ALL THE EUROVISION COUNTRIES: (11). More: tomorrow.

Caffè ☕️Lattè looks back on:

ALL THE

EUROVISION

COUNTRIES

The Eurovision Song Contest was first held in 1956. Back then, only 7 countries participated. In the decades since, dozens of other nations have joined the ESC family. As Europe changed, countries faded into history as new countries and new names emerged. Eurovision itself has expanded beyond the European continent; to Africa, the Middle East and the Southern Hemisphere.

Our spotlight looks back on every country that has competed – in chronological order. 

1958

A new tradition began at the third Eurovision Song Contest. For the first time, the previous year’s winning country hosted the event. Hilversum, in The Netherlands, played host city. This is another tradition that continues to this day. 

Disappointed with finishing in 7^th place, the United Kingdom passed on competing in 1958. A new member stepped up to keep the number of competing countries at ten.

XI

SWEDEN

Poor Sweden had to wait many years from its debut to claiming victory in 1974. When the country finally achieved its first win, it changed Eurovision forever. ABBA went on to become one of the world's best-selling musical acts. Its winning entry “Waterloo” remains a cherished favourite for many.

Sverige has made up for lost time since 1974, winning again in 1984, 1991, 1999, 2012, 2015 and 2023. Loreen has won Eurovision twice (the only female act to do so) with “Euphoria” and “Tattoo”. The latter’s triumph last year means that Sweden is hosting the Contest this year. Malmö is the location of the finals coming in May. As the previous year’s winner, Sweden is already guaranteed a place in the 2024 Grand Final. The Scandinavian nation has participated 64 times.

The win in 2023 placed Sweden and Ireland in a 2-way tie for achieving the most wins at the Eurovision Song Contest: seven. The latter country’s Johnny Logan is the only other ESC performer to achieve 2 wins.