Fact Check: The Schengen Area consists of 29 countries.

Fact Check: "The Schengen Area consists of 29 countries."

What We Know

The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. As of October 2023, the Schengen Area consists of 27 countries, not 29. The countries that are part of the Schengen Area include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden (Wikipedia).

While the claim states there are 29 countries, this figure may arise from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the total number of countries involved in various agreements related to the Schengen Area, including those that have applied for membership or are associated in some capacity but are not full members.

Analysis

The assertion that the Schengen Area consists of 29 countries is false. The most reliable sources, including the Wikipedia entry on the Schengen Area and the Finnish Wikipedia, confirm that the current number of member states is 27.

The discrepancy in the number may stem from including countries that are geographically in Europe but are not part of the Schengen Area, such as the United Kingdom, which has opted out of the agreement, or countries that are in the process of joining but have not yet completed the necessary steps to be full members. The sources used are reputable and widely recognized, such as Wikipedia, which is frequently updated to reflect the most current information regarding international agreements.

Additionally, the claim does not specify whether it refers to current members or includes countries that have been part of discussions or agreements related to Schengen. The lack of clarity in the claim further contributes to its inaccuracy.

Conclusion

The claim that "The Schengen Area consists of 29 countries" is false. The Schengen Area currently includes 27 countries, and any assertion of 29 is misleading and not supported by credible sources.