DK People & Places: Europe
Europe is the world’s second-smallest continent but has the second-largest population. The landscape ranges from the frozen tundra and forests of the north to the hot, dry hills of the Mediterranean region. Vast fertile grasslands stretch between the mountains of the Alps in the west and the Ural Mountains in the east, which separate Europe from Asia. Europe is a crowded continent, with over 40 different countries, and international conflicts in the past century have often erupted into war. Today, the majority of people live in cities and many enjoy a high standard of living, thanks to their countries’ abundant natural resources, successful agriculture, and modern industries.
Total land area: 4,053,309 sq miles (10,498,000 sq km)
Total population: 696 million
Number of countries: 43
Largest country: Russian Federation (European section) 1,527,341 sq miles (3,955,818 sq km)
Smallest country: Vatican City 0.17 sq miles (0.44 sq km)
Largest country population: Russian Federation (whole country) 143 million
Largest lake: Ladoga, Russian Federation 7,100 sq miles (18,390 sq km)
Longest river: Volga, Russian Federation 2,290 miles (3,688 km)
Highest point: El’brus, Caucasus Mountains, Russian Federation 18,510 ft (5,642 m)
