Facts About Western Europe

10 Facts About Western Europe You Didn’t Know

Western Europe is one of the most prosperous and flourishing regions of the world. However, there are some problems here as well.

Size 

The United States is more than twice the size of Western Europe. The land area of Western Europe is approximately 3.9 million square kilometers (1.5 million square miles), while the land area of the United States is approximately 9.8 million square kilometers (3.8 million square miles). 

Countries of Western Europe

The number of countries that are generally considered to be part of Western Europe can vary depending on the definition being used, but there are typically around 9-10 countries that are included in this subregion of Europe. Some of the countries that are usually considered to be part of Western Europe include  Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy (plus the Vatican), Luxembourg, Netherlands, Andorra, San Marino, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. Sometimes, the UK, Spain, and Portugal are also included in this list. However, the UK could be considered as part of Northern Europe. Spain and Portugal could be considered a part of Southern Europe.

Europe, Vatican
Vatican, the smallest country

The Largest Country

The largest country in Western Europe is France, with a total area of approximately 643,801 square kilometers (248,573 square miles). France is also the second most populous country in Western Europe, with a population of around 67 million people.

The Smallest Country

The smallest country in Western Europe is Vatican City, with a total area of approximately 0.44 square kilometers (0.17 square miles). Despite its small size, Vatican City is a sovereign city-state and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It has a population of just over 800 people and is considered the smallest country in the world in terms of both area and population. The second smallest country in the region is Luxembourg.

The Strongest Economy of Western Europe

Among the Western European countries, Germany has the strongest economy and is one of the largest economies in the world. Other strong economies in the region include France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Western European Taxes

Taxes in Western European countries are generally higher than in many other parts of the world. Tax rates vary depending on a range of factors, including income, wealth, and the types of taxes being levied. The highest taxes are in France (45.5%), Denmark: (44.9%), Belgium (42.1%), Sweden (41.7%), and Finland: (40.3%).

Cost of Living in Western Europe

According to the 2021 Mercer Cost of Living Survey, which compares the cost of living in cities around the world, some of the Western European countries with a lower cost of living include Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Hungary. Countries with the highest cost of living are Switzerland, Norway, and Denmark.

The Oldest Republic

The Republic of San Marino is a small landlocked country completely surrounded by Italy, with a population of around 34,000 people. It is one of the smallest countries in the world, and also one of the oldest. It was founded in 301 AD and has maintained its independence and republican form of government throughout the centuries.

Western Europe, San Marino
Monte Titano, the highest peak in San Marino

The Highest Salary

Switzerland has the highest average salary in Europe. As of 2021, the average monthly salary in Switzerland was around 7,100 Swiss francs (or roughly 7,800 US dollars). This is significantly higher than the average salary in other Western European countries, which ranges from around 1,400 euros per month in countries such as Portugal and Greece to around 4,000 euros per month in countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom.

Crime and Safety

The Safest Countries in Western Europe are Lichnetsnein, Luxembourg, Andorra, and San Marino. Also, there’s no crime in the Vatican. Among larger countries, the safest are Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. The highest crime rates are in the UK, France, and Belgium.

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