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This Map Shows the Top 10 Countries with Most Facebook Users in Europe in 2025

In today's digital landscape, social media platforms have become indispensable tools for businesses looking to connect with their audiences and drive growth. From Facebook's robust advertising capabilities to YouTube's dynamic video retargeting, each platform offers unique opportunities to engage and convert potential customers.

Whether it's crafting compelling stories through Instagram's visual-first approach or building valuable professional connections on LinkedIn, understanding how to leverage these platforms effectively can make the difference between a thriving digital presence and getting lost in the noise.

Where In Europe You Can Best Use Facebook for Business

At Whitehat, we've helped countless businesses navigate the complex world of social media marketing, and we've seen firsthand how a strategic approach to these platforms can transform your digital marketing results. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how you can harness the power of major social media platforms to achieve your business objectives, breaking down the unique strengths and opportunities each one presents.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Introduction
    • The Digital Marketing Landscape
    • Overview of Social Media Platforms
    • Whitehat's Approach to Social Media Marketing
  2. Facebook Usage in Europe: A Deep Dive
    • Research Methodology
    • Top 10 European Countries with Facebook Users
    • Country-Specific Analysis • Iceland • Cyprus • Malta • Turkey • Germany • Italy • Spain • Poland • Ukraine • Romania • Netherlands
    • Comparative Analysis
    • Cultural and Historical Context
    • Key Findings and Conclusions
  3. Social Media Marketing FAQ
    • Budgeting for Social Media
    • Platform Selection Strategy
    • Posting Frequency Guidelines
    • ROI Measurement
    • Handling Negative Feedback
    • Timeline for Results
    • Automation Tools
    • Content Creation Strategies
    • Organic vs Paid Reach
    • Data Protection Compliance
  4. Related Articles
    • Make the Best Out for Your Business Through Facebook Ads Marketing
    • How Facebook Set Off Inbound Marketing Today
    • Why Business Owners Should Be Doing Facebook Advertising

FAcebook-users-europe-2024-2025

 

FACEBOOK USAGE IN EUROPE: A DEEP DIVE INTO THE TOP 10 COUNTRIES

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Facebook usage in the top 10 European countries with the most users. It examines demographic trends, popular pages and groups, and usage patterns, while also considering cultural and historical factors that may contribute to Facebook's popularity in each country.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The findings presented in this report are based on a comprehensive research process that involved the following steps:

  1. Identifying the Top 10 Countries: We analyzed data from various sources, including Statista, DataReportal, NapoleonCat, and social media statistics websites, to determine the top 10 European countries with the most Facebook users.
  2. Gathering Country-Specific Data: For each country, we collected data on population, number of Facebook users, percentage of the population using Facebook, demographics of Facebook users, popular pages and groups, and trends in Facebook usage.
  3. Analyzing News and Reports: We reviewed relevant news articles and reports on Facebook usage in each country to gain further insights into trends, challenges, and cultural influences.
  4. Comparing and Contrasting Data: We compared and contrasted the data across the different countries to identify any interesting trends or patterns.
  5. Considering Cultural and Historical Factors: We explored potential cultural or historical factors that might contribute to the popularity of Facebook in each country.

TOP 10 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES WITH THE MOST FACEBOOK USERS

Identifying the top 10 European countries with the most Facebook users proved challenging due to conflicting information from different sources and variations in how "Facebook users" are defined (e.g., registered accounts vs. active users). However, based on the available data, the following table presents a likely ranking:

