is known, perhaps, to any adult resident of the planet. France is the largest country in foreign Europe by area. Its land is 547, 030 square kilometers. But this country still has islands that belong to it, and they are located in South America, the West Indies, also Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean and several archipelagos in the Pacific Ocean. The number of inhabitants of the country is about 64.9 million people.
France is known for its navigable rivers, of which there are about 200. The largest river is the Rhone, and the largest valleys of the rivers Seine, Garonne and Loire. It is also the richest country in terms of water resources among European states.
Spain - IV place
Spain is located in the southwestern part of Europe. Its territories cover land with an area of 504, 782 square kilometers. Madrid - is the Spanish capital. The country's population is 45.9 million inhabitants. This is one of the most picturesque, warm and largest countries in Europe in terms of area. Spain also owns the Balearic and Canary Islands, and also includes some of the lands of northern Africa.
A section of Gibraltar belongs to the British colony, but is located on the Iberian Peninsula of Spain. The Spaniards continue to claim these lands for quite a long time. Gibraltar - is a symbol of the country, it is depicted on the coat of arms of Spain. According to the legends of ancient ancestors, this place marked the end of the world.
The southernmost point of continental Europe is Cape Morocco, which is a narrow part of Gibraltar and crosses part of Africa. It turns out that Spain is within walking distance from Africa - only 14 kilometers away.
Sweden - V place
The kingdom of Sweden is the largest in Scandinavia. It is located in Northern Europe and has an area of 449, 964 square kilometers. The country includes two large Baltic islands - Gotland and Öland. The first man entered this land about 12, 000 years ago, but only since the 9th century in Europe they started talking about Sweden. Well-known Vikings entered the sea harbors and were engaged in robbery and robbery. Only from the 11th-12th centuries did a country gain the status of a state.
This country differs from many European countries in its unique nature: forests, mountains, villages, manicured estates, valleys, medieval buildings and hundreds of architectural monuments. There are lively cities interspersed with wooden houses, fresh, salt ponds and islands.
Sweden is also one of the largest countries in Europe by area. The population of the state is almost 10 million people. The Swedish capital is the city of Stockholm.
