Europe.

• Position: 2014 America's Challenges - Youth unemployment and population status in Europe - Statistical data

Youth unemployment

With 23 percent of Europeans under age 25 unable to find work, youth unemployment has been one of Europe's biggest challenges since the economic crisis began in 2008. Fears remain that weak economies in countries like Greece-where youth unemployment is almost 60 percent-might pull the U.S. back into recession.

By the Numbers 7.6% Youth unemployment rate in Germany, the lowest in the European Union

SOURCE: EUROSTAT

Germany

The world's fifth-largest economy and a key player in the European Union, Germany has played a lead role in tackling the continent's economic crisis. Chancellor Angela Merkel (above) has criticized President Obama over the monitoring of foreigners' Internet activity by U.S. intelligence services.

Russia

Although President Obama hoped to "reset" relations with Russia, tensions have increased. President Vladimir Putin's decision to grant temporary political asylum to National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden in August has angered U.S. officials. In addition, Russia has been a key arms supplier to the Syrian regime, while the U.S. is supporting the rebels in Syria's civil war.

Turkey

Considered a democratic model for other Muslim nations in recent years, Turkey may have hurt its chances for admission into the European Union after its repressive response last summer to protests against the razing of an Istanbul park (above). Many refugees from Syria's civil war have fled to neighboring Turkey, and there is concern that the fighting could spill over the border.

By the Numbers 80 million Number of Muslims in Turkey, 99.8 percent of the population

SOURCE: THE WORLD FACTBOOK 2013 (C.I.A.)

Europe URBAN COUNTRY AREA (SQ MI) POP. % CAPITAL POPULATION POP. RISE %/YEAR Albania 11,082 54 Tirana 2,800,000 0.5 Andorra 179 90 Andorra 100,000 0.5 la Vella Austria 32,386 67 Vienna 8,500,000 0 Belarus 80,153 76 Minsk 9,500,000 -0.1 Belgium 11,787 99 Brussels 11,200,000 0.2 Bosnia and 19,772 46 Herzegovina 3,800,000 -0.1 Sarajevo Bulgaria 42,858 73 Sofia 7,300,000 -0.6 Croatia 21,851 56 Zagreb 4,300,000 -0.2 Czech Republic 30,450 74 Prague 10,500,000 0 Denmark 16,640 87 Copenhagen 15,600,000 0.1 Estonia 17,462 69 Tallinn 1,300,000 -0.1 Finland 130,666 68 Helsinki 5,400,000 0.1 France 210,026 78 Paris 63,900,000 0.4 Germany 137,879 73 Berlin 80,600,000 -0.2 Greece 50,949 173 Athens 111,000,000 0 Hungary 35,919 69 Budapest 9,900,000 -0.4 Iceland 39,769 95 Reykjavik 300,000 0.8 Ireland 27,133 60 Dublin 4,600,000 1.0 Italy...