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Europe / EE

European Union

European Union flag
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2021 Factbook flag mirror; image identity has not been individually audited. Source.

Last updated: October 29, 2026

European Union: CIA World Factbook map from 2021; original boundary notes preserved.
ⓘCIA World Factbook map, February 2021 media edition. Identity reviewed; current boundaries have not been audited. visual contact sheet or original identity check; does not verify current boundaries Boundaries, place names and designations may be dated or disputed; original annotations retained. SHA-256: 25929dc60784ca80d830c682ad6edeaa2fdd398fa502a906f69a78738222dac1. Provenance and inspection record.

Introduction

Preliminary statement:1

The European Union's (EU) evolution is unprecedented in history, transforming from a regional economic agreement among six neighboring states in 1951 to today's hybrid intergovernmental and supranational organization of 27 countries across the European continent. Such a large number of nation-states ceding some of their sovereignty to an overarching entity is unique. Dynastic unions for territorial consolidation were long the norm in Europe, although country-level unions were sometimes arranged, such as the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The EU is not a federation in the strict sense, but it is far more than a free-trade association such as ASEAN or Mercosur. It has certain attributes associated with independent nations: its own flag, currency (for some members), and law-making abilities, as well as diplomatic representation and a common foreign and security policy in its dealings with external partners.

For these reasons, The World Factbook includes basic information on the EU as a separate entity.

Background:2

In the aftermath and devastation of the two World Wars, a number of far-sighted European leaders in the late 1940s sought to respond to the overwhelming desire for peace and reconciliation on the continent. In 1950, French Foreign Minister Robert SCHUMAN proposed pooling the production of coal and steel in Western Europe, which would bring France and West Germany together and be open to other countries as well. The following year, the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was set up when six members -- Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands -- signed the Treaty of Paris. Within a few years, the ECSC was so successful that member states decided to further integrate their economies. In 1957, envisioning an "ever closer union," the Treaties of Rome created the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom), which eliminated trade barriers among the six member states to create a common market. In 1967, the institutions of all three communities were formally merged into the European Community (EC), creating a single Commission, a single Council of Ministers, and a legislative body known today as the European Parliament. Members of the European Parliament were initially selected by national parliaments, but direct elections began in 1979 and have been held every five years since.

In 1973, the first enlargement of the EC added Denmark, Ireland, and the UK. The 1980s saw further membership expansion, with Greece joining in 1981 and Spain and Portugal in 1986. The 1992 Treaty of Maastricht laid the basis for further cooperation in foreign and defense policy and judicial and internal affairs, as well as the creation of an economic and monetary union -- including a common currency. The Maastricht Treaty created the European Union (EU), at the time standing alongside the EC. In 1995, Austria, Finland, and Sweden joined the EU/EC, raising the total number of member states to 15. On 1 January 1999, the new euro currency was launched in world markets and became the unit of exchange for all EU member states except Denmark, Sweden, and the UK. In 2002, citizens of the 12 participating member states began using euro banknotes and coins.

In an effort to ensure that the EU could function efficiently with an expanded membership, the Treaty of Nice in 2000 set forth rules to streamline the size and procedures of the EU's institutions. An effort to establish a "Constitution for Europe," growing out of a Convention held in 2002-2003, foundered when it was rejected in referenda in France and the Netherlands in 2005. A subsequent effort in 2007 incorporated many features of the rejected draft Constitutional Treaty, while also making a number of substantive as well as symbolic changes. The new treaty, referred to as the Treaty of Lisbon, sought to amend existing treaties rather than replace them. The treaty was approved at a conference of member states, and after all member states ratified, the Lisbon Treaty came into force on 1 December 2009, at which point the EU officially replaced and succeeded the EC.

Ten new countries joined the EU in 2004 -- Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Bulgaria and Romania joined in 2007 and Croatia in 2013. UK citizens on 23 June 2016 narrowly voted to leave the EU; the formal exit, widely known as "Brexit," took place on 31 January 2020. The EU and the UK negotiated a withdrawal agreement that included a status quo transition period through December 2020, when the follow-on EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement was concluded. Current EU membership stands at 27. Eight of the newer member states -- Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia, and Slovenia -- have now adopted the euro, bringing total euro-zone membership to 20.

Geography

Location:3

Europe between the North Atlantic Ocean in the west and Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine to the east

Map references:4

Europe

Area:5

total:4,236,351 sq km

rank by area (sq km):

