Is London in Europe? Brexit, the EU, and Continental Europe
Is London in Europe? Owing to its remote location on the British Isles, understanding exactly where this iconic European city is can be confusing.
London being the capital of England which is owned by the United Kingdom puts the city, in fact, in Europe!
In this post, you’ll learn more about the geography of the UK’s largest city, be able to find where London is situated on a map, better understand England’s ties with the European Union, and learn about the history and meaning behind Brexit.
Is London in Europe?
Yes, London is in Europe! This can get confusing since the United Kingdom recently officialized its exit from the European Union in January 2020 (also known as Brexit – more on this below).
But, since London is the capital city of England which lies within the United Kingdom, which all sits on the tectonic plates that make up continental Europe, London is, in fact, in Europe.
Greater London covers over 607 square miles and has a population of nearly 9 million people, about four times the size of Paris.
Is London in Europe Map
Okay, now that you have a better idea of where London is, it’s time to see it on a map. This will help you see where it is so you’ll know what I mean when I say it’s part of continental Europe, but not part of the EU.
Keep in mind that the continental divide created by the area’s tectonic plates is actually found under the ocean, so you won’t see this on the map.
London, UK is a fantastic city to visit, so if by looking at this map you decide you want to check it out in person, here are 60 Incredible Things To Do in London in Winter! It’s actually the best time to visit in my opinion, you may even get to watch a national game of cricket!
Europe London Time Zone
London is in the Greenwich Mean Time Zone, which means that it observes Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) year-round.
GMT is one of the world’s most commonly used time zones, and is considered to be a standard time zone because it represents mean solar time at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England.
If you’re in New England, simply add 5 hours to your current time to know what time it is in London, UK. If you’re in California, add 8 hours to your current time!
FAQ
What Country is London in?
London is the capital city of England, which along with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland makes up the United Kingdom.
Located on the southeastern coast of Great Britain, London is surrounded by many different countries including France, Belgium, and Ireland, and is well known as a popular city for travelers from all over the world.
Is London in the European Union?
No, London is not in the European Union – despite it being located on the European continent.
The United Kingdom voted to leave the EU back in 2016, and officially announced its exit at the end of 2019 (known as Brexit).
However, this does not mean that London is no longer in Europe – as it remains a major global city and still part of the UK, which is located on the European continent.
What Continent is London On?
London is located on the banks of the River Thames in southeast England, just a few miles from the English Channel. This puts London on the European continent!
Situated about 416 miles from Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, London is on the island country of the United Kingdom.
What is the Capital City of London?
There is no capital city of London because London is the capital city of England.
London is a capital city in and of itself, so it does not have a separate capital city. London is actually the largest capital city in the UK and there are no other cities in London.
Is England a Country?
Yes, England is a country. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are also countries.
The important detail to understand is that England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are not sovereign countries, meaning they do not govern themselves. They are all governed by the United Kingdom, which is a sovereign country.
Just like in North America, the United States is its own country with 50 individual states all governed under the same government, England is a country that is governed by the United Kingdom. London city is the capital of England, making it also governed by the United Kingdom.
England has its own national symbols, including its national animal, which is separate from the United Kingdom.
Is the UK Still Part of Europe after Brexit?
Yes, the UK is still part of Europe after Brexit. While the United Kingdom voted back in 2016 to be removed from the EU in an event now referred to as “Brexit”, it still remains a part of continental Europe owing to its location.
Brexit is a term formed by the words “Britain” and “exit” in reference to Britain’s exit from the European Union. You can learn more about this historical event by referencing the European Commission website.
When Did the UK Leave the EU?
The UK officially left the EU on January 31st, 2020. The Brexit referendum initially began on June 23rd, 2016, when just over 51% of voters chose that the UK should leave the EU.
It took about 4 years for the deed to pass and for the UK to be officially separated from the European Union and its laws, rules, and obligations.
What is the Closest Country to London?
London is the capital of the United Kingdom so technically speaking, the UK is the closest country to the city.
That being said, outside of the UK, London is closest to the country of France.
London is in Europe even though it ended its relationship with the European Union in January 2020. London, UK is located in continental Europe and therefore makes it a part of Europe regardless of its political, economic, or social status.
