The Schengen area encompasses ______ European countries that have abolished border controls at their mutual borders.

Explanation
The Schengen Area encompasses  29 European  countries that have abolished border controls at their mutual borders . The 29 Schengen countries are :   Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany,  Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg ,  Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia,  Spain,  Sweden , Switzerland, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania. This arrangement facilitates free movement and enhances cooperation among member states.