1. France (includes five overseas regions) 643,801

2. Spain 505,370

3. Sweden 450,295

4. Germany 357,022

5. Finland 338,145

6. Poland 312,685

7. Italy 301,340

8. Romania 238,391

9. Greece 131,957

10. Bulgaria 110,879

11. Hungary 93,028

12. Portugal 92,090

13. Austria 83,871

14. Czechia 78,867

15. Ireland 70,273

16. Lithuania 65,300

17. Latvia 64,589

18. Croatia 56,594

19. Slovakia 49,035

20. Estonia 45,228

21. Denmark 43,094

22. Netherlands 41,543

23. Belgium 30,528

24. Slovenia 20,273

25. Cyprus 9,251

26. Luxembourg 2,586

27. Malta 316

Area - comparative:6

less than one-half the size of the United States

Land boundaries:7

total:13,770 km
border countries (18):Albania 212 km; Andorra 118 km; Belarus 1,176 km; Bosnia and Herzegovina 956 km; Holy See 3 km; Liechtenstein 34 km; North Macedonia 396 km; Moldova 683 km; Monaco 6 km; Montenegro 19 km; Norway 2,375 km; Russia 2,435 km; San Marino 37 km; Serbia 1,353 km; Switzerland 1,729 km; Turkey 415 km; United Kingdom 499 km; Ukraine 1,324 km
note:data for European continent only

Coastline:8

53,563.9 km

Climate:9

cold temperate; potentially subarctic in the north to temperate; mild wet winters; hot dry summers in the south

Terrain:10

fairly flat along Baltic and Atlantic coasts; mountainous in the central and southern areas

Elevation:11

highest point:Mont Blanc, France 4,810 m
lowest point:Zuidplaspolder, Netherlands -7 m

Natural resources:12

iron ore, natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, lead, zinc, bauxite, uranium, potash, salt, hydropower, arable land, timber, fish

Irrigated land:13

154,539.82 sq km (2011 est.)

Population distribution:14

population distribution varies considerably from country to country but tends to follow a pattern of coastal and river settlement, with urban agglomerations forming large hubs; the area in and around the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg (known collectively as Benelux), is the most densely populated area in the EU

Natural hazards:15

flooding along coasts; avalanches in mountainous area; earthquakes in the south; volcanic eruptions in Italy; periodic droughts in Spain; ice floes in the Baltic Sea region

People and Society

Population:16

total:451,815,312 (2024 est.)
male:220,631,332
female:231,183,980

Languages:17

Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovene, Spanish, Swedish

note:only the 24 official languages are listed; German, the major language of Germany and Austria, is the most widely spoken mother tongue - about 16% of the EU population; English is the most widely spoken foreign language - about 29% of the EU population is conversant with it; English is an official language in Ireland and Malta and thus remained an official EU language after the UK left the bloc (2020)

Religions:18

Roman Catholic 41%, Orthodox 10%, Protestant 9%, other Christian 4%, Muslim 2%, other 4% (includes Jewish, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu), atheist 10%, non-believer/agnostic 17%, unspecified 3% (2019 est.)

Age structure:19

0-14 years:14.5% (male 33,606,273/female 31,985,118)
15-64 years:63.5% (male 143,874,460/female 143,104,994)
65 years and over:22% (2024 est.) (male 43,150,599/female 56,093,868)

Dependency ratios:20

total dependency ratio:57.2 (2024)
youth dependency ratio:22.8 (2024)
elderly dependency ratio:34.5 (2024)
potential support ratio:3 (2024)

Median age:21

total:44 years (2020)
male:42.6 years
female:45.5 years

Population growth rate:22

0.1% (2021 est.)

Birth rate:23

8.9 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Death rate:24

11.2 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)

Net migration rate:25

-2.85 migrant(s)/1,000 population

Population distribution:26

population distribution varies considerably from country to country but tends to follow a pattern of coastal and river settlement, with urban agglomerations forming large hubs; the area in and around the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg (known collectively as Benelux), is the most densely populated area in the EU

Sex ratio:27

at birth:1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years:1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years:1.01 male(s)/female
65 years and over:0.77 male(s)/female
total population:0.95 male(s)/female (2024 est.)

Infant mortality rate:28

total:3.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:29

total population:77.63 years (2021)
male:72.98 years
female:82.51 years

Total fertility rate:30

1.54 children born/woman (2024 est.)

Gross reproduction rate:31

0.75 (2024 est.)

Health expenditure:32

10.9% of GDP (2021)

Education expenditure:33

5% of GDP (2020 est.)

Environment

Environmental issues:34

various forms of air, soil, and water pollution; see individual country entries

International environmental agreements:35

party to:Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Tropical Timber 2006
signed, but not ratified:Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds

Climate:36

cold temperate; potentially subarctic in the north to temperate; mild wet winters; hot dry summers in the south

Carbon dioxide emissions:37

total emissions:2.651 billion metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke:518.857 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids:1.489 billion metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas:643.8 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)

Total renewable water resources:38

1.7 trillion cubic meters (2019)

Government

Union name:39

conventional long form:European Union
abbreviation:EU

Government type:40

a hybrid and unique intergovernmental and supranational organization

Capital:41

name:Brussels (Belgium), Strasbourg (France), Luxembourg, Frankfurt (Germany)
geographic coordinates:(Brussels) 50 50 N, 4 20 E
time difference:UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time:+1 hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
time zone note:the 27 European Union member states are spread across three time zones
note:the European Council and the Council of the European Union meet in Brussels, Belgium, except for Council of the EU meetings held in Luxembourg in April, June, and October; the European Parliament meets in Brussels and Strasbourg, France, and has administrative offices in Luxembourg; the Court of Justice of the European Union is located in Luxembourg; and the European Central Bank is located in Frankfurt, Germany

