In addition to natural wealth, the country contains numerous and glorious architectural riches, including frequent reminders of the once-powerful Hapsburgs, who dominated central Europe for seven centuries. It must be said that Austria bears the hallmarks of past Emperorship beautifully: the capital, Vienna, is magnificent with its ornate Opera House and the former imperial residence of the Hofburg; Austria's other cities are similarly infused with a historical magic, notably Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, with stunning Baroque churches set before a backdrop of snow-covered peaks; and Innsbruck, in the centre of the Austrian Alps.

The Jutland peninsula and its 400 surrounding islands form one of Europe's smallest countries: Denmark. Denmark has an abundance of picturesque villages and towns, historic castles and monuments, and a coastline which varies delightfully from broad sandy beaches to small coves and gentle fjords. Throughout the country, rolling hills and gentle valleys provide a constant succession of attractive views;

there are cool and shady forests of beech trees, extensive areas of heathland, a beautiful lake district, sand dunes and white cliffs resembling those of Dover; nor should one forget the Danish islands, each of which has its own unique attractions.

Finland's scenery and climate has marked seasonal variations, particularly in the north; in Lapland, with its austere winter and midnight sun. Autumn is also worth seeing for, in September, the first frosts produce the vivid colours of 'Ruska'. In southern Finland, spring comes earlier and summer is longer. Such variation ensures that Finland contains whatever a visitor is seeking.

France's charms are manifest, whether it is the chic boulevards of Paris, the sparkling ski slopes of the Alps, sunlit vineyards and sun-baked beaches, a dusty game of boules, or coffee and croissants in an undiscovered village. Or perhaps a tour of the majestic chateaux of the Loire, the glamorous jet-set lifestyle of the Mediterranean, or a relaxing picnic in Provence, where the air is fragrant with wild herbs and lavender?

Consider also the delights of other lesser-known regions such as Franche-Comté, Gascony or Berry, deep in the green heart of France - regions firmly rooted to the land, whose sleepy villages offer visitors a chance to sample life in provincial France, and the unspoilt and rugged atmosphere of the island of Corsica, described as ‘a mountain in the sea'.

Eager to avoid a repeat of the destruction caused by two world wars, France was a founding member of the European Union. It continues to be a driving force behind the EU's progress towards economic and political harmonisation and is still active in almost every other part of the world. This arises from a combination of historical reasons (its colonies and self-image as a nuclear and world power), coupled with a desire to confront America-centric global dominance. France also proudly covets its title of the world's number one tourist destination, and this uniquely appealing country has little trouble in tempting first timers back for numerous repeat visits.

‘Think Germany – now think again’ ran the slogan on the German National Tourist Office’s UK promotional campaign posters launched late in 2006 to encourage more British visitors to consider the country as a holiday destination.

It was appropriate, and topical. After 60 years of trying, Germany finally managed to shake off the guilty shadows of its past during the immensely successful football World Cup staged in the country during the summer of 2006.

Once again, it became ‘OK’ to wave the national flag with pride and without fear of being accused of inappropriate nationalism, and the whole country seemed to breathe a sigh of relief at its new-found ability to express its distinctive national character again.

Modern Germany has come of age, and while it is still suffering the economic consequences of reunification in October 1990, it is clearly a nation coming to terms with itself.

The country is the product of a long history of division, first as a loose collection of independent (and often warring) states before original unification during the 19th century, and latterly as West and communist East Germany following WWII.

For this reason alone, it is a country of remarkable diversity, with cultural differences clearly evident as one travels around the various states that make up the modern Federal Republic.

Germany is a heady mix of history and nature, fine arts and youthful rebellion. Its capital, Berlin, has a reputation gained from its decades as a divided city, as a hedonistic, ‘on the edge’ community where almost anything goes. In contrast, the quiet academic surroundings of historic university cities like Heidelberg, convey a quiet gentility quite at odds with the atmosphere of the capital.

One thing is certain: wherever one ventures in Germany, there is something interesting to see or do. It is a goldmine for the adventurous tourist in search of something different to the norm.

The most important early settlers were the enigmatic Etruscans, who had established settlements in northern and central Italy by the sixth century BC. By the third century BC, their culture had been displaced by the mighty city state of Rome, which was intent on extending its influence.

At its greatest extent, the Roman Empire stretched from Egypt to England and for several centuries

conferred on its inhabitants the benefits of the Pax Romana: culture (mainly Hellenic in origin), law, relative peace and comparative prosperity.

In the 15th century, parts of Italy were at the heart of the greatest ever flowering of art and culture (the Renaissance), associated with artists such as Fra Angelico, Raphael, Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

Today, besides the renowned cities of Venice, Florence, Siena and Naples, each with its own unique identity and architecture, Italy features romantic medieval hill towns, such as San Gimignano in Tuscany, and unspoilt fishing villages, like Positano on the Amalfi coast. Operatic productions are staged in Verona's ancient amphitheatre, while the influence of Federico Fellini is celebrated in Turin's museum of cinema.

