8 Biggest Economies of Europe

Containing some of the longest established countries in the world and home to over 730 million people, it’s obvious that Europe still contains some of the largest and most important economies on the planet. 

A relatively small continent, Europe has long been fractured into many different area and as of 2018 it contains 48 different nations. 

Although the European Union has long made the continent sound like one big happy family, there are actually different economic blocs which trade independently within the area. 

The European Union is of course the largest. It is made up of 28 member states and between them they generate almost 30% of the world’s total GDP. 

Extensions of the European Union encompass non-member countries under banners such as the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the European Economic Area (EEA). These countries include Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Albania, Armenia and Liechtenstein. 

Here are some of the largest economies in Europe according to the World Bank. 

Biggest economies of Europe

Germany 

Germany has the largest economy in Europe and accounts for well over a quarter of the continent’s total GDP. The economy is mostly made up of the services sector with banking and tourism being major contributor, making up two thirds of Germany’s total. The other third is from manufacturing, primarily cars and machinery. 

Germany’s booming economy is aided by enduring low crime and unemployment rates and a labour force which is generally highly qualified. 

France 

France holds the crown for being the most visited nation in the world, which makes tourism a crucial contributor to this country’s success. It is also has largest agricultural sector in Europe as well as one of the largest in the world. 

Other contributing industries include services, manufacturing and arms. 

United Kingdom 

France may be the most visited country in the world but London is the most visited city in Europe, which sees tourism and hospitality again as a major contributor to the economy here. As well as traditional hotels, serviced apartments in London are now an up and coming contributor to the capital’s tourism economy. 

The other contributing factors to the success of the UK are diverse. They include financial services, oil and gas production, mining, construction, services and agriculture. 

Italy 

One of the largest exporters in the world, Italy sees almost 60% of these exports going to other members of the European Union. You might be surprised to hear that Italy, not France, is the largest producer of wine in the world? 

Other major industries in Italy include fashion design and the luxury automotive industry. 

It is widely believed that Italy’s GDP could be even higher if it wasn’t for political corruption in the country, as well as the worsening divisions between the north and the south. 

Russia 

Although only a little bit of Russia is actually in Europe it still manages to take up 38% of the continent’s total area! 

Russia’s size enables it to enjoy vast natural resources which it then exports. These include coal, timber and of course oil and gas. The country is the home of the world’s largest petroleum industry. 

As you would expect, Russia’s defence and aerospace industries are also big contributors to the success of the economy. 

Spain 

Despite the many years of well publicised struggle, the Spanish economy is now on the up and up. In fact, it is now growing twice as fast as the European Union average. It has always relied heavily on tourism and is the third most visited country in the world. 

What isn’t as well known is that the country is also strong in the automotive and banking industries too. 

Netherlands 

Another European country with a strong reliance in tourism, the Netherlands are also lucky enough to have ample resources of natural gas. 

The Dutch also have competitive corporate tax rates, meaning many multinational companies have found it makes economic sense to have their head offices based in the country. 

Switzerland 

A great example of how a country can more than succeed outside of the European Union. The Swiss economy has long been upheld as a pillar of stability and is held in place by an infamously strong banking and financial industry. Tourism is also an important contributor to the economy as is the famous watch and clock making industry. 

Switzerland’s strength is bolstered by its ability to produce 60% of its own food within the country itself. 

If you want to experience any of these countries yourself (and contribute to their huge tourism industries!) check out the luxury accommodation in Europe offered by thesqua.re.

Book Apartment


Related Article

The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Dubai

The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Dubai

Abhishek Kapoor

28 Dec 2023

Moving to Dubai can seem daunting although it is not in reality. While shifting to a new city can be an exciting prospect, it may also be stressful at times. Here are some of the things that you should keep in mind to ensure a seamless moving in Dubai experie

Top 11 Tips for an EcoFriendly Christmas

Top 11 Tips for an EcoFriendly Christmas

Elliott Troop

02 Dec 2023

Christmas is around the corner and definitely calls for celebrations with your family and loved ones for company. Yet, while you pull out those party shoes and make shopping lists for the occasion, do not forget sustainability as a core area of focus. After a

Top 12 Theatres in Bangkok for the Best Movie Experience

Top 12 Theatres in Bangkok for the Best Movie Experience

Mugdha Kilnake

16 Aug 2023

  Prices for tickets range from 40 baht at the city's oldest cinemas to 3,000 baht in the intriguing "Enigma" Cinema. In recent years, a lot has changed regarding movie viewing. In the past, theatres varied in size and style but essentially consisted of a movi