Rank

Country

1

United Kingdom

2

France

3

Turkey

4

Germany

5

Italy

6

Spain

7

Poland

8

Ukraine

9

Romania

10

Netherlands

COUNTRY-SPECIFIC BREAKDOWN

ICELAND

  • Population: Approximately 395,942 with a growth rate of 0.93% 1
  • Number of Facebook Users: Conflicting information exists, with estimates ranging from 246,100 3 to 346,300 4.
  • Percentage of Population on Facebook: Estimates range from 59.1% 5 to 95.9% 4.
  • Demographics of Facebook Users: In 2023, 51.5% of Facebook's ad audience in Iceland was female, while 48.5% was male 6. People aged 25 to 34 were the largest user group 4.
  • Most Popular Facebook Pages and Groups: While specific pages and groups were not identified in the research, anecdotal evidence suggests that Facebook is used primarily for event planning and messaging, with Instagram growing in popularity among younger users 7.
  • Trends in Facebook Usage: Facebook usage has remained relatively consistent in recent years, with around 90% of Icelanders using the platform regularly 8. However, there are indications that younger users are shifting towards Instagram and Snapchat 7. Notably, Iceland has the highest reach of Facebook Messenger users among Nordic countries, suggesting a strong preference for private messaging over public posting 9.
  • News and Reports: A 2023 survey found that Facebook was the most popular social media platform in Iceland, followed by YouTube and Snapchat 8. Iceland also boasts the highest overall social media reliance in Europe, ranking first among European countries 10.

CYPRUS

  • Population: Approximately 1,370,754 11
  • Number of Facebook Users: Estimates range from 789,800 12 to 1,211,100 13.
  • Percentage of Population on Facebook: Estimates range from 64.14% 14 to 97.9% 15.
  • Demographics of Facebook Users: In 2024, 51.6% of Facebook users were male 13. People aged 25 to 34 were the largest user group 13. The ethnic makeup of Cyprus is predominantly Greek Cypriot (98.8%) 16.
  • Most Popular Facebook Pages and Groups: Popular pages include McDonald's, H&M, IKEA, and TGI Fridays 17.
  • Trends in Facebook Usage: Facebook remains one of the most popular social media platforms in Cyprus, with high user penetration 18. Notably, Cyprus has one of the highest Facebook user rates globally, nearing 100% saturation 19. However, there is a trend towards younger generations using TikTok more frequently 19. A 2023 study found that over half (55%) of Cypriot social media users spend more than 3 hours per day on these platforms 20.
  • News and Reports: Cyprus has the second-highest rate of social media participation in the EU after Denmark 21. A 2023 study found that 83% of the population used social media 22.

MALTA

  • Population: Approximately 542,641 23
  • Number of Facebook Users: Approximately 354,000 24
  • Percentage of Population on Facebook: 80.5% 10
  • Demographics of Facebook Users: Detailed demographic information is not available.
  • Most Popular Facebook Pages and Groups: Information on popular pages and groups is not available.
  • Trends in Facebook Usage: Facebook usage appears to be declining slightly, with a decrease of 5,000 users between 2022 and 2023 24. There are 309,400 Facebook Messenger users in Malta 24.
  • News and Reports: Social media is the most popular source of news in Malta, with Facebook being the most popular platform 25. Facebook is significantly more popular as a news source in Malta than in the rest of the EU, suggesting a strong reliance on the platform for information and potential influence on public opinion 25. In 2020, Malta had the highest use of social media among businesses in the EU at 84% 26. Daily social media usage in Malta is high, with 79% of people using social media every day 26.

TURKEY

  • Population: Approximately 85.8 million 27
  • Number of Facebook Users: 66,044,100 27
  • Percentage of Population on Facebook: 77% 10
  • Demographics of Facebook Users: Detailed demographic information is not available.
  • Most Popular Facebook Pages and Groups: Information on popular pages and groups is not available.
  • Trends in Facebook Usage: Information on Facebook usage trends in Turkey is not available.
  • News and Reports: No specific news or reports on Facebook usage in Turkey were found in the research material.

GERMANY

  • Population: Approximately 83.2 million 27
  • Number of Facebook Users: 43,671,200 27
  • Percentage of Population on Facebook: 26.62% 28
  • Demographics of Facebook Users: Detailed demographic information is not available.
  • Most Popular Facebook Pages and Groups: Information on popular pages and groups is not available.
  • Trends in Facebook Usage: Information on Facebook usage trends in Germany is not available.
  • News and Reports: No specific news or reports on Facebook usage in Germany were found in the research material.

ITALY

  • Population: Approximately 59 million 27
  • Number of Facebook Users: 41,349,600 27
  • Percentage of Population on Facebook: 29.97% 28
  • Demographics of Facebook Users: Detailed demographic information is not available.
  • Most Popular Facebook Pages and Groups: Information on popular pages and groups is not available.
  • Trends in Facebook Usage: Information on Facebook usage trends in Italy is not available.
  • News and Reports: No specific news or reports on Facebook usage in Italy were found in the research material.

