Chapter 8 Southern Europe. Southern Europe is located between 35° and 45° north of the equator. The area is sometimes called Mediterranean

Chapter 8 Chapter 8

Southern EuropeSouthern Europe


Southern Europe is located between 35° and 45° north of the equator.

The area is sometimes called Mediterranean Europe because the countries of southern

Europe are located on the Mediterranean Sea.


Three peninsulas make up southern Europe: the Iberian Peninsula, the Italian peninsula, and the Balkan Peninsula.

These peninsulas are the three physical regions. Spain and Portugal make up the Iberian

Peninsula. Like all peninsulas, water surrounds it on three

sides. The Bay of Biscay lies to the northwest.


The Mediterranean Sea borders the east and south. The Atlantic Ocean touches the western

coast of the peninsula. The Strait of Gibraltar links the Atlantic

Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea. A strait is a narrow passage of water

between two larger bodies of water.


The Mediterranean Sea borders the east and south.

The Atlantic Ocean touches the western coast of the peninsula.

The Strait of Gibraltar links the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea.

A strait is a narrow passage of water between two larger bodies of water.


Four seas, each a part of the Mediterranean Sea, surround the Italian peninsula.

The Adriatic Sea lies to the east. The lonian Sea separates Italy from Greece

in the southeast. The Tyrrhenian Sea lies off Italy’s

southwestern coast. The Ligurian Sea borders the northwestern

coast.


Greece the most southern part of what Greece the most southern part of what geographers call the Balkan Peninsula. geographers call the Balkan Peninsula.

The lonian touches its western coast. The lonian touches its western coast. The Aegean Sea lies to the east and south. The Aegean Sea lies to the east and south. This sea another arm of the Mediterranean. This sea another arm of the Mediterranean. The Aegean stretches from northeastern The Aegean stretches from northeastern

Greece to Crete, the country’s largest and Greece to Crete, the country’s largest and southernmost island. southernmost island.


The four nations of southern Europe are The four nations of southern Europe are Spain, Portugal, and Greece. Spain, Portugal, and Greece.

Spain is the largest of the southern Spain is the largest of the southern European countries. European countries.

More than half of the country is a dry More than half of the country is a dry plateau that geographers call the meseta or plateau that geographers call the meseta or tableland. tableland.

The meseta receives little rainfall. Summers The meseta receives little rainfall. Summers are hot. are hot.


The region has little vegetation and is hard to The region has little vegetation and is hard to farm. farm.

Most people in Spain live on coastal lowlands on Most people in Spain live on coastal lowlands on the edge of the meseta. the edge of the meseta.

The Costa Brava, or Rough Coast, lies in the north The Costa Brava, or Rough Coast, lies in the north of Spain. of Spain.

To the south is the Costa del Sol, or Coast of the To the south is the Costa del Sol, or Coast of the Sun. Sun.

Its year-round sunshine draws thousands of Its year-round sunshine draws thousands of tourists. tourists.


Portugal’s land looks a lot like Spain’s. Much Portugal’s land looks a lot like Spain’s. Much of it is a dry highland.of it is a dry highland.

Geographers call southern Portugal the Geographers call southern Portugal the Algarve.Algarve.

Northern Portugal receives more rain than Northern Portugal receives more rain than the Algarve. the Algarve.

Northern Portugal also has fertile soil and Northern Portugal also has fertile soil and good farmland. good farmland.


Mountains cover more than three-fourths of Mountains cover more than three-fourths of Italy and Greece. Italy and Greece.

Most people in Italy live in mountain valleys Most people in Italy live in mountain valleys or coastal plains. or coastal plains.

The western plains of Italy’s Tyrrhenian The western plains of Italy’s Tyrrhenian coast are good for farming. coast are good for farming.


In the south, the plains used to be swampy In the south, the plains used to be swampy and marshy. and marshy.

However, Italian farmers drained the However, Italian farmers drained the swamps and marshes to create new swamps and marshes to create new farmland. farmland.

Since most Greeks live on the coast, Greek Since most Greeks live on the coast, Greek farmers also drained swampy areas to farmers also drained swampy areas to create farmland. create farmland.


Because of the rugged land in which they lived, Because of the rugged land in which they lived, the people of southern Europe have always looked the people of southern Europe have always looked to the sea. to the sea.

