In many areas of modern geopolitics, a very prominent place is occupied by European countries. It is difficult to overestimate the economic, socio-political and cultural significance that these states have for the rest of the world. It is in Europe that many key centers of global influence are located - from religious and cultural (like the Vatican) to financial (like Switzerland and others). Undoubtedly, the ethnic composition of the population both in the region as a whole and in individual countries is of great importance for the formation of the current power of European states. Among the most highly developed and influential Western countries, we can name such uninational countries of Europe as Germany, Sweden, and Denmark.
Historically, multinational countries are mainly geographically located in Europe (Italy, Poland, Ireland, Austria and others), the Middle East (Syria, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, etc.) and in Latin America (Argentina, Ecuador and etc.). Most countries in Africa, Japan, South Korea and many other powers also fall into this category. Uninational countries are characterized by the coincidence of state and ethnic boundaries, and the population of the main nationality in them is at least 90% of the total number of inhabitants.
In many regions, the problem of interethnic relations is becoming ever more acute . This may be due to economic inequality of the population of different nationalities in developed countries, with the infringement of the cultural customs of national minorities and with a number of other reasons. The reason for such contradictions can serve as questions of religion. Until recently, the multinational countries of foreign Europe were relatively rarely confronted with the need to resolve ethnic differences. True, this did not apply to the problem of inter-religious disputes (relevant, for example, for Northern Ireland). Due to the grave consequences of such clashes, conflict situations require an immediate response, no matter in which state they arise.
In the middle of the last century, most countries of
Western Europe experienced a shortage of their own labor resources, which was caused by huge
casualties in World War II and low birth rates. Many multinational countries became the largest centers of labor immigration in the world at that time. And to this day, Europe cannot completely stop the flow of immigrants from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Even staying here forever, foreign workers prefer to settle compactly and do not assimilate with the indigenous population. The cultural peculiarities introduced by visitors, the observance of their religious rights, customs and traditions are sometimes protected by both legal and criminal methods. Naturally, the native Europeans who inhabit the multinational countries do not feel much joy from the increase in the number of immigrants. Moreover, over time, the tendency to increase the number and increase the influence of the "non-European" population does not change. This is due to a further influx of migrants, and due to a higher birth rate in their families.
Every year, the ethnic composition of the population of Western European states continues to become more and more complicated. Consequently, the settlement of issues related to interethnic relations will become increasingly relevant.