Member states:42

27 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

13 overseas countries and territories: 1 with Denmark (Greenland), 6 with France (French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Lands, New Caledonia, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Wallis and Futuna), and 6 with the Netherlands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten); all are part of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA)

note 1:the 9 EU candidate countries include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine

note 2: several non-European overseas countries and territories (OCTs) have special relations with Denmark, France, and the Netherlands (list is annexed to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union) and are associated with the EU to promote their economic and social development; member states apply the same treatment to their trade with OCTs as they accord each other; OCT nationals are in principle EU citizens, but OCTs are not part of or subject to the EU

Legal system:43

unique supranational system in which EU treaties and EU law have primacy over member-state law

Constitution:44

history:none; the EU legal order relies primarily on the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU)
amendment process:EU treaties can be amended in several ways:
amendment process:1) Ordinary Revision Procedure (for key amendments to the treaties); initiated by an EU member state, the European Parliament, or the European Commission; after the proposal is adopted by the European Council, a conference of national government representatives then reviews the proposal; passage requires ratification by all EU member states
amendment process:2) Simplified Revision Procedure (for amendment of EU internal policies and actions); passage of a proposal requires unanimous European Council vote after European Council consultation with the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Central Bank (if the amendment concerns monetary matters) and requires ratification by all EU member states
amendment process:3) Passerelle Clause; allows the alteration of a legislative procedure without a formal amendment of the treaties
amendment process:4) Flexibility Clause; permits the EU to decide in subject areas where EU competences have not been explicitly granted in the treaties but are necessary to the attainment of treaty objectives

Suffrage:45

18 years of age (16 years in Austria); universal; voting for the European Parliament occurs in each member state

Executive branch:46

three EU institutions have functions that can be regarded as executive in nature:

European Council - composed of member-state heads of state or government, along with the president of the European Commission; meets at least four times a year to issue general policy guidance; the president of the European Council is appointed by leaders of the EU member states for a 2 1/2 year term, renewable once

president:António Costa (since 1 December 2024)

Council of the European Union - consists of member-state officials, ranging from working-level diplomats to cabinet ministers in specific policy fields such as foreign affairs, agriculture, or economy; has policymaking, coordinating, and legislative functions

president:the six-month presidency rotates among the member states

European Commission - composed of 27 commissioners (one from each member state), including the president; the president assigns each commissioner one or more policy areas, called portfolios; the Commission has the sole right to initiate EU legislation, except for foreign and security/defense policy, and is responsible for monitoring the application of EU law, implementing/executing the EU budget, negotiating in certain policy areas, and ensuring the EU's external representation in some policy areas; the president is nominated for a 5-year term by the European Council and confirmed by the European Parliament; the European Parliament also confirms the entire Commission for a 5-year term

president:Ursula von der Leyen (since 1 December 2019)
note:for external representation and foreign policy, member-state leaders appoint a High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy; the High Representative's concurrent appointment as Vice President of the European Commission is meant to bring more coherence to the EU’s foreign policy; the High Representative helps develop and implement the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy and Common Security and Defense Policy, chairs the Council of the EU's meetings of member-state foreign ministers, represents and acts for the EU in many international contexts, and oversees the European External Action Service, the EU's diplomatic corps

Legislative branch:47

legislature name:Council of the European Union (Council) and the European Parliament (EP) (separate legislative bodies; see note 2 )
number of seats:Council - 27; EP - 720
electoral system:Council - none, composed of ministers from EU member states; EP - proportional representation
scope of elections:EP - full renewal
term in office:5 years note: for the EP
most recent election date:EP - 6/9/2024
parties elected and seats per party:EP - PP (188); S&D (136); PfE (84); ECR (78); Renew (77); Greens/EFA (53); GUE-NGL (46); ESN (25); non-attached (12); other (21)
percentage of women in chamber:39.8% note: for the EP
expected date of next election:EP - June 2029
note 1:the European Parliament (EP) President, Roberta METSOLA, was elected in January 2022 and reelected in July 2024 by a majority of EP members (MEPs)
note 2:the EP and the Council of the EU share responsibilities for adopting the bulk of EU legislation; the European Commission proposes legislation, and the two other bodies have to agree for the proposal to become law -- except in the area of Common Foreign and Security Policy, which is governed by consensus of the EU member-state governments

Judicial branch:48

highest court(s):Court of Justice of the European Union, which includes the Court of Justice (informally known as the European Court of Justice or ECJ, includes 11 advocates general) and the General Court (consists of 27 judges, one drawn from each member state; can include additional judges); both the ECJ and the General Court sit in chambers of 3 to 5 judges but may sit in a Grand Chamber of 15 judges in special cases
judge selection and term of office:judges appointed by the common consent of the member states to serve 6-year renewable terms

Political parties:49

The Left or GUE/NGL

European Conservatives and Reformists or ECR

Greens/European Free Alliance or Greens/EFA

European People's Party or EPP

Europe of Sovereign Nations or ESN

Patriots for Europe or PfE

Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats or S&D

Renew Europe or Renew (formerly Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe or ALDE)