All four countries share a long history of sailing. All four countries share a long history of sailing. The ancient Greeks were among the first people to The ancient Greeks were among the first people to

trade with others by sailing the Mediterranean. trade with others by sailing the Mediterranean. During the 1300s and 1400s, Italian ships sailed During the 1300s and 1400s, Italian ships sailed

this sea this sea


Merchants brought silks and spices overland Merchants brought silks and spices overland from India and China to the eastern end of from India and China to the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. the Mediterranean Sea.

Then Italian ships carried them to Italy and Then Italian ships carried them to Italy and sold them in cities like Venice, Pisa, and sold them in cities like Venice, Pisa, and Genoa. Genoa.

Soon Spain and Portugal began looking for Soon Spain and Portugal began looking for their own trade routes. their own trade routes.

They wanted to have silks and spices to sell. They wanted to have silks and spices to sell.


During the 1400s, Portugal began to search During the 1400s, Portugal began to search for a sea route to India and China. for a sea route to India and China.

Portuguese sailors sailed south down the Portuguese sailors sailed south down the Atlantic Ocean toward the tip of Africa. Atlantic Ocean toward the tip of Africa.

They were the first explorers to go around They were the first explorers to go around the tip of Africa to get to India. the tip of Africa to get to India.


Spanish sailors also tried to reach Asia by Spanish sailors also tried to reach Asia by sea. sea.

However, they sailed west instead of south However, they sailed west instead of south as the Portuguese had done. as the Portuguese had done.

Christopher Columbus, an Italian sea Christopher Columbus, an Italian sea captain, sailed from Spain. captain, sailed from Spain.

He tried to reach India and its spices by He tried to reach India and its spices by crossing the Atlantic Ocean. crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

Instead, he reached the Americas. Instead, he reached the Americas.

Physical Features and Climate Physical Features and Climate

When you think of southern Europe, think of When you think of southern Europe, think of mountains. mountains.

The Pyrenees Mountains separate Spain from The Pyrenees Mountains separate Spain from France and western Europe. France and western Europe.

Some of these mountain peaks are over 11,000 Some of these mountain peaks are over 11,000 feet high. feet high.

The Pyrenees separate Spain and Portugal from The Pyrenees separate Spain and Portugal from western Europe. western Europe.

The Cantabrian Mountains is another big range in The Cantabrian Mountains is another big range in Spain. Spain.

While not as high as the Pyrenees, the While not as high as the Pyrenees, the Cantabrians are almost as long. Cantabrians are almost as long.


The Alps Mountains border northern Italy. The Alps Mountains border northern Italy. Farther east, between Italy, Switzerland, Farther east, between Italy, Switzerland, and Austria, stand the Dolomite Mountains. and Austria, stand the Dolomite Mountains.

Just south of the Po River valley, the Just south of the Po River valley, the Apennine Mountains form the backbone of Apennine Mountains form the backbone of Italy. Italy.

They stretch from northern to southern Italy. They stretch from northern to southern Italy. The biggest mountain range in Greece is the The biggest mountain range in Greece is the Pindus Mountains. Pindus Mountains.


Southern Europe also has many islands. Southern Europe also has many islands. Greece includes an archipelago of hundreds Greece includes an archipelago of hundreds of islands. of islands.

In fact, islands make up about 20 percent of In fact, islands make up about 20 percent of Greece. Greece.

Its biggest islands are Crete, Corfu, and Its biggest islands are Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes in the eastern Mediterranean. Rhodes in the eastern Mediterranean.

The two largest islands in the Mediterranean The two largest islands in the Mediterranean are Sicily and Sardinia. are Sicily and Sardinia.

They both belong to Italy They both belong to Italy


Spain also has some important islands off its Spain also has some important islands off its coast. coast.

The Balearic Islands sit in the Mediterranean. The Balearic Islands sit in the Mediterranean. The Canary Islands lie 800 miles southwest of The Canary Islands lie 800 miles southwest of

Spain. Spain. They sit in the Atlantic Ocean and are only 70 They sit in the Atlantic Ocean and are only 70

miles from the northwestern coast of Africa. miles from the northwestern coast of Africa. Grand Canary and Tenerife are the biggest of Grand Canary and Tenerife are the biggest of

these islands. these islands.


