Southern Europe Countries included in Southern Europe are: Portugal Spain Italy and Greece

Main Idea 1: Southern Europe’s physical features include rugged mountains and narrow coastal plains. Southern Europe is largely made up of three large peninsulas. (From west to east) Iberian Peninsula Italian Peninsula Balkan Peninsula Southern Europe also includes many islands. Some, such as Crete and Sicily, are very large. Because the peninsulas and islands all border on the Mediterranean Sea, the region of Southern Europe is also called Mediterranean Europe.

Features of Southern Europe Landforms Rugged mountain ranges Pyrenees (N. Spain) Apennines (Italy) Alps (N. Italy) Pindus (Greece) Islands Coastal plains River valley plains Water Features Seas Mediterranean Adriatic Aegean Ionian Few large rivers Tagus Po

Main Idea 2: The region’s climate and resources support such industries as agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Southern Europe is famous for its pleasant climate. Most of the region enjoys warm, sunny days and mild nights for most of the year. Little rain falls during the summer, but rain is more common in the winter. Geographers call the type of climate found in Southern Europe a Mediterranean climate.

Industries of Southern Europe The Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing many types of crops. Farmers plant citrus fruits, grapes, olives, wheat, and many other products. Agriculture The seas of Southern Europe are full of various types of fish and shellfish. Fishing is a profitable industry. Fishing Millions of tourists visit Southern Europe each year because of its mild climate. Sunny beaches and breathtaking scenery are also tourist attractions. Tourism