SPAIN

  • Population: Approximately 47.4 million 27
  • Number of Facebook Users: 33,615,700 27
  • Percentage of Population on Facebook: Information on the percentage of the population on Facebook in Spain is not available.
  • Demographics of Facebook Users: Detailed demographic information is not available.
  • Most Popular Facebook Pages and Groups: Information on popular pages and groups is not available.
  • Trends in Facebook Usage: Information on Facebook usage trends in Spain is not available.
  • News and Reports: No specific news or reports on Facebook usage in Spain were found in the research material.

POLAND

  • Population: Approximately 37.8 million 27
  • Number of Facebook Users: 22,199,800 27
  • Percentage of Population on Facebook: Information on the percentage of the population on Facebook in Poland is not available.
  • Demographics of Facebook Users: Detailed demographic information is not available.
  • Most Popular Facebook Pages and Groups: Information on popular pages and groups is not available.
  • Trends in Facebook Usage: Information on Facebook usage trends in Poland is not available.
  • News and Reports: No specific news or reports on Facebook usage in Poland were found in the research material.

UKRAINE

  • Population: Approximately 43.7 million 27
  • Number of Facebook Users: 24,007,900 27
  • Percentage of Population on Facebook: Information on the percentage of the population on Facebook in Ukraine is not available.
  • Demographics of Facebook Users: Detailed demographic information is not available.
  • Most Popular Facebook Pages and Groups: Information on popular pages and groups is not available.
  • Trends in Facebook Usage: Information on Facebook usage trends in Ukraine is not available.
  • News and Reports: No specific news or reports on Facebook usage in Ukraine were found in the research material.

ROMANIA

  • Population: Approximately 19.2 million 27
  • Number of Facebook Users: 11,937,900 27
  • Percentage of Population on Facebook: More than half of the total population 29
  • Demographics of Facebook Users: Detailed demographic information is not available.
  • Most Popular Facebook Pages and Groups: Information on popular pages and groups is not available.
  • Trends in Facebook Usage: Information on Facebook usage trends in Romania is not available.
  • News and Reports: No specific news or reports on Facebook usage in Romania were found in the research material.

NETHERLANDS

  • Population: Approximately 17.5 million 27
  • Number of Facebook Users: 12,196,500 27
  • Percentage of Population on Facebook: Information on the percentage of the population on Facebook in the Netherlands is not available.
  • Demographics of Facebook Users: Detailed demographic information is not available.
  • Most Popular Facebook Pages and Groups: Information on popular pages and groups is not available.
  • Trends in Facebook Usage: Information on Facebook usage trends in the Netherlands is not available.
  • News and Reports: No specific news or reports on Facebook usage in the Netherlands were found in the research material.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

While detailed information for all countries is limited, some key comparisons can be drawn:

  • Penetration Rate: Iceland and Cyprus stand out with exceptionally high Facebook penetration rates, suggesting near-universal adoption among the eligible population. In contrast, Germany and Italy have significantly lower penetration rates.
  • Demographics: Available data indicates a relatively even gender distribution among Facebook users in Iceland and Cyprus. However, more detailed demographic information, such as age and location breakdowns, is needed for a more comprehensive comparison across all countries.
  • Usage Patterns: While specific data on usage patterns is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests a shift towards private messaging and visual platforms like Instagram, particularly among younger users in Iceland. In Cyprus, there is a trend towards increased TikTok usage among younger generations.
  • News Consumption: Malta stands out with a higher reliance on Facebook for news compared to other European countries. This highlights the platform's potential influence on public opinion and information dissemination in Malta.

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT

While the research material did not provide specific details on the cultural and historical context of Facebook usage in each country, some potential influences can be considered:

  • Iceland: Iceland's small and close-knit community may contribute to the high social media reliance and Facebook penetration observed. The country's history of early technology adoption and digital savviness may also play a role.
  • Cyprus: The cultural emphasis on social connections and community engagement in Cyprus could contribute to the widespread adoption of Facebook. The island's history of political division and the need for communication across different communities might also be a factor.
  • Malta: Malta's high internet penetration and business usage of social media suggest a digitally advanced society where Facebook has become ingrained in daily life. The country's history as a trading hub and its openness to international influences might also contribute to the popularity of social media.

Further research is needed to explore the specific cultural and historical factors that shape Facebook usage patterns in each country.

