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SOUTHERN EUROPE

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The definition of continental subregions in use by the United Nations.
The definition of continental subregions in use by the United Nations.
Current division of European countries into five (or more) regions: Countries generally considered to be "Southern European" are marked in green.
Current division of European countries into five (or more) regions: Countries generally considered to be "Southern European" are marked in green.

Southern Europe is a region of the European continent. There is no clear definition of the term which can vary depending on whether geographic, cultural, linguistic or historical factors are taken into account. It is generally agreed that Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece and more generally the Mediterranean countries of the European continent are part of Southern Europe. The South of France is also included in most definitions of the term.

The southern half of Europe is shown in shades of red.
The southern half of Europe is shown in shades of red.

Contents

[edit] 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 constitute a physical barrier between Italy and the rest of Europe.

The Southern European countries in the UN classification in sub-regions
The Southern European countries in the UN classification in sub-regions

[edit] Geopolitical definition of the United Nations

For its official works and publications, the United Nations Organization groups countries under a classification of regions. This classification is somewhat arbitrary, and it depends more on the states' borders than on the areas, which can lead to abnormalities such as Corsica being less Southern European than Italian Tyrol.

This map shows the areas of Europe with mediterranean climates.
This map shows the areas of Europe with mediterranean climates.

[edit] 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. This area is also the origin of most of southern Europe's food traditions, (olive oil, wine and wheat culture especially). The Mediterranean area presents similar landscapes (dry hills, little plains, pine forests, olive trees) and a similar, traditional habitat. This area consists of the southern two-thirds of Portugal, Spain's southern half and eastern coast, the southeast coast of France (along with the island of Corsica), all of Italy except the Po River plain and Alps region, the coasts of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Albania, most of Greece, Cyprus and Malta.

Linguistical definition of south Europe. Latin Europe in blue, Balkan region (south Slavic countries: former-Yugoslavia + Bulgaria), Albania and Greece in green.
Linguistical definition of south Europe. Latin Europe in blue, Balkan region (south Slavic countries: former-Yugoslavia + Bulgaria), Albania and Greece in green.

[edit] Linguistic and cultural definition

Countries of Latin Europe are often associated with the concept of Southern Europe, especially Southwest Europe (see Latin Arch). Greece and the Balkan nations are often associated with them in the concept of Southern Europe, especially Southeast Europe.

[edit] List of countries

Although there is no precise definition, the following territories are commonly reckoned in Southern Europe:

[edit] Notes

↑  The UN includes these states in Western Asia.

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