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Southern Europe
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The term Southern Europe can have four definitions:
Geographical definitionGeographically, Southern Europe would be the south half of the landmass of Europe. This definition is relative, with no clear limits. The Alps and Massif Central mountains constitute a physical barrier between Italy and France and the rest of Europe. Countries geographically considered part of Southern Europe include: (including: and ) (including: ) (including: ) (including: , and .)
Balkan Peninsula (including: Aegean Islands, Crete and Ionian Islands.) (mostly part of Asia)
Political definitionFor its official works and publications, the United Nations Organization groups countries under a classification of regions. Southern Europe, as defined by the United Nations, comprises the following countries and territories:
- (including: , and .)** (including: and .)** (including: , , and .)
Climatical definitionSouthern Europe's climate is that of the Mediterranean climate, which has become a typically known characteristic of the area.
The Mediterranean area presents similar landscapes throughout, including:
- dry hills
- small plains
- pine forests
- olive trees
The area which is considered climatically Southern Europe is:* (coasts)
- (coasts)* (southeast coast, and the island of Corsica)*
- (except the Po River plain and Alps region)** (northeast and southern two-thirds)
- (southern half and eastern coast)
Phytogeographical/Botanical definitionSouthern Europe's flora is that of the Mediterranean and Submediterranean, which is typically for this area. The Mediterranean and Submediterranean climate in Europe comprises the following countries and territories:***
- (the southern and southeastern part, and the island of Corsica)
- (the southwestern part till the Balaton lake)*** (the southern half)
- (only the southern part along the Danube river)*
- ( excepting the northwestern part)
- (only Ticino)
- (only the southern part of Crimea)
Linguistic definitionCountries lingustically included in Latin Europe are often associated with Southern Europe, especially Southwest Europe (see Latin Arch).
Countries included in the linguistic definition of Southern Europe include:* (In , where French is spoken.)**
- (Bordering Romania, and speaking Romanian language.)* (Including: and .)*
- (Including: , , and .)
- (Regions where French, Italian and Romansh is spoken.)
There is a similar approach when it comes to the South Slavs and their states:***
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