Italy combines art, history and contemporary fashion with stunning natural landscapes: the turquoise waters of the Costa Smeralda offer one of Europe's most beautiful stretches of sand, sea and sunshine, while the snow-covered slopes of the Dolomite mountains are a haven for winter sports enthusiasts.

Throughout the country visitors can find vineyards and cellars to taste the very best regional wines, workshops where crafts are produced by hand, and friendly trattorie where simple but superb dishes are served.

The Netherlands' roots in the arts stem from the 17th century, the so-called ‘Golden Age', which placed this tiny but rich country at the forefront of European culture. The gaining of the upper hand by imperial influence and the annexing of The Netherlands to the far-flung empire of the Hapsburgs in the 16th century resulted in the rebellion of the largely Protestant northern provinces of the Low Countries, led by William of Orange and Nassau - this struggle for independence would last until 1648. This was compounded by a remarkable growth in Dutch sea power, as many Spanish and Portuguese possessions in the New World and East Asia were seized. This reached its acme in 1689 when William III of Orange became King of England - although the association was severed on his death in 1702.

The Dutch are enthusiastic Europeans, and the European Union is the main focus of Dutch foreign policy. Their country is full of interest, heritage and fun for the visitor.

In the wilderness that lies between the main urban centres are such delights as Jostedalsbreen, Europe's largest glacier. There are opportunities to indulge in outdoor activities including skiing, hunting, fishing and rock-climbing. Even the less energetic can marvel at the awesome beauty of the Norwegian countryside, with its countless steep-sided valleys, high mountain lakes and unbelievable views.

For those who hike this stunning landscape, there emerges a thrill from following the footsteps of Norwegian ancestors. The known history of the country begins in the 9th century AD and is based on the sagas, supported by archaeological evidence, and the explorations of Viking adventurers. Norway itself was divided into a number of fiefdoms; the unification process began with King Harald Fairhair, who defeated the major northern tribes at the battle of Hafrsfjord in 872. Over the next two centuries, Christianity gradually supplanted traditional belief in Norse gods. By 1060, the country was unified. From 1200 onwards, the twin powers of church and crown took control.

The arrival of bubonic plague (The Black Death) in Norway in 1350 killed half the Norwegian population. The Norwegians and Swedes had already established a joint monarchical structure which lasted between 1319 and 1343. Following the ravages of the Black Death, Norway entered into a political union with Denmark in 1380 through intermarriage between the countries' ruling families. The alliance was intended to be one of equals; in practice, Denmark was the dominant partner, and in 1536, Norway became formally subservient to the Danish crown. Thus, when the 17th-century rivalry between Denmark and Sweden – the two dominant powers in the Baltic – broke out into warfare, the vanquished Danes handed over parts of Norwegian territory to Sweden.

The link between Denmark and Norway was finally broken in 1815 at the end of the Napoleonic wars. Denmark/Norway had sided with France. After the defeat of Napoleon, Norway was handed over to the Swedes. The Norwegians were allowed their own Parliament, the Storting, which repeatedly clashed with the Swedish government. This was officially and peacefully dissolved in 1905 following a referendum at which just 200 people – from a franchise of about 400,000 – voted in favour of retaining the union. The Swedes accepted the decision and Norway achieved true independence in 1905.

Norway is foremost a land for those who love nature. However, it also offers a rich cultural experience, as would be expected of such varied history, from the Vikings to later luminaries such as artist Edvard Munch.

Romania has a rich cultural and natural diversity. Its dramatic mountain scenery includes the densely forested Carpathian Mountains, the Danube Delta (the largest wetland in Europe) and 70km (43 miles) of fine white sandy beaches on the Black Sea Coast.

Names of rulers such as Peter the Great (1682-1725) and Catherine the Great (1762-96) roll of the tongue in easy familiarity. However, in the early 19th century, under Tsar Alexander I, the first steps were taken to dismantle the system of serfdom under which most people lived – and, by 1917, widespread strikes and rioting had forced the Tsar to abdicate. The liberal Provisional Government which took control was forced out by a Bolshevik coup under Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, better known as Lenin.

Lenin died in 1924 and was succeeded by Josef Stalin, who instituted a crash programme of industrialisation and the forced collectivisation of agriculture, an indiscriminately brutal process that caused mass starvation. Stalin begot purges in which thousands were shot or disappeared into the vast network of concentration camps famously described as the 'gulag archipelago'. An estimated 20 million people then died driving out Hitler's armies in World War II – referred to as the Great Patriotic War.

Yet by the time the war damage had been repaired, the USSR had become the world's second nuclear power, with a buffer zone of Communist-controlled governments in Eastern Europe. Foreign policy was dominated by relations with the USA, which fluctuated from outright hostility (coming to the brink of nuclear war during the 1962 Cuban missile crisis) to the 'Cold Peace' of détente, fully actuated with the presidency of Boris Yeltsin in 1991 and the dismantling of Communism.

