The term
Southern Europe, at its most general definition, is used to mean "all countries in the south of Europe". However, the concept, at different times, has had different meanings, providing additional
political,
linguistic and
cultural context to the definition in addition to the typical
geographical,
phytogeographic or
climatic approach. Most Southern European countries border the
Mediterranean Sea.
Geographical definition
Geo-Political Southern Europe
Mathematical Southern Europe
Geographically, Southern Europe is the southern half of the landmass of Europe. This definition is relative, with no clear limits. The
Alps and
Massif Central mountains constitute a physical barrier between Italy and France and the rest of Europe.
Countries geographically considered part of Southern Europe include:
- (not including the North, Alpine and Atlantic parts but including: Corsica)
- (3% of the country (East Thrace) lies in Europe, the rest in Asia)
Other
- (geographically part of Asia but considered European for historic and cultural reasons)
Political definition
For its official works and publications, the United Nations Organization groups countries under a classification of regions.
Southern Europe, as defined by the
United Nations (), comprises the following countries and territories:
- (can be included in Western Europe politically as it is a territory of the )
Climatical definition
Southern Europe's climate is that of the
Mediterranean climate, which has become a typically known characteristic of the area.
The area presents similar landscapes throughout, including:
The area which is considered climatically Southern Europe is:
- (southeast coast, and the island of Corsica)
- (northeast and southern two-thirds)
- (southern half and eastern coast)
Phytogeographical definition
The European floristic regions
Southern Europe's
flora is that of the
Mediterranean and
Submediterranean, which is typical for this area. The Mediterranean and Submediterranean climate regions in Europe comprise the following countries and territories:
- (the southern and southeastern part, and the island of Corsica)
- (the southwestern part till the Balaton lake)
- (only the southern part along the Danube river)
- (except for the northwestern part)
- (only the southern part of Crimea)
Linguistic Southern Europe
Countries of Southern Europe by main
national language(s):
