The term Southern Europe can have four definitions:
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 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:
The southern half of Europe is shown in shades of red.
Political definition
The Southern European countries in the UN classification in sub-regions.
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 (the sub-regions according to the UN), comprises the following countries and territories:
Climatical definition
This map shows the areas of Europe with mediterranean climates.
Southern Europe's climate is that of the Mediterranean climate, which has become a typically known characteristic of the area.
The Mediterranean area presents similar landscapes throughout, including:
- dry hills
- small plains
- pine forests
- olive trees
The area which is considered climatically Southern Europe is:
Phytogeographical/Botanical definition
The European floristic regions
Southern Europe's flora is that of the Mediterranean and Submediterranean, which is typically for this area. The Mediterranean and Submediterranean climate in Europe comprises the following countries and territories:[2]
Linguistic definition
Countries lingustically included in Latin Europe are often associated with Southern Europe, especially Southwest Europe (see Latin Arch).
Countries included in the linguistic definition of Southern Europe include:
There is a similar approach when it comes to the South Slavs and their states:
Notes
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