Country Profile: European Union

The European Union (EU) is a unique political and economic union of 27 member states located in Europe, offering a blend of intergovernmental and supranational governance. It boasts a total area of 4,236,351 square kilometers and a population of approximately 451.8 million people as of 2024. The EU economy, with a nominal GDP of $19.423 trillion in 2024, is characterized by a diverse industrial base, strong agricultural output, and a significant services sector. Each member state contributes to the collective governance of the EU, which has its own institutions including the European Parliament and the European Commission.

Geography

The European Union encompasses various countries situated between the North Atlantic Ocean and Eastern European nations like Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. It features a diverse terrain ranging from flat coastal areas to mountainous regions in the south, along with a climate that varies from cold temperate in the north to mild wet winters and hot dry summers in the south.

Total Area: 4,236,351 sq km
Coastline: 53,563.9 km
Highest Point: Mont Blanc, 4,810 m
Lowest Point: Zuidplaspolder, -7 m
Natural Resources: iron ore, natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, lead, zinc, bauxite

People and Society

As of 2024, the EU has a population of approximately 451.8 million, with a demographic structure that includes a significant aging population. The union is multilingual, boasting 24 official languages and a variety of religions, with Roman Catholics making up the largest group.

Population (2024 est.): 451,815,312
Median Age: 44 years
Birth Rate: 8.9 births/1,000 population
Death Rate: 11.2 deaths/1,000 population
Infant Mortality Rate: 3.4 deaths/1,000 live births
Life Expectancy: 77.63 years

Economy

The EU's economy is one of the largest in the world, with its GDP estimated at $19.423 trillion in 2024. The services sector dominates the economy, contributing significantly to employment and economic output. The region is noted for its technological advancements and a robust industrial base.

Real GDP (PPP): $24.441 trillion (2024 est.)
GDP per Capita: $54,300 (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 6% (2024 est.)
Exports: $9.783 trillion (2024 est.)
Imports: $8.953 trillion (2024 est.)

Government

The European Union operates as a hybrid organization combining intergovernmental and supranational elements. Governance structures include the European Commission, the Council of the European Union, and the European Parliament. The EU's legal framework relies on treaties that provide a unique legal system with primacy over national laws.

Member States: 27
Capital Cities: Brussels, Strasbourg, Luxembourg, Frankfurt
Legal System: Unique supranational system
Voting Age: 18 years
Executive Leadership: President of the European Commission - Ursula von der Leyen (since 2019)

Military and Security

The EU has established frameworks for crisis management and security through the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP). While it does not maintain standing military forces, it coordinates defense initiatives among member states and collaborates with NATO.

Military Expenditures: 1.9% of GDP (2024 est.)
Active Military Personnel: 1.4 million (2024 est.)
Crisis Management Missions: Over 30 missions launched since 2003

Energy

The EU's energy sector features a diverse mix of generation sources, with commitments to renewable energy and a notable focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The total installed electricity generation capacity is significant, accompanied by a robust infrastructure for energy distribution.

Electricity Access: 100% (2022 est.)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita: 114.309 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Installed Generating Capacity: 1.142 billion kW (2023 est.)
Coal Production: 304.827 million metric tons (2023 est.)

Environment

Environmental issues facing the EU include air, soil, and water pollution, alongside commitments to international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change and preserving biodiversity. The EU actively participates in global initiatives to combat environmental degradation.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 2.651 billion metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Total Renewable Water Resources: 1.7 trillion cubic meters (2019)
International Environmental Agreements: Party to multiple agreements on pollution and climate change

Transportation

The transportation sector within the EU is well-developed, featuring extensive air and rail networks that facilitate movement across member states. Airports and railways provide significant connectivity for citizens and goods alike.

Airports: 5,211 (2025)
Heliports: 2,069 (2025)
Total Railways: 4,894,173 km (2019)

Communications

The EU boasts a highly interconnected communications infrastructure, characterized by a vast number of mobile and fixed-line telephones. Internet penetration is extensive, with a high percentage of the population having access.

Total Internet Users: 90% of population (2023 est.)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 552.316 million (2022 est.)
Fixed Broadband Subscriptions: 172.888 million (2022 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	451,815,312	(2024 est.)
Area	4,236,351 sq km
GDP	$19.423 trillion	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	6%	(2024 est.)
Birth Rate	8.9 births/1,000	(2024 est.)
Death Rate	11.2 deaths/1,000	(2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	77.63 years	(2021)
Electricity Access	100%	(2022 est.)
Installed Generating Capacity	1.142 billion kW	(2023 est.)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	114.309 million Btu/person	(2023 est.)