Europe is a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere. It is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and Asia to the east. Europe shares the landmass of Eurasia with Asia. It is the second-smallest continent, covering approximately 10,186,000 square kilometers, which is about 2% of the Earth's surface. Politically, Europe is divided into about fifty sovereign states.
Europe is known for its rich history, diverse cultures, and significant contributions to art, philosophy, science, and technology. Key attractions include historical sites like the Colosseum in Rome, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and the Palace of Versailles. The continent also boasts varied landscapes, from the sunny Mediterranean coasts to the snowy Scandinavian mountains. In February 2026, new EU rules are set to ban the destruction of unsold clothes, clothing accessories, and footwear to cut down on wasteful practices and CO2 emissions. A recent survey also indicated that 89% of EU citizens want the EU to act with unity and ambition in the face of global threats such as active conflicts and cyber-attacks.
