The world’s largest visa-free zone comprises 26 Nations to build a Europe without borders known as “Schengen Area Countries” and to provide unrestricted movement of people.
The 26 Schengen Area Countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
According to research, 22 of these countries are European Union member states, and four other countries are part of the European Free Trade Association: Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Lichtenstein.
In this article, you can find more about the Schengen Zone, the criteria to become a Schengen area country, the participating countries, and the management of internal and external borders, among others.
Schengen Area Countries
Presently, the Schengen Zone consists of 26 European countries, of which citizens can move freely within the territory.
Although Liechtenstein was the last country to become a member state, the Schengen Area is open for other countries to join.
However, each potential member state must fulfill some criteria to become a part of the Schengen Area Countries.
The current Schengen Area member states are as follows:
#1. Austria
The country shares its border with five countries: the Czech Republic to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Italy to the south, and Switzerland to the west.
Furthermore, the German-speaking country of Austria has an area of 83,871km2 in the old continent of Europe.
#2. Belgium
Belgium is located in the west of Europe. It borders the Netherlands to the north, to the east by Germany and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and to the south and the west by France.
Although its surface area of 30,688 km2 makes it a small country, its location has made it the economic and urban nerve center of Europe.
In addition, the country shares a border with the Netherlands, Germany, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and France.
Belgium is one of the five first countries that signed the Schengen agreement on June 14, 1985, and started its implementation on March 26, 1995.
#3. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic also is a country located in Central Europe. The Czech Republic covers an area of 78,867 km², making it somewhat smaller than Austria.
The country has a population of 10.56 million people. It shares a border with Poland to the north, Germany to the west, Austria to the south, and Slovakia to the east.
The Czech Republic includes the historical territories of Bohemia and Moravia and a small part of Silesia.
#4. Denmark
Denmark is located in northern Europe. It is a small country with a population of approximately 6 million. It is one of the three Scandinavian countries and shares a border with Germany.
Copenhagen, its capital, is home to royal palaces, the colorful Nyhavn harbor, the Tivoli amusement park, and the iconic “Little Mermaid” statue.