Russia

Russia's 17.1 million square kilometers make it by far Europe's largest nation, covering more area than the next nine countries combined. With 146 million residents, it boasts a population density of just 8.5 per square kilometer—sparser than any other country on this list, including #2 Germany's 234 per square kilometer. However, demographic challenges are acute: its population has declined by over 0.5% annually since 2020, a sharp contrast to growth in #3 United Kingdom and #4 France.