What Countries Make up Continental Europe?

Many people who live in Europe have different ideas as to what countries are included in mainland Europe. Some feel Malta and the Republic of Cyprus should not be included in the mainland description and others feel that the boundaries of the countries extend from the Ural Mountains to the Caucasus Mountains.

Often, especially in the UK, the term "the continent" refers to a way of life more than a land mass. Social practices and fashion tend to take place on "the continent."