Did you always wanted to know how internet savvy the Europeans really are? Here are a couple of interesting facts - fresh off the press and provided by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European communities:

• Internet access across the EU is increasing, with 54 per cent of households having access of some sort, compared 49 per cent last year.
• The highest proportions of households with internet access were recorded in the nordic countries: Netherlands (83%), Sweden (79%) and Denmark (78%).
• The UK, usually know as internet savvy and technologically advanced, is trailing the Nordic leader with 67%.
• 57% of individuals had used internet search engines.
• 50% had sent e-mails with attachments.
• 30% said they kept viruses and spyware off their computers.
• 25% of individuals had taken part in chatrooms, newsgroups or online discussions.
• 15% had used the internet to make phone calls.
• Peer to peer file sharing for exchange of movies and music had been used by 13%.
• Only 10% had created a web page.

Despite the fact that most of these numbers are lower than the ones in the United States, this study proves that internet access is gradually extending across the 27 states of the European Union - especially broadband connections have risen sharply.