THE BALKANS

Yugoslavia Created after World War I Included Many Ethnic/Religious Groups Held Together by a Strong Communist Government Dissolved in 2006 Broken into 7 new countries

THE BALKANS Seven countries formed when Yugoslavia broke apart SLOVENIA CROATIA BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA SERBIA MONTENEGRO MACEDONIA KOSOVO ALBANIA – Traditionally Independent

Slovenia Population: 1,988,292 First to Become Independent. Ethnically Most Homogeneous Known for mountains, outdoor recreation and ski resorts. Mostly Christian - Catholic

Montenegro Pollution of Coastal Waters Independence in 2006. Population: 620,029 Official Languages: Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian, Croatian 72% Eastern Orthodox Religion

Croatia Population: 4,253,000 Booming Tourism Long coastlines with more than 1000 islands Population: 4,253,000 Universal health care system Free primary and secondary education 86% Roman Catholic Religion

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA Centrally Located Population: 3,871,643 High literacy, life expectancy and education levels Known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage Growing tourist destination

Serbia Core State of Former Yugoslavia Population: 7,164,000 84% Eastern Orthodox Religion Official language is Serbian Developing a market economy with upper-middle income levels Rich medieval history

Macedonia Population: 2,091,719 Mountainous territory with deep basins and valleys Religions: Macedonian Orthodox 64.7%, Muslim 33.3%

Kosovo Europe’s Newest Country Population: 1,859,203 Independence in 2008 Serbia does not recognize Kosovo independence Population: 1,859,203 95% Muslim religion Wine industry is successful & growing Developing a modern health care system

ALBANIA 70% Muslim Lowest Economic Ranking in Europe Population: 2,893,005 Mountainous & rugged landscape Successfully transitioning from a  socialist planned economy to free-market capitalism 

REVIEW QUIZ E6 Write the best answers to the following questions. Use your notes for help.

REVIEW QUIZ E6 1 The first country to beak away from Yugoslavia and become independent was ________.

2 Identify the three main religious groups in the Balkans REVIEW QUIZ E6 2 Identify the three main religious groups in the Balkans __________________

3 Albania’s economic ranking is _________ in Europe. REVIEW QUIZ E6 3 Albania’s economic ranking is _________ in Europe.

4 Most of the Balkans countries once formed the country of REVIEW QUIZ E6 4 Most of the Balkans countries once formed the country of __________________

5 Europe’s newest country is _________. REVIEW QUIZ E6 5 Europe’s newest country is _________.