1. Physical Geography of Southern Europe Landforms Southern Europe is made up of three peninsulas: Spain and Portugal on the Iberian Peninsula, Italy on the Italian Peninsula, and Greece on the southernmost part of the Balkan Peninsula. Andorra, San Marino, and Vatican City are smaller countries in the interior, while the island nations of Malta and Cyprus serve important functions in the Mediterranean Sea. Mountain ranges like the Pyrenees and the Alps form a natural border with Northwestern Europe.

2. Water Systems Although important to the ecology of the region, Southern Europe’s shallow rivers are not viable transportation or trade routes. The Ebro River in Spain provides hydroelectric power and water for agriculture. The drainage from the Po River in Italy feeds the country’s most fertile plain. Italy’s Tiber River is the primary water source for the capital city of Rome. Physical Geography of Southern Europe

3. Climate, Biomes, and Resources The Alps block Atlantic winds from the north, causing the warm, dry summers and mild, rainy winters of this Mediterranean climate. The subregion is well suited for growing grapes, olives, shrub herbs, and raising livestock. Tungsten, one of Spain’s many natural resources, is essential to the high-tech industry. Italy has few mineral resources, while Portugal has large deposits of copper. Physical Geography of Southern Europe

4. Human Geography of Southern Europe History and Government The civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome laid the foundation for Western civilization. The Renaissance marked a period of cultural revival and enlightenment. Spain and Portugal became leaders in the Age of Exploration, establishing new empires. Nationalism and unification in the 1800s and 1900s brought political stability to the area. Recent economic challenges include high unemployment rates and credit problems.

5. Population Patterns Southern Europe is one of the most populated regions of the world. As the populations of Greece, Italy, and Spain age and the birthrates fall, care for the elderly is straining the social welfare systems. Demand for labor is being met by migrants within the European Union. Economic migration throughout the EU has resulted in a growing diversity of cultures. Human Geography of Southern Europe

6. Society and Culture Today Education in Southern Europe is mandatory for all children. The cultures of Greece, Spain, and Italy are centered on the family and are influenced by the Roman Catholic religion. Women have achieved a high level of gender equality in higher education and business, though their success in politics has been slower to develop. The Greeks and Romans developed many important elements of art and architecture. Human Geography of Southern Europe

7. Economic Activities The global recession of 2008 hit Southern Europe hard. Spain and Italy continue to face challenges. As one of the least developed in the area, Greece’s economy remains weak as it grapples with high public spending, low productivity, and tax evasion. The EU is facing its first test of economic stability with Southern Europe suffering from record national debt and high unemployment. Human Geography of Southern Europe

8. Managing Resources Large algae blooms are damaging the delicate marine biomes of the Adriatic Sea. Changes in the global climate has made weather more unpredictable. Effects of climate change include increased erosion, higher risk of fires, increased deforestation, and the loss of glaciers at high altitudes. People and Their Environment: Southern Europe

9. Human Impact The decline of fish stocks has adversely affected the overall health of the marine biome. Manufacturing and tourism cause pollution that is a major threat to surrounding seas and agricultural resources. Pollutants and other human impacts have led to pollution hot spots, the extreme damage or even death of the local ecosystem. People and Their Environment: Southern Europe

10. Addressing the Issues The EU created the European Environmental Agency to effectively deal with environmental issues. Many nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), such as Earthwatch, are working on solutions to environmental problems. Certification is a way to combat deforestation and to ensure that forest resources are being used responsibly. People and Their Environment: Southern Europe