Southern Europe facts for kids
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Southern Europe is a region of the European continent. Most people see Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece and over all the Mediterranean countries of the European continent as parts of Southern Europe. Very often the South of France is also included.
Contents
Geographical definition
Geographically, Southern Europe would be the south half of the landmass of Europe. This definition is relative, with no clear limits. The Alps mountains are a physical barrier between Italy and the rest of Europe.
Geopolitical definition of the United Nations
For its official works and publications, the United Nations Organization has its own special definition of regions. As it counts always the whole state Corsica as part of France is not part of Southern European but Italian Tyrol belongs to it as it is part of Italy..
Climatical definition
The climatic definition of southern Europe would be similar to the areas of Mediterranean climate. The Mediterranean climate is often thought to be a typical characteristic of Southern Europe.
Linguistic and cultural definition
Countries of Latin Europe are often associated with the concept of Southern Europe, especially Southwest Europe. Greece and the Balkan nations are often associated with them in the concept of Southern Europe, especially Southeast Europe.
List of countries
Although there is no precise definition, the following territories are commonly thought to be parts of Southern Europe:
- Iberian Peninsula
- Southern France
- Monaco
- Italian peninsula
- Balkan Peninsula
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Greece
- Ionian Islands
- Aegean Islands
- Crete
- Montenegro
- Republic of Macedonia
- Romania (southern part)
- Serbia
- Slovenia
- the European part of Turkey (Rumelia (Trakya))
- Mediterranean Countries:
Images for kids
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The geographical and ethno-cultural borders of Southern Europe are the Pyrenees, the Alps, and the Balkan Mountains to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.
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European climate. Note the high diversity of Köppen-Geiger climates in the southern regions.
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Roman Empire. In yellow the south-west of Europe, and in violet the south-east.
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Eastern Roman Empire mainly focused on southern Europe.
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Ottomans controlled most of the Mediterranean Sea for centuries.
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Map representing the geography of Europe, with the mountain ranges separating Southern Europe.
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Satellite image of the Iberian Peninsula.
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Satellite image of the Italian Peninsula.
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Satellite image of the Balkan Peninsula.
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Beech forest in the Aurunci Mountains, Italy
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Stone pines in Doñana National Park, Spain
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Aleppo pine forest, Croatia
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Temperate pine forests of Monte Cimone, Italy
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Dry olive groove, Crete
See also
In Spanish: Europa meridional para niños