Diplomatic representation in the US:50

chief of mission:Ambassador Jovita NELIUPŠIENĖ, Head of Delegation (since 27 February 2024)
chancery:2175 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
telephone:[1] (202) 862-9500
FAX:[1] (202) 429-1766
email address and website

delegation-usa-info@eeas.europa.eu

Delegation of the European Union to the United States of America | EEAS (europa.eu)

Diplomatic representation from the US:51

chief of mission:Ambassador Andrew PUZDER (since 11 September 2025)
embassy:Zinnerstraat - 13 - Rue Zinner, B-1000 Brussels
mailing address:use embassy street address
telephone:[32] (2) 811-4100
email address and website

https://useu.usmission.gov/

International organization participation:52

ARF, ASEAN (dialogue member), Australian Group, BIS, BSEC (observer), CBSS, CERN, EBRD, FAO, FATF, G-7, G-10, G-20, IDA, IEA, IGAD (partners), LAIA (observer), NSG (observer), OAS (observer), OECD, PIF (partner), SAARC (observer), SICA (observer), UN (observer), UNRWA (observer), WCO, WTO, ZC (observer)

Independence:53

7 February 1992 (Maastricht Treaty signed establishing the European Union); 1 November 1993 (Maastricht Treaty entered into force)

note:the Treaties of Rome, signed on 25 March 1957 and entered into force on 1 January 1958, created the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community; a series of subsequent treaties increased efficiency and transparency, prepared for new member states, and introduced new areas of cooperation such as a single currency; the Treaty of Lisbon, signed on 13 December 2007 and entered into force on 1 December 2009, is the most recent

National holiday:54

Europe Day (also known as Schuman Day), 9 May (1950)

Flag:55

description:a blue field with 12 five-pointed gold stars arranged in a circle in the center; blue stands for the sky of the Western world, and the stars for unity, solidarity, and harmony
meaning:the number of stars is fixed and does not correspond to the number of member states

National symbol(s):56

a circle of 12 five-pointed golden-yellow stars on a blue field

National color(s):57

blue, yellow

National anthem(s):58

title:"European Anthem" (Ode to Joy)
lyrics/music:no lyrics/Ludwig VAN BEETHOVEN, arranged by Herbert VON KARAJAN
history:adopted 1985; the anthem is meant to represent all of Europe rather than just the organization, conveying the ideals of peace, freedom, and unity

Economy

Real GDP (purchasing power parity):59

2024:$24.441 trillion (2024 est.)
2023:$24.17 trillion (2023 est.)
2022:$24.036 trillion (2022 est.)
note:data in 2021 dollars

Real GDP growth rate:60

2024:1% (2024 est.)
2023:0.5% (2023 est.)
2022:3.5% (2022 est.)
note:annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency

Real GDP per capita:61

2024:$54,300 (2024 est.)
2023:$53,800 (2023 est.)
2022:$53,700 (2022 est.)
note:data in 2021 dollars

GDP (official exchange rate):62

$19.423 trillion (2024 est.)

note:data in current dollars at official exchange rate

Inflation rate (consumer prices):63

2024:2.4% (2024 est.)
2023:6.3% (2023 est.)
2022:8.8% (2022 est.)
note:annual % change based on consumer prices

GDP - composition, by sector of origin:64

agriculture:1.6% (2024 est.)
industry:22.1% (2024 est.)
services:66.1% (2024 est.)
note:figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data

GDP - composition, by end use:65

household consumption:51.6% (2023 est.)
government consumption:20.8% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital:22% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories:0.4% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services:51.9% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services:-48.3% (2023 est.)
note:figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection

Agricultural products:66

milk, wheat, sugar beets, maize, potatoes, barley, grapes, pork, rapeseed, tomatoes (2022)

note:top ten agricultural products based on tonnage for all EU member states

Industries:67

among the world's largest and most technologically advanced regions, the EU industrial base includes: ferrous and non-ferrous metal production and processing, metal products, petroleum, coal, cement, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, rail transportation equipment, passenger and commercial vehicles, construction equipment, industrial equipment, shipbuilding, electrical power equipment, machine tools and automated manufacturing systems, electronics and telecommunications equipment, fishing, food and beverages, furniture, paper, textiles

Industrial production growth rate:68

-0.7% (2024 est.)

note:annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency

Labor force:69

221.391 million (2024 est.)

note:number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work

Unemployment rate:70

2024:6% (2024 est.)
2023:6.1% (2023 est.)
2022:6.2% (2022 est.)
note:% of labor force seeking employment

Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24):71

total:15.9% (2024 est.)
male:16% (2024 est.)
female:16% (2024 est.)
note:% of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment

Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income:72

2015:31 (2015 est.)