But some incredibly tricky problems remain. The ruling class are now the security forces, the military, the so-called 'oligarchs' and regional governors controlling fiefdoms; they have become more rich as the majority has suffered, despite economic improvements. The crisis surrounding Chechnya is another blot to be cleaned: Russo-Chechen relations are replete with warfare and large-scale brutality on both sides. A political solution is elusive.

Perhaps these are issues that come 'with the territory'. The Russian Federation's enormity has brought with it the 'nationalities problem'. Gone are the days of the 100-plus distinct ethnic groups in the Soviet Union – but the Russian Federation is still a melting pot, straddling two continents, breathing both West and Eastern air, and sometimes undermining the cohesion and integrity of the nation in the process. Yet it is precisely because this country is so complex that it remains so endlessly fascinating. And it is in spite of it that it retains the simple truth of being so aesthetically beautiful.

Visitors can explore Belgrade's museums and galleries, enjoy world-class opera and theatre productions or check out the city's burgeoning club scene. Or they may head to elegant Novi Sad, stretching along the banks of the Danube, and known as the 'Serbian Athens'. The city is host to Exit, southeast Europe's largest music festival.

Beyond the cities, Serbia encompasses vineyards, majestic gorges and vast national parks, and is home to 80 per cent of all bird species found in Europe.

Switzerland's famed political neutrality and isolated location, ring-fenced by mountains, have enabled it to play a safe but central role in European affairs. These factors also gave rise to the coveted Swiss bank account, whose anonymity, along with tax relief and what may be the safest banks in the world, have made Zürich one of Europe's major financial hubs. The conveniently central location in the middle of Europe has also made Switzerland a favourite meeting place for conventions and international conferences - Geneva, for instance, is home to the United Nations.

Switzerland is not only a place for professionals, though. As a stylish tourist destination it offers top ski resorts like Zermatt and celebrity-studded St Moritz, while the white peaks of mountains set against blue skies make a wonderful backdrop for summertime hiking. The ancient capital of Berne provides opportunities for sightseeing and elegant shopping, while nightlife can prove to be a lot of fun, too, since the Swiss like their food and folk music even in discotheques and nightclubs.

Switzerland's political model is based on consensus-building, and considering that the country consists of several culturally different groups speaking different languages, Swiss German, French, Italian and Rhaeto-Rumantsch, the country's peaceful domestic situation is admirable. And while the Swiss in practice have been neutral in foreign affairs for several centuries, there are signs that they are increasingly willing to get more deeply involved in world affairs and deploy on the international stage the skills in democracy and diplomacy they have developed domestically. The most obvious sign is that Switzerland finally became a member of the United Nations in September 2002.

Despite its relatively small size, the United Kingdom is one of the most culturally diverse countries on Earth, peopled by four main 'native' nationalities, plus later arrivals from all over the world. The United Kingdom consists of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), plus the six counties of Northern Ireland. The Isle of Man and the Channel Islands (principally Jersey and Guernsey) are also parts of the British Isles, but somewhat confusingly not officially part of the UK.

Topographically, the British mainland is broadly divisible into two main regions: the relatively low-lying south and the highland regions of the north and west. Scotland, Wales, and the northern areas of England occupy the latter, which are in general much more sparsely populated than the more prosperous southeast of England.

London is perennially the principal British attraction for overseas visitors, with its historic landmarks such as the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament), Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London. They also flock to the many West End theatres and the shopping areas of Knightsbridge, Oxford Street and Regent Street.

Within easy day-trip distance of London are the university cities of Oxford and Cambridge, the picturesque Cotswolds with their many pretty villages, Stratford-upon-Avon (home of William Shakespeare), the cathedral at Canterbury and the seaside attractions of Brighton.

Further afield lie delights like Cornwall (to the southwest), Yorkshire, Durham, Northumberland and Cumbria (a large part of which constitutes the Lake District).

Wales adjoins England to the west, and offers, in addition to its populous southern cities, a diverse range of historic castles, spectacular coastline and impressive mountain landscapes.

The majority of Scotland's population lives in the busy central belt, a lowland region in which the main centres of Glasgow, Stirling, and the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, lie. But equally as popular as the cities is the dramatic scenery of the Highlands to the north and west, location of Britain's highest mountains and a bewildering array of offshore islands, notably Skye, Orkney and Shetland.

Halfway to Ireland in the Irish Sea sits the Isle of Man, a scenic island with Norse traditions. And west again is Northern Ireland, whose vibrant capital Belfast is a lively option for the visitor. North of the city are the spectacular Antrim Glens, while to the west is the lush 'lakeland' of Fermanagh.

The Channel Islands are closer to France than England, situated a short distance off the Normandy coastline.

The Vatican City is famous for its magnificent St Peter's Basilica. Near St Peter's stands the Vatican Palace, the Pope's residence. Among the principal features of the Palace are the Stanze, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum, containing major works of art and valuable pictures.