Europeans

Europeans are people who live in Europe or identify with European culture. The term covers many ethnic groups, languages, and traditions across roughly 50 sovereign states and numerous regional communities. Europe spans from the Arctic north to the Mediterranean and from the Atlantic to the Ural mountains. Linguistically, it is diverse, with Indo-European languages predominant, alongside Uralic languages and many minority tongues. Religion has varied over time; today many Europeans are secular or follow diverse faiths, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and others.

Historically, Europe contributed to ancient civilizations such as Greece and Rome, the medieval and renaissance periods, and the Scientific and Industrial Revolutions. The modern era saw nation-states, imperial expansion, and two world wars that reshaped borders and societies. After 1945, European integration promoted peace and cooperation, culminating in the European Union, which coordinates economic policy and governance among many member states. Beyond the EU, the Council of Europe and regional organizations address human rights and regional issues.

Within Europe there is ongoing cultural and political diversity. Some regions have strong local identities and autonomy movements. Europe is home to large diasporas, creating multilingual and multicultural urban centers. Economic systems vary widely, from highly developed welfare states to diverse economies, and living standards differ across regions. Europe has contributed to science, medicine, arts, and philosophy and has played a central role in global history.

Contemporary issues include migration, aging populations, climate change responses, and debates about national sovereignty and regional integration. The term European remains a flexible label tied to geography, citizenship, and cultural heritage rather than a single ethnicity. Understanding Europeans requires recognizing both shared historical legacies and ongoing regional diversity.