Western Europe 2026
is the 28th edition of this single-source reference work. It comprises well-informed commentaries and up-to-date statistical and directory information, which combine to provide an impartial and comprehensive guide. This new edition has been thoroughly revised and updated to incorporate the latest facts and developments in the region.
is divided into three sections:
General Survey
– This offers an overall perspective on the region, with essays from acknowledged experts providing analysis of the region’s social, political and economic issues. Fully revised and new essays explore and assess European Union challenges; economic perspectives in Western Europe and the European Union; European foreign, security and defence policies; climate change action; the challenges of internal and external migration; the far right in Western Europe; and overtourism in the region.
Country Surveys
– Individual chapters offer a comprehensive overview of each country in the region. A section detailing the country’s physical and social geography is complemented by a map, a chronology offering swift access to important dates and events, and comprehensive essays commissioned from leading authorities on the recent history and economy of the country. This is followed by a detailed statistical survey containing the latest available statistics for population, health and welfare, agriculture, industry, finance, trade, transport, tourism, communications media and education, and by an extensive directory of contact names and addresses, e-mail and internet addresses and essential information regarding the constitution, government, election commissions, political organizations, diplomatic representation, the judiciary, religion, the press, publishers, broadcasting and communications, finance, trade and industry, defence and education. A bibliography is also included for further reading.
Regional Information
– This section provides information on research institutes studying Western Europe, and select bibliographies of periodicals and books covering regional issues.
Countries and territories included in this edition
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Finland, Åland Islands, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Svalbard, Jan Mayen, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Vatican City.