CONCLUSION

Despite variations in demographics and usage patterns, Facebook remains a dominant social media platform in Europe, with high penetration rates and significant influence on information consumption. While challenges exist, such as declining usage among younger demographics in some countries and concerns about misinformation, Facebook continues to play a crucial role in connecting people and facilitating communication across Europe.

Key observations from this analysis include:

  • High Penetration in Smaller Nations: Smaller countries like Iceland and Cyprus exhibit near-universal Facebook adoption, suggesting a strong correlation between community size and social media reliance.
  • Shifting Usage Patterns: There is evidence of evolving usage patterns, with younger users increasingly favoring private messaging and visual platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
  • Regional Variations: Significant differences in Facebook penetration and usage patterns exist across different regions of Europe, highlighting the need for tailored marketing strategies and localized content.
  • Cultural Influence: Cultural and historical factors likely play a role in shaping Facebook usage in each country, although further research is needed to explore these influences in detail.

This report provides a valuable overview of Facebook usage in Europe, but further research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay of factors that shape social media trends in this diverse region.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much should I budget for social media marketing? While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, we typically recommend starting with 10-15% of your overall marketing budget for social media. This can be adjusted based on your goals, industry, and target audience. For small businesses, this might mean £500-£2,000 per month, while larger enterprises might invest £5,000+ monthly. Remember to factor in both organic content creation and paid advertising costs.

Do I need to be active on all social media platforms?

No, and in fact, we often advise against it. It's better to excel on 2-3 platforms where your target audience is most active than to spread yourself thin across all of them. Focus on the platforms that align with your business goals, industry, and where your buyer personas spend their time.

How often should I post on social media?

Posting frequency depends on the platform and your resources:

  • LinkedIn: 2-3 times per week
  • Facebook: 3-5 times per week
  • Instagram: 4-7 times per week
  • Twitter: 1-5 times daily However, quality always trumps quantity. It's better to post less frequently with high-quality, engaging content than to post frequently with lower-quality content.

How do I measure social media ROI?

Track metrics that align with your business goals:

  • Brand awareness: Reach, impressions, follower growth
  • Engagement: Likes, comments, shares, click-through rates
  • Lead generation: Form fills, email signups, downloads
  • Sales: Direct conversions, assisted conversions
  • Customer service: Response rates, resolution times Use tools like Google Analytics and platform-specific insights to monitor these metrics.

What should I do if I receive negative comments or feedback on social media?

Always respond professionally and promptly. Use this simple framework:

  1. Acknowledge the concern
  2. Take the conversation private when necessary
  3. Address the issue constructively
  4. Follow up publicly when resolved Remember, how you handle negative feedback can actually improve your brand's reputation if done well.

How long does it take to see results from social media marketing?

Typically, you should expect to see meaningful results within 3-6 months of consistent effort. However, this varies based on:

  • Your starting point
  • Industry competition
  • Budget allocation
  • Content quality and consistency
  • Platform selection
  • Campaign objectives

Should I use automation tools for social media management?

Yes, but strategically. Automation tools are excellent for:

  • Scheduling posts
  • Monitoring mentions
  • Gathering analytics
  • Managing multiple accounts However, avoid automating engagement (likes, comments, follows) as this can appear inauthentic and potentially violate platform terms of service.

How can I create engaging content consistently?

Develop a content strategy that includes:

  • Content calendar planning
  • Mix of content types (educational, promotional, entertaining)
  • User-generated content
  • Industry news and trends
  • Behind-the-scenes content
  • Customer success stories Consider using a content batching approach where you create multiple pieces of content in one session.

Is organic reach dead? Should I focus only on paid advertising?

While organic reach has declined, it's still valuable for:

  • Building brand authenticity
  • Engaging existing followers
  • Establishing thought leadership
  • Supporting customer service The best approach is usually a combination of organic content and paid advertising, with paid efforts amplifying your best-performing organic content.

How do I stay compliant with data protection regulations on social media?

Follow these key guidelines:

  • Always obtain proper consent for data collection
  • Be transparent about how you use customer data
  • Keep your privacy policy updated and easily accessible
  • Use compliant lead generation forms
  • Regularly audit your data collection practices
  • Train your team on data protection requirements
  • Document your compliance measures

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