As you know, many seas touch the coasts As you know, many seas touch the coasts of southern Europe. of southern Europe.

However, this area also has many rivers. However, this area also has many rivers. Most of them are shallow and short. Most of them are shallow and short. Portugal’s most important river is the Douro. Portugal’s most important river is the Douro.


Two important Spanish rivers rise out of the Two important Spanish rivers rise out of the mountains. mountains.

The Ebro and the Guadalquivir supply water The Ebro and the Guadalquivir supply water for irrigation and hydroelectric power. for irrigation and hydroelectric power.

Some of Spain’s rivers dry up when rain Some of Spain’s rivers dry up when rain does not fall. does not fall.


The Po is the only navigable Italian river. The Po is the only navigable Italian river. The Po River valley has some of the best The Po River valley has some of the best

farmland in Europe. farmland in Europe. Italy’s other important rivers are the Arno, Italy’s other important rivers are the Arno,

the Tiber, the Dora, and the Taro. the Tiber, the Dora, and the Taro. As in Spain, many of Italy’s smaller rivers As in Spain, many of Italy’s smaller rivers

dry up in the hot summer months. dry up in the hot summer months.


Greek rivers run short, winding courses from the Greek rivers run short, winding courses from the highlands to the sea. highlands to the sea.

None of them are navigable. Large ships cannot None of them are navigable. Large ships cannot sail on any of them. sail on any of them.

The Achelous Greece’s longest river. It only miles The Achelous Greece’s longest river. It only miles from beginning to end. from beginning to end.

The most famous lakes of southern Europe are in The most famous lakes of southern Europe are in Glaciers in the Alps formed them thousands of Glaciers in the Alps formed them thousands of years ago. years ago.

They include Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and They include Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Garda. Lake Garda.


Geographers usually describe the climate of Geographers usually describe the climate of southern Europe as Mediterranean. southern Europe as Mediterranean.

Summers are hot and dry; winters are short and Summers are hot and dry; winters are short and mild. mild.

Rain usually falls in the winter. Rain usually falls in the winter. In fact, southern Europe has only two seasons: the In fact, southern Europe has only two seasons: the

dry season and the rainy season. dry season and the rainy season. However, some climate differences do occur in However, some climate differences do occur in

southern Europe. southern Europe. For example, more rain falls on its northern part For example, more rain falls on its northern part

than on its southern part. When a person travels than on its southern part. When a person travels farther south, temperatures remain about the farther south, temperatures remain about the same. same.


How high the land is also affects the climate. Mountain areas like the Alps receive more than 30

feet of snow a year. High up on the mountains, temperatures are

generally lower than on the coastal plains. More precipitation falls in the mountains than on

the coastal plains. The best climate in southern Europe is probably

on its islands. There, temperatures are almost the same

throughout the entire year. Because of this, many tourists come to these

islands every year.

The People The People

Each country in southern Europe has its Each country in southern Europe has its own culture. own culture.

Spain, Portugal, and Italy are a mix of many Spain, Portugal, and Italy are a mix of many people. people.

Their cultures reflect the different peoples Their cultures reflect the different peoples who once ruled the land. who once ruled the land.

For example, Spain has several cultures, For example, Spain has several cultures, each one different from the other. each one different from the other.

Northern Spaniards are descended from Northern Spaniards are descended from Celtic people. Celtic people.


Southern Spain was strongly influenced by 700 Southern Spain was strongly influenced by 700 years of Arab rule. years of Arab rule.

Ancient Iberian tribes influenced the people of Ancient Iberian tribes influenced the people of eastern Spain and Portugal. eastern Spain and Portugal.

The Iberians were the first people in Portugal. The Iberians were the first people in Portugal. Later the Celts and Romans arrived there. Later the Celts and Romans arrived there. Still later, the Moors, Arab invaders from North Still later, the Moors, Arab invaders from North

Africa, overran Portugal and conquered the people Africa, overran Portugal and conquered the people there. there.


Most Italians are descended from the Most Italians are descended from the ancient Etruscans and Romans. ancient Etruscans and Romans.

During its long history; however, many During its long history; however, many different people have settled in Italy. different people have settled in Italy.

Greeks sailed to the south of Italy and set Greeks sailed to the south of Italy and set up colonies. up colonies.

