Physical Features

• Southern Europe is largely made up of three large peninsulas.

– 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.

Landforms/Water Features

Landforms

• Rugged mountain ranges

– Pyrenees

– Apennines

– Alps

– Pindus

• Islands

• Coastal plains

• River valley plains

Water Features

• Seas

– Mediterranean

– Adriatic

– Aegean

– Ionian

• Few large rivers

– Tagus

– Po

Climate

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 seas of Southern Europe are full of various types of fish and shellfish.

• Fishing is a profitable industry.

Agriculture

• The Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing many types of crops.

• Farmers plant citrus fruits, grapes, olives, wheat, and many other products.

Fishing

Early History