Eurovision Song Contest 2024
Geographies and perceptions of Europe
The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest is being held in Malmo, Sweden. Following Loreen's record equaling win in Liverpool 2023 (hosting on behalf of 2022 winners Ukraine).
Every year Eurovision raises questions about whether competing nations are part of Europe.
With this collection of maps we will take a look at the geography of the song contest and other perceptions of Europe.
36 countries will be taking part in the 2024 contest.
Some have been part of the competition since it began in 1956, whilst others have joined more recently.
Some countries which you may have seen competing in the past will not be in Malmo this year.
24 of the countries competing in Malmo have won the contest previously.
With a total of 7 victories, Sweden and Ireland share the accolade of the most successful nation in Eurovision.
26 countries will compete in the Grand Final on the 11th May 2024.
As last year's winners Sweden automatically qualify for the grand final.
France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK also qualify for the grand final automatically as "The Big 5".
The broadcasters from the big 5 countries are those who make the largest financial contribution to the staging of the competition.
The remaining 20 countries will compete in semi-finals in the week running up to secure a place in the grand final.
The Eurovision Song Contest probably shouldn't be the only yardstick we use to define Europe or which countries are considered "European"!
Other formal and informal influences shape our views of Europe;
There are 27 full member states and 8 candidates, including Ukraine
Take a look around the map, there are more of these than you might think, and in some unexpected places!
A more traditional view, but still room for debate
33 countries and over 3,000 train stations with a single ticket!
The footballing nations of Europe.