How many countries are included in the EEA?

The European Economic Area (EEA) includes a total of 30 countries. The EEA is designed to extend the European Union's single market to three of the four EFTA states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. Together with the 27 EU member states, this brings the total to 30.

The confusion might stem from the number of EU countries at a specific time, which has changed in the past. Following Brexit, the EU now consists of 27 countries, but that number alone does not determine the total number in the EEA.

This reasoning highlights that the inclusion of the three EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) alongside the EU member states significantly contributes to the total count of 30. Therefore, while the answer provided might reference 28, the correct understanding recognizes the EEA’s full scope.