Remittances:73

2024:0.8% of GDP (2024 est.)
2023:0.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
2022:0.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
note:personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities

Public debt:74

2013:85.5% of GDP (2013)

Taxes and other revenues:75

19.8% (of GDP) (2022 est.)

note:central government tax revenue as a % of GDP

Exports:76

2024:$9.783 trillion (2024 est.)
2023:$9.689 trillion (2023 est.)
2022:$9.425 trillion (2022 est.)
note:balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars

Exports - partners:77

US 20%, UK 12%, China 10%, Switzerland 7%, Turkey 4% (2023)

note:top five non-EU export partners based on percentage share of external exports; does not include internal trade among EU member states

Exports - commodities:78

cars, packaged medicine, refined petroleum, vehicle parts/accessories, vaccines (2023)

note:top five export commodities based on value in dollars; includes both exports to external partners and internal trade among EU member states

Imports:79

2024:$8.953 trillion (2024 est.)
2023:$8.978 trillion (2023 est.)
2022:$9.072 trillion (2022 est.)
note:balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars

Imports - partners:80

China 21%, US 14%, UK 7%, Switzerland 6%, Norway 5% (2023)

note:top five non-EU import partners based on percentage share of external imports; does not include internal trade among EU member states

Imports - commodities:81

cars, crude petroleum, natural gas, refined petroleum, vehicle parts/accessories (2023)

note:top five import commodities based on value in dollars; includes both imports from external partners and internal trade among EU member states

Exchange rates:82

Currency:euros (EUR) per US dollar -
2024:0.924 (2024 est.)
2023:0.925 (2023 est.)
2022:0.95 (2022 est.)
2021:0.845 (2021 est.)
2020:0.876 (2020 est.)

Energy

Electricity access:83

electrification - total population:100% (2022 est.)

Electricity:84

installed generating capacity:1.142 billion kW (2023 est.)
consumption:2.511 trillion kWh (2023 est.)
exports:407.824 billion kWh (2023 est.)
imports:405.154 billion kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses:169.694 billion kWh (2023 est.)

Electricity generation sources:85

fossil fuels:33.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
nuclear:22.1% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar:9.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind:17.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
hydroelectricity:11.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
geothermal:0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
biomass and waste:6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)

Nuclear energy:86

Number of operational nuclear reactors:100 (2025)
Number of nuclear reactors under construction:1 (2025)
Net capacity of operational nuclear reactors:97.63GW (2025 est.)
Number of nuclear reactors permanently shut down:75 (2025)

Coal:87

production:304.827 million metric tons (2023 est.)
consumption:398.817 million metric tons (2023 est.)
exports:32.326 million metric tons (2023 est.)
imports:127.304 million metric tons (2023 est.)
proven reserves:84.193 billion metric tons (2023 est.)

Petroleum:88

total petroleum production:748,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption:11.022 million bbl/day (2023 est.)

Natural gas:89

production:40.239 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption:335.326 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
exports:100.238 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports:396.993 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

Energy consumption per capita:90

Total energy consumption per capita 2023:114.309 million Btu/person (2023 est.)

Communications

Telephones - fixed lines:91

total subscriptions:155.005 million (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants:36 (2022 est.)

Telephones - mobile cellular:92

total subscriptions:552.316 million (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants:124 (2022 est.)

Internet country code:93

.eu

note:see country entries of member states for individual country codes

Internet users:94

percent of population:90% (2023 est.)

Broadband - fixed subscriptions:95

total:172.888 million (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants:39 (2022 est.)

Transportation

Airports:96

5,211 (2025)

Heliports:97

2,069 (2025)

Railways:98

total:4,894,173 km (2019)

Military and Security

Military and security forces:99

the EU's Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) provides the civilian, military, and political structures for EU crisis management and security issues; the highest bodies are:

the Political and Security Committee (PSC), which meets at the ambassadorial level as a preparatory body for the Council of the EU; it assists with defining policies and preparing a crisis response

the European Union Military Committee (EUMC) is the EU's highest military body; it is composed of the chiefs of defense (CHODs) of the Member States, who are regularly represented by their permanent Military Representatives; the EUMC provides the PSC with advice and recommendations on all military matters within the EU

the Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (CIVCOM) provides advice and recommendations to the PSC in parallel with the EUMC on civilian aspects of crisis management

the Politico-Military Group (PMG) provides advice and recommendations to the PSC on political aspects of EU military and civil-military issues, including concepts, capabilities and operations and missions, and monitors implementation

other bodies set up under the CSDP include the Security and Defense Policy Directorate (SECDEFPOL), the Integrated approach for Security and Peace Directorate (ISP), the EU Military Staff (EUMS), the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC), the Civilian Operations Headquarters (CivOpsHQ), the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC), the European Defense Agency (EDA), the European Security and Defense College (ESDC), the EU Institute for Security Studies, the EU Satellite Center, the Peace, Partnerships and Crisis Management Directorate (PCM) (2025)

note 1:Frontex is the European Border and Coast Guard Agency that supports EU Member States and Schengen-associated countries in the management of the EU’s external borders and the fight against cross-border crime; it has a standing corps of uniformed border guard officers directly employed by Frontex as staff members and regularly deployed to border guarding missions, plus thousands of other officers seconded by EU member states
note 2:in 2017, the EU set up the Permanent Structured Cooperation on Defense (PESCO), a mechanism for deepening defense cooperation amongst member states through binding commitments and collaborative programs on a variety of military-related capabilities such as cyber, maritime surveillance, medical support, operational readiness, procurement, and training