Later, Germanic and Norman people Later, Germanic and Norman people invaded Italy, defeated the people living invaded Italy, defeated the people living there, and stayed. there, and stayed.


The people of Greece call their country Hellas; The people of Greece call their country Hellas; they call themselves Hellenes. they call themselves Hellenes.

About 94 percent of the people of Greece have a About 94 percent of the people of Greece have a Greek background. Greek background.

But people from other areas have also influenced But people from other areas have also influenced Greece. Greece.

Slavic people from the Balkans live in the northern Slavic people from the Balkans live in the northern part of the country. part of the country.

About 4 percent of the people living in Greece are About 4 percent of the people living in Greece are Turkish. Turkish.

This is because the Turks ruled Greece for many This is because the Turks ruled Greece for many years. years.


Southern European cultures share much in Southern European cultures share much in common. common.

The people in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and The people in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece believe that the family is more Greece believe that the family is more important than anything else. important than anything else.

They have extended families. They have extended families. That is, they believe that a family is made up That is, they believe that a family is made up

of parents, children, grandparents, aunts, of parents, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, godparents, and even close uncles, cousins, godparents, and even close friends. friends.

The People The People Religion, history, and tradition play a big part Religion, history, and tradition play a big part

in the lives of the people of southern in the lives of the people of southern Europe. Europe.

Traditions are ideas, beliefs, and customs Traditions are ideas, beliefs, and customs that people pass down to their descendants. that people pass down to their descendants.

Meals are an important part of daily life Meals are an important part of daily life because they are a time for families to get because they are a time for families to get together. together.

Southern Europeans like good food. Southern Europeans like good food. In fact, people all over the world like their In fact, people all over the world like their

foods, especially those of Greece and Italy. foods, especially those of Greece and Italy.


Small groups of Protestants, Jews, and Muslims Small groups of Protestants, Jews, and Muslims live in Southern Europe. live in Southern Europe.

However, most southern Europeans are However, most southern Europeans are Christians. Christians.

Most people in Spain, Portugal, and Italy are Most people in Spain, Portugal, and Italy are Roman Catholics. Roman Catholics.

Religious holidays are an important part of their Religious holidays are an important part of their culture. culture.

One of the biggest events in their year is Holy One of the biggest events in their year is Holy Week. Week.

This is the week that ends with the celebration of This is the week that ends with the celebration of Easter. Easter.


The world center for Roman Catholics is Vatican The world center for Roman Catholics is Vatican City. City.

It sits within the city of Rome, Italy. It sits within the city of Rome, Italy. The pope, who is the head of the Roman Catholic The pope, who is the head of the Roman Catholic

Church, lives there. Church, lives there. He runs Vatican City; which is an independent He runs Vatican City; which is an independent

nation. nation. More than 95 percent of Greeks belong to the More than 95 percent of Greeks belong to the

Greek Orthodox Church. Until about the eleventh Greek Orthodox Church. Until about the eleventh century; it was part of the Roman Catholic Church. century; it was part of the Roman Catholic Church.


All southern European languages, except Greek, are one part of a Romance languages.

Romance languages grew out of Latin. It was the language of ancient Rome. Portugal speak Portuguese. Most people in Spam speak Spanish. However, in some parts of Spain, the people

speak a local dialect.


The language of Italy is Italian. Many people there also speak a local

dialect. Sometimes, people who speak one dialect

do not understand people who speak another dialect.

In Italy’s border areas, many people speak German or French.


Before the 1940s, most southern Europeans lived in rural areas.

After World War II, people left their farms and went to the cities to work in factories.

Today, both Spain and Italy are very urban. Of the four southern European countries,

Italy has the most people.


About 97 percent of Italians live in cities. In Spain, more than 90 percent live in cities. Portugal and Greece are more rural, but

there too, over half of the people live in cities.

Southern Europe has many big cities. Madrid and Barcelona are the two largest cities in Spain.


More than four million people live in the metropolitan areas of these two Spanish cities.

Italy’s largest cities are Rome, Napoli, Milan, and Turin.

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, has over two million people.

Three out of every ten Greeks live in Athens.


One problem facing Spain and Italy is regionalism. That is, people feel more loyal to their part of the

country than to the whole country. One example of this is the Basques. They live in northern Spain. They speak their own language and have their

own culture. Some Basques want to separate themselves from

Spain. As for Italy, it has been united only since 1871.

