Key facts and figures about Europe and the Europeans / European Commission

The European Union (EU), with 25 member countries, covers a large part of the continent of Europe. When two more countries join in 2007, the EU will have a population of nearly half a billion. The European Union aims to be a fair and caring society. All EU countries are committed to peace, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, and they work together to promote these values in the wider world. To become more competitive and prosperous, the EU is creating new and better jobs and giving its citizens new skills. In partnership with its near neighbours, the EU is working to spread prosperity and democratic progress beyond its borders. Using charts, graphs and entertaining illustrations, this booklet sets out the basic facts and figures about the European Union. It draws interesting comparisons between its member states and, sometimes, with other major economies. The countries that are candidates for EU membership are also included, in a separate section.