Military expenditures:100

2024:1.9% of GDP (2024 est.)
2023:1.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
2022:1.6% of GDP (2022 est.)
2021:1.6% of GDP (2021 est.)
2020:1.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
note 1:the European Defense Fund (EDF) has a budget of approximately $8 billion for 2021-2027; about $2.7 billion is devoted to funding collaborative defense research while about $5.3 billion is allocated for collaborative capability development projects that complement national contributions; the EDF identifies critical defense domains that it will support
note 2:NATO is separate from the EU and is resourced through the direct and indirect contributions of its members; NATO’s common funds are direct contributions to collective budgets, capabilities and programs, which equate to only 0.3% of total NATO defense spending (approximately $3.3 billion for 2023) to develop capabilities and run NATO, its military commands, capabilities, and infrastructure; NATO's 2014 Defense Investment Pledge called for NATO members to meet the 2% of GDP guideline for defense spending and the 20% of annual defense expenditure on major new equipment by 2024
note 3:average spending for all NATO countries was 2.5% of GDP in 2023 and 2.7% of GDP in 2024

Military and security service personnel strengths:101

the combined countries of the EU had an estimated 1.4 m active military personnel in 2024; the largest EU country military forces belong to France, Germany, and Italy (2024)

note:the combined countries of NATO had an estimated 3.4 million active military personnel in 2024

Military deployments:102

since 2003, the EU has launched more than 30 civilian and military crisis-management, advisory, and training missions in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, as well as counter-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia and a naval operation in the Mediterranean to disrupt human smuggling and trafficking networks and prevent the loss of life at sea (2024)

note:in response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU announced that it would develop a rapid deployment force consisting of up to 5,000 troops by 2025

Military - note:103

the EU partners with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); NATO is an alliance of 32 countries from North America and Europe; its role is to safeguard the security of its member countries by political and military means; NATO conducts crisis management and peacekeeping missions; member countries that participate in the military aspect of the Alliance contribute forces and equipment, which remain under national command and control until a time when they are required by NATO for a specific purpose (i.e., conflict or crisis, peacekeeping); NATO, however, does possess some common capabilities owned and operated by the Alliance, such as some early warning radar aircraft; relations between NATO and the EU were institutionalized in the early 2000s, building on steps taken during the 1990s to promote greater European responsibility in defense matters; cooperation and coordination covers a broad array of issues, including crisis management, defense and political consultations, civil preparedness, capacity building, military capabilities, maritime security, planning, cyber defense, countering hybrid threats, information sharing, logistics, defense industry, counterterrorism, etc.; since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU and NATO have intensified their work and cooperation; NATO and the EU have 23 member countries in common

there are no permanent standing EU forces, but Europe has a variety of multinational military organizations that may be deployed through the EU, in a NATO environment, upon the mandate of the participating countries, or upon the mandate of other international organizations, such as the UN or OSCE including:

the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity (EU RDC) was declared operational in May 2025; the RDC's purpose is to enable the EU to respond to different crisis scenarios by providing a flexible and scalable military instrument of up to 5,000 troops that can be deployed in a swift manner; missions could include capacity building, conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, rescue and evacuation, or stabilization; the use of the RDC is subject to a unanimous decision by the EU Member States

EU Battlegroups (BGs) are rapid reaction multinational army units that form a key part of the EU's capacity to respond to crises and conflicts; their deployment is subject to a unanimous decision by the European Council; BGs typically consists of 1,500-2,000 troops organized around an infantry battalion depending on the mission; the troops and equipment are drawn from EU member states and under the direction of a lead nation; two BGs are always on standby for a period of six months; the BGs were declared operational in 2007 but have never been used operationally due to political and financial obstacles

the European Corps (Eurocorps) is an independent multinational land force corps headquarters composed of personnel from six framework nations and five associated nations; the corps has no standing operational units; during a crisis, units would be drawn from participating states, and the corps would be placed at the service of the EU and NATO; Eurocorps was established in 1992 by France and Germany; Belgium (1993), Spain (1994), and Luxembourg (1996) joined over the next few years; Poland joined in 2022; Greece and Turkey (since 2002), Italy, Romania, and Austria (since 2009, 2016, and 2021 respectively) participate as associated nations; Eurocorps is headquartered in France

the European Gendarmerie Force (EURGENDFOR) is an operational, pre-organized, and rapidly deployable European gendarmerie/police force; it is not established at the EU level, but is capable of performing police tasks, including law enforcement, stability operations, and training in support of the EU, the UN, OSCE, NATO, and other international organizations or ad hoc coalitions; member state gendarmeries include those of France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, and Spain; the Lithuanian Public Security Service is a partner, while Turkey's Gendarmerie is an observer force

