Southern EuropeCountries 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 EuropeLandforms

• 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 asagriculture, 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 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

• Millions of tourists visit Southern Europe each year because of its mild climate.

• Sunny beaches and breathtaking scenery are also tourist attractions.

Tourism