European Union
The European Union of 28 countries
stretches over the continent of Europe from Lapland
in the north to the Mediterranean Sea, and from
the west coast of Ireland to the shores of Cyprus: a
rich tapestry of landscapes from rocky coastlines
to sandy beaches, from fertile pastureland to arid
plains, from lakes and forests to arctic tundra.
The peoples of Europe with their diverse traditions,
cultures and languages make up over 7 % of
the world’s population. Their historic heritage is
charted in prehistoric cave paintings, Greek and
Roman antiquities, Moorish architecture, medieval
fortresses, Renaissance palaces and baroque
churches. The modern Europe too attracts the
traveller with its vibrant cities, colourful cultural
festivities, winter and summer sports, and varied
cuisine.
Europeans love to travel and the removal of most
passport and baggage formalities has made
travelling much easier. Eighteen EU countries
share the same currency, the euro, which makes
price comparisons easy and removes the cost and
inconvenience of changing money. The creation of a
single market of more than 500 million people has
brought wider choice and lower prices. In fact most
Europeans find it as easy to travel within the EU as
to travel within their home country.
© European Union
Travelling in Europe 2014-2015