the European Medical Corps (EMC) was set up in the aftermath of the Ebola crisis in West Africa in 2014 to enable the deployment of teams and equipment from EU member states to provide medical assistance and public health expertise in response to emergencies inside and outside the EU; as of 2024, 12 European states had committed teams and equipment to the EMC

the European Medical Command (EMC) was formed to provide a standing EU medical capability, increase medical operational readiness, and improve interoperability amongst the participating EU members; it operates closely with the NATO Framework Nations Concept’s Multinational Medical Coordination Center (MMCC) under a single administrative and infrastructural framework (MMCC/EMC); the EMC was declared operational in May 2022

the European Air Transport Command (EATC) is a single multinational command for more than 150 military air mobility assets from seven member states, including transport, air-to-air refueling, and aeromedical evacuation; the EATC headquarters is located in the Netherlands, but the air assets remain located at member national air bases; the EATC was established in 2010

the European Air Group (EAG) is an independent organization formed by the air forces of its seven member nations (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and the UK) that is focused on improving interoperability between the air forces of EAG members and its 14 partner and associate nations; it was established in the late 1990s and is headquartered in the UK

the European Maritime Force (EUROMARFOR or EMF) is a four-nation (France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain), non-standing naval force with the ability to carry out naval, air, and amphibious operations; EUROMARFOR was formed in 1995 to conduct missions such as crisis response, humanitarian missions, peacekeeping, peace enforcement, and sea control; it can deploy under EU, NATO, or UN mandate, but also as long as the four partner nations agree

the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force (CJEF) is a deployable, combined France-UK military force of up to 10,000 personnel for use in a wide range of crisis scenarios, up to and including high intensity combat operations; the CJEF has no standing forces but would be available at short notice for French-UK bilateral, NATO, EU, UN, or other operations; it was established in 2010 and declared operational in 2020

the 1st German/Netherlands (Dutch) Corps is a combined army corps headquarters that has the ability to conduct operations under the command and control of Germany and the Netherlands, NATO, or the EU; in peacetime, approximately 1,100 Dutch and German soldiers are assigned, but during a crisis up to 80,000 troops may be assigned; it was formed in 1995 and is headquartered in Germany

the Lithuanian-Polish-Ukrainian Brigade (LITPOLUKRBRIG) is comprised of an international staff, three battalions, and specialized units; units affiliated with the multinational brigade remain within the structures of the armed forces of their respective countries until the brigade is activated for participation in an international operation; it was formed in 2014 and is headquartered in Poland (2025)

Space

Space agency/agencies:104

the only EU agency dedicated to space is the EU Agency for the Space Program (EUSPA; established in 2021); the EUSPA originated with the Galileo Joint Undertaking (GJU) set up in 2002 by the European Community (EC) and the European Space Agency (ESA) to manage the development phase of Europe’s Galileo satellite navigation program; the GJU’s responsibilities were assumed by the European Global Navigation Satellite System Supervisory Authority (GSA) in 2007

the ESA (established 1975 from the European Launcher Development Organization and the European Space Research Organization, which were established in the early 1960s) is an independent organization although it maintains close ties with the EU through an ESA/EC Framework Agreement; the ESA and EC share a joint European Strategy for Space and have together developed a European Space Policy

the ESA has 23 member states; the national bodies responsible for space in these countries sit on ESA’s governing Council: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK; Canada also sits on the Council and takes part in some projects under a Cooperation Agreement; Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia are Associate Members; Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, and Malta have cooperation agreements with ESA; ESA has established formal cooperation with all member states of the EU that are not ESA members (2025)

Space launch site(s):105

ESA’s spaceport is located in Kourou, French Guiana; EU members Norway and Sweden have operational commercial space ports; the UK, non-EU member, has two operational commercial space ports (2025)

Space program overview:106

EU member states have a large and advanced commercial space sector that develops and produces a full range of capabilities and technologies; a key focus for both the European Space Agency (ESA) and the EU Agency for the Space Program (EUSPA) is encouraging this sector; Europe is a global leader in satellite-based communications and hosts the headquarters of three of the world’s major satellite communications companies

ESA is comprehensive space agency that is active across the space sector, except for launching humans into space; its activities include producing and operating satellites with a full spectrum of capabilities (communications, multipurpose, navigational, remote sensing, science/technology), satellite launch vehicles (SLVs), space launches, astronaut training, space transportation/automated transfer vehicles, reusable spacecraft, space station modules, spacecraft components, robotic space labs, lunar/planetary surface rovers, interplanetary space probes and exploration, and space telescopes; ESA participates in international programs such as the International Space Station and works closely with Europe’s commercial space industry; it also works with a broad range of space agencies and industries of non-member countries, including China, Japan, Russia, and the US; many of its programs are conducted jointly, particularly with the US space program

the EUSPA is responsible for the operational management of the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) and Galileo satellite navigation programs; the EU space strategy encourages investment in and the use of space services and data, fosters competition and innovation, develops space technologies, and reinforces Europe’s autonomy in accessing space (2025)

