We all know that Europe is home to developed nations, magnificent history, and rich culture. But have you ever heard of its unique nickname: "The Blue Continent" ?
This nickname is very popular in Indonesia, although not everyone in the world is familiar with it. "Blue Continent" sounds beautiful, but why was the color blue chosen? Is it because the continent is surrounded by many oceans, or is there a deeper reason?
It turns out there are two very interesting and equally compelling reasons behind the nickname "Blue Continent." These two reasons stem from very different things: one from biology and the other from its legendary history and social status .
Blue Eyes, a Physical Trait of the Majority of the Population
The most frequently heard and most easily seen reason physically is because the majority of native Europeans have blue eyes.
The Uniqueness of Blue Eyes in the World

Worldwide, blue eyes are a relatively rare physical trait. The majority of the world's population has brown eyes. However, in Europe, particularly in the Nordic and Northern European countries, the proportion of blue-eyed people is much higher.
Blue eye color is caused by genetic factors. Scientifically, this color doesn't come from the actual blue pigment in the eye, but rather from the way light is scattered across the front of the iris. This phenomenon is called light scattering , similar to why the sky appears blue.
When sailors, explorers, or even Asians first interacted with Europeans, this striking blue eye characteristic became the most easily recognizable visual identity and was very different from the physical characteristics of people on other continents, especially Asia and Africa, which were predominantly brown-eyed.
Blue Eyes and Continental Identity

In many Asian countries, including Indonesia, Europeans are often identified with their bright blue eyes and fair skin. Over time, these physical characteristics have become firmly entrenched in the nicknames of their continents of origin.
The nickname "Blue Continent" can be interpreted as "The continent where people with characteristic blue eyes live." This is a simple and visual way to distinguish Europe from other continents, such as Africa, which is nicknamed the "Dark Continent" because the majority of its population is dark-skinned. Thus, physical characteristics are the primary factor that makes the color blue a label for this historically rich continent.
Blue Blood, Legacy of Nobility and Power
This second reason is much deeper, related to Europe's long history of empires, monarchies, and nobility. The nickname "Blue Continent" is closely linked to the legendary term "blue blood ."
What is "Blue Blood"?

The term "blue blood" is a figurative expression used to refer to royalty, aristocrats, or people of royal lineage. The term was very popular in Europe, especially in Spain ( sangre azul ) and France, and later spread throughout the world.
The origin of this term is very interesting:
- Pale Skin Tone: In ancient times, European nobles and royalty took great care of their appearance. They rarely engaged in outdoor physical labor and avoided the sun whenever possible. Pale, sun-bleached skin was a symbol of wealth and high social status.
- Visible Veins: In very pale skin, the veins that carry blood to the heart will be more visible beneath the skin's surface. Veins aren't actually blue, but appear bluish due to optical effects (light) when viewed from the skin.
- Symbol of Bloodline Purity: The term "blue blood" was deliberately used by the nobility to emphasize that their bloodline was "pure" and not mixed with the blood of commoners (who were considered to have ordinary "red blood" because they had darker skin due to working in the fields).
Europe as the World's "Blue Blood" Center

Europe is a continent historically dominated by monarchical systems. From Great Britain, Spain, and the Netherlands, to the old monarchies of Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Europe was the center of power for these "blue bloods."
Today, although many monarchies have become constitutional monarchies without absolute political power, the heritage and stories of Europe's "blue blood" nobility remain a major attraction and an integral part of the continent's identity.
Therefore, the nickname "Blue Continent" is a way to honor and recognize Europe as the historical center and home of world royalty and nobility . It emphasizes the continent's noble status, opulence, and rich political history.
Blue in the Coat of Arms of Europe
Besides the two main stories above, there are other elements that make the color blue so synonymous with Europe today, namely:
Flag and Coat of Arms of the European Union (EU)

If we look at the European Union (EU) flag, we'll notice a very dominant dark blue color. The flag features twelve gold stars in a circle on a blue background. The blue on this flag symbolizes:
- Unity: The circle of stars symbolizes unity and solidarity.
- Solidarity: Blue is considered a calming color and symbolizes harmony.
Although the EU Flag only appeared after World War II, this bold use of blue further strengthened the association of the European Continent with that color in the eyes of the modern world.
Maps and Oceans

Geographically, Europe is a continent surrounded by numerous important bodies of water: the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and numerous smaller seas. This gives Europe a very long coastline and a strong maritime history. While blue on world maps always represents water, in Europe, the close connection between land and blue sea further reinforces this nickname. Europe is literally a continent dominated by maritime connections.
Conclusion
So, why is Europe called the "Blue Continent"?
This distinctive nickname is a combination of two undeniable historical and social facts:
- Physical Characteristics (Blue Eyes): The majority of the native population has blue eyes, which is a major distinguishing feature when interacting with the outside world.
- Social Status (Blue Blood): Europe is the historical center for monarchical and aristocratic systems, known figuratively as “blue blood.”
These two reasons, both visual biological and historical and aristocratic, have been deeply embedded in collective memory, especially in Indonesia. Ultimately, Europe is known not only as a continent of history, but also as the "Blue Continent," a name that holds stories of unique genetics and past aristocratic grandeur.