Regionalism is not as strong there as in Spain, but it does exist.

Economy and Environment

The economies of southern Europe differ. The economies of southern Europe differ. All four countries are members of the All four countries are members of the

European Union. European Union. However, Italy is one of the richest countries However, Italy is one of the richest countries

in Europe; in Europe; Greece is one of the poorest. Greece is one of the poorest. Until World War II, all four countries had Until World War II, all four countries had

people not being economies based on people not being economies based on farming.farming.


Agriculture is still important in Greece and Portugal even though they do have some industry.

Italy began to industrialize right after the war ended.

Spain industrialized in the 1960s and 1970s. Its economy grew quickly.


In recent years, Spain has had many problems.

One problem is inflation, which is a period of rising prices.

During a time of inflation, money does not buy as much as it used to.

Spain’s second problem is unemployment. Many young people there cannot find jobs.


None of the southern European countries are rich in natural resources.

Italy has to import oil. It does produce some hydroelectric and

geothermal power. Italy mines only three minerals in large amounts:

mercury; sulfur, and marble. It is the biggest producer of marble in the world. People use Italian marble to build fine buildings.


Spain also uses its fast-moving mountain streams Spain also uses its fast-moving mountain streams toto

produce hydroelectric power. produce hydroelectric power. Like Italy Spain must import oil for its energy Like Italy Spain must import oil for its energy

needs. needs. It does have some iron, coal, and zinc in the north. It does have some iron, coal, and zinc in the north. Small amounts of other minerals have been found Small amounts of other minerals have been found

in Spain’s central highlands. in Spain’s central highlands. Some mineral resources have been found in Some mineral resources have been found in

Portugal. Portugal. These are difficult to mine, however, so few mines These are difficult to mine, however, so few mines

exist.exist.


The most important mineral found in Greece is bauxite.

Oil has been discovered near some Greek islands, but it has not been drilled for yet.

The reason for this is that nearby Turkey also claims the waters in which the oil has been found.


Agriculture is still an important part of the economy of

Portugal, Spain, and Greece. Portugal is the world’s leading producer of cork,

which comes from trees. Fruit is Spain’s biggest agricultural export Greece

exports olives, grapes, and other fruits. The Portuguese and Greeks have always turned

to the sea to make a living. Their fishing industries are important Shipping is

also important to the Greek economy.


Thousands of people in southern Europe leave the countryside each year and move to factory jobs in the big cities.

Other European Union countries have started manufacturing businesses in Spain.

They have done this because Spanish people work for less money than German or French people.


Italy’s largest, oldest, and most important industry is textiles.

Workers produce silk, cotton, and wool cloth. An industry related to textiles is the making of

clothes. People around the world buy Italian suits, dresses,

purses, hats, and shoes. Italy also has a large chemical industry. Italian made motorcycles and cars are sold

everywhere, as are Italian-made tires, appliances, and electronic equipment.


Tourism is important to all four southern European countries.

Tourists come to see the ruins of ancient marble buildings and other historical sites.

They also enjoy the swimming, fishing, sailing, and wonderful weather in southern Europe.


The most serious environmental problem for southern Europe is water.

In some places like Spain and Greece, the problem is that they have too little water.

In Italy, the problem is too much water. The government has spent millions of

dollars to try to stop flooding.


A flood in 1966 caused a lot of damage to the city of Venice.

No other place like Venice exists on Earth. Workers built the city long ago on supports

they sank into the Adriatic Sea. Years ago, Venice had been sinking into the

sea.


Water pollution is also a problem for southern Europe.

Some factories let deadly chemicals flow into the rivers.

Farmers use chemicals that run off the land into the rivers.

These chemicals, used by industry and agriculture, pollute the rivers.


Another environmental problem is soil erosion.

Much of the soil in southern Europe has eroded because farmers have worked the land for so many years.

They have also raised goats for thousands of years.


These farm animals have added to the problem of soil erosion.

Goats can live on land that is too rocky or too poor for farming.

Unfortunately, they eat plants down to the roots. When that happens, nothing is left to hold the soil to the land.

Because of this, heavy rams wash away much of the topsoil and strong winds blow it away.

Documents

Chapter 8 Southern Europe. Southern Europe is located between 35° and 45° north of the equator. The area is sometimes called Mediterranean