Key space-program milestones:107

1979 - first launch of Ariane heavy-lift satellite launch vehicle (SLV)

1980s-2011 - participated in US Space Shuttle program (included more than 20 Spacelab missions, 1983-1998)

1995 - first solar satellite/orbiter (SOHO) launched

1997-2017 - Cassini-Huygens research mission to Saturn

1998-present - participating in a series of missions with varying start dates, including the International Space Station, International Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory mission (INTEGRAL), Mars Express orbiter exploration mission, Rosetta comet probe (included world’s first landing on a comet, 2014), Copernicus Earth observation program, Mars orbiter mission (ExoMars), Mercury planetary orbiter mission (BepiColombo), Solar Orbiter mission, US Gateway Lunar orbital station project

2016 - Galileo satellite-based global navigational positioning system reached initial operational capability

2019 - began development of quantum communications infrastructure (EuroQCI)

2021 - implemented EU government satellite communications (GOVSATCOM) and Space Surveillance and Awareness (SSA) components of EU space program; launched world’s first commercial, fully flexible, reprogrammable quantum satellite; launched US-built James Webb Space Telescope

2023 - launched Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) mission; launched Euclid space observatory/telescope

2024 - successful test launch of Ariane-6 SLV; launched probe (Hera) to study asteroid Didymos and its moon Dimorphos

2025 - announced EU Space Act, a cooperative framework for space activities across the EU

Terrorism

Terrorist group(s):108

see individual EU member states

Historical observations

Notes & sources

  1. Preliminary statement. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  2. Background. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  3. Location. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  4. Map references. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  5. Area. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  6. Area - comparative. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  7. Land boundaries. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  8. Coastline. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  9. Climate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  10. Terrain. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  11. Elevation. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  12. Natural resources. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  13. Irrigated land. Reference edition; observation: 2011. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  14. Population distribution. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  15. Natural hazards. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  16. Population. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  17. Languages. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  18. Religions. Reference edition; observation: 2019 est.. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  19. Age structure. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  20. Dependency ratios. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  21. Median age. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  22. Population growth rate. Reference edition; observation: 2021. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  23. Birth rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  24. Death rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  25. Net migration rate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  26. Population distribution. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  27. Sex ratio. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  28. Infant mortality rate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  29. Life expectancy at birth. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  30. Total fertility rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  31. Gross reproduction rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  32. Health expenditure. Reference edition; observation: 2021. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  33. Education expenditure. Reference edition; observation: 2020. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  34. Environmental issues. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  35. International environmental agreements. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  36. Climate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  37. Carbon dioxide emissions. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  38. Total renewable water resources. Reference edition; observation: 2019. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  39. Union name. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  40. Government type. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  41. Capital. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  42. Member states. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  43. Legal system. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  44. Constitution. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  45. Suffrage. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  46. Executive branch. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  47. Legislative branch. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  48. Judicial branch. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  49. Political parties. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  50. Diplomatic representation in the US. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  51. Diplomatic representation from the US. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  52. International organization participation. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  53. Independence. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  54. National holiday. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  55. Flag. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  56. National symbol(s). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  57. National color(s). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  58. National anthem(s). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  59. Real GDP (purchasing power parity). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  60. Real GDP growth rate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  61. Real GDP per capita. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  62. GDP (official exchange rate). Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  63. Inflation rate (consumer prices). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  64. GDP - composition, by sector of origin. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  65. GDP - composition, by end use. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  66. Agricultural products. Reference edition; observation: 2022. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  67. Industries. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  68. Industrial production growth rate. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  69. Labor force. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  70. Unemployment rate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  71. Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  72. Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  73. Remittances. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  74. Public debt. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  75. Taxes and other revenues. Reference edition; observation: 2022. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  76. Exports. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  77. Exports - partners. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  78. Exports - commodities. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  79. Imports. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  80. Imports - partners. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  81. Imports - commodities. Reference edition; observation: 2023. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  82. Exchange rates. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  83. Electricity access. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  84. Electricity. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  85. Electricity generation sources. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  86. Nuclear energy. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  87. Coal. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  88. Petroleum. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  89. Natural gas. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  90. Energy consumption per capita. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  91. Telephones - fixed lines. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  92. Telephones - mobile cellular. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  93. Internet country code. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  94. Internet users. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  95. Broadband - fixed subscriptions. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  96. Airports. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  97. Heliports. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  98. Railways. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  99. Military and security forces. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  100. Military expenditures. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  101. Military and security service personnel strengths. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  102. Military deployments. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  103. Military - note. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  104. Space agency/agencies. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  105. Space launch site(s). Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  106. Space program overview. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  107. Key space-program milestones. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
  108. Terrorist group(s). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-04 08:19:55 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
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Countries & territories

Same-year values. Equal values share a rank.

Sources & method

Ranks cover available countries and territories, using the same indicator, source unit and reference year. Unrounded source values determine ties. Coverage is not a sovereign-country or complete global ranking; national definitions may differ. Missing values and other years are excluded. The information icon preserves the original number, unit and evidence.

RankCountry or territoryValue
Source information
International organization