Countries of Southern Europe. Geographical location and composition of the territory

The average population density is 115 people/km2.

The region is located on the peninsulas of the Mediterranean Sea - the Iberian, Apennine and Balkan. Features of the EGP:

1) the countries are located on the main sea routes from Europe to Asia, Africa and Australia, and Spain and Portugal also to Central and South America, which affected the development of the region.

2) Location between Central Europe and the Arab countries of North Africa, which have multilateral ties with Europe.

All countries (except the Vatican) are members of the UN, the OECD, and the largest are members of NATO and the European Union. Malta is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, led by Great Britain.

Natural conditions and resources. The Mediterranean Sea largely determined the similarity of the natural conditions of the region.

Lack of fuel supplies There is almost no oil, very little natural gas and coal. Non-ferrous metals: Al (Greece belongs to the top three European leaders), mercury, Cu, polymetals (Spain, Italy), tungsten (Portugal). Huge reserves of building materials - marble, tuff, granite, cement raw materials, clay.

In southern European countries, the river network is underdeveloped.

Large tracts of forests have been preserved only in the Pyrenees and the Alps. The average forest cover of the region is 32%.

Natural and recreational resources: warm seas, many kilometers of sandy beaches, lush vegetation, picturesque landscapes, numerous sea and mountain resorts, as well as areas favorable for mountaineering and skiing, etc. Population. Traditionally, Southern Europe is characterized by a high birth rate, but natural population growth is low: from 0.1% per year in Italy to 0.4-0.5% in Greece, Portugal and 0.8% in Malta. Women account for 51% of the region's population.

Peoples: belonging to the Romance group of the Indo-European language family - Portuguese, Spaniards, Galicians, Catalans, Italians, Sardinians, Romansh; Greeks (Greek group of the Indo-European family); Albanians (Albanian group of the Indo-European family); Maltese (a Semitic group of the Semito-Hamitic language family); Turks (Turkic group of the Altaic language family); Basques (in the rank of a separate family). The composition of the population in the countries of the region is predominantly homogeneous. High rates of mononationality are typical for Portugal (99.5% Portuguese), Italy and Greece (98% Italians and Greeks, respectively), and only Spain has a significant weight (almost 30%) of national minorities: Catalans (18%), Galicians ( 8%), Basques (2.5%), etc.

Religion: Christian Catholics (Z and C), Orthodoxy (B).

Population distribution. The highest density is in fertile valleys and coastal lowlands, the lowest in the mountains (Alps, Pyrenees), in some areas up to 1 person/km2.

The level of urbanization in the region is much lower than in other parts of Europe: in Spain and Malta alone, up to 90% of the population lives in cities, and, for example, in Greece and Italy - more than 60%, in Portugal - 36%.

The active population is about 51 million people. In general, 30% of the active population is employed in industry, 15% in agriculture, 53% in the service sector.

Features of economic development And. The countries of the region still lag economically behind the highly developed countries of Europe. Although Portugal, Spain, Greece and Italy are members of the EU, all of them, except Italy, lag behind the leaders in many socio-economic indicators. Italy is the economic leader of the region, belongs to the highly developed industrial-agrarian countries, with a clear tendency to form a post-industrial type of economy. At the same time, the country still has significant contrasts in the development of many industries and production, in the social sphere, and in the socio-economic conditions of the North and South. Italy lags behind many highly developed countries in terms of scientific and technological development. While ahead of some Western European countries in terms of net profits from tourism, it is inferior to them in the scale and intensity of international trade and financial transactions. Spain. This is the second country in the region in terms of socio-economic development. The public sector plays a significant role in the Spanish economy, accounting for up to 30% of the country's GDP. The state carries out economic programming, controls the railways, the coal industry, a significant part of shipbuilding and ferrous metallurgy. In the second half of the 80s. XX century Portugal was experiencing significant economic growth. The average GDP growth during this period was one of the highest in the EU and amounted to 4.5-4.8% per year; in 2000, GNP was equal to 159 billion dollars. Greece has a larger GNP than Portugal (181.9 billion . in 2000). The country's industry is significantly monopolized by large local and foreign capital (mainly the USA, Germany, France and Switzerland). Up to 200 companies receive over 50% of all profits. Greece has fairly high inflation rates for EU countries (3.4% per year). Government measures to reduce it (cutting government subsidies, freezing wages, etc.) predetermine social instability.

Farming.

‒ mechanical engineering (production of cars, household appliances, technological equipment for the light and food industries)

‒ furniture industry

‒ production of construction products and equipment

‒ light industry (fruit and vegetable canning, oilseeds - production of olive oil, winemaking, pasta, etc.)

‒ agricultural: agriculture - growing a variety of subtropical crops: citrus fruits, wood oils, grapes, vegetables, fruits, essential oil plants, etc.

‒ livestock breeding – sheep breeding and, on a small scale, beef cattle breeding

‒ merchant shipping and ship repair

The article contains geographical characteristics of the region. Describes the economic characteristics of the countries of Southern Europe. Contains interesting historical facts.

Briefly about the countries of Southern Europe

Southern Europe is the cradle of the greatest ancient civilizations, as well as the birthplace of the champion of Christianity throughout Europe. This region has produced the world's greatest explorers and conquerors. Southern Europe has a grandiose history. Architectural structures and art monuments can serve as evidence of this.

The region's economy is based on:

• mining industry;
• livestock farming;
• agriculture;
• manufacturing of machines and instruments;
• skin;
• textiles;
• growing agricultural and horticultural crops.

The main branch of specialization is agriculture. In addition, tourism infrastructure is actively developed in Southern Europe.

Rice. 1. San Marino.

The largest industrial centers are located in the northern regions of the region.

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Rice. 2. Italy on the map.

The region also includes a state entity - the Order of Malta, the current territory of which consists of only one mansion in Rome and a residence in Malta.

In the region, as a rule, a subtropical Mediterranean climate prevails.

List of Southern European countries and their capitals

Southern Europe is a region of the globe that is located in the southern European latitudes.

Rice. 3. Maltese representative office in Rome.

The states that make up the region are located mostly on the Mediterranean coast.

Belgrade received city status in the 2nd century. This happened during the period of the Roman Empire. Around 520, Slavs began to inhabit the city.

The total population is close to 160 million people.

Southern European countries and their capitals:

• Albania - Tirana;
• Greece - Athens;
• Bosnia and Herzegovina - Sarajevo;
• Vatican - Vatican;
• Italy - Rome;
• Spain - Madrid;
• Macedonia - Skopje;
• Malta - Valletta;
• San Marino – San Marino;
• Portugal - Lisbon;
• Slovenia - Ljubljana;
• Serbia - Belgrade;
• Croatia - Zagreb;
• Montenegro - Podgorica.

The geographical specificity of the countries of Southern Europe, which are located on the peninsular and island areas of the Mediterranean, is that they are located on the main sea routes from Europe to Asia, Africa, and Australia. All states in the region are both historically and economically closely connected with the sea.

Plan:

Introduction

• 1 Countries and capitals
• 2 Geographical location
• 3 Climate
• 4 Nature
• 5 Population
• 6 Specialization in MGRT

Introduction

Southern Europe

Southern Europe- a part of Europe located in the south of this part of the world. Southern Europe usually includes countries on the Mediterranean coast - the countries of the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal, Spain, Andorra), Monaco, countries located on the Apennine Peninsula (Italy, Vatican City, San Marino), Greece, as well as the island states of Malta and Cyprus. Sometimes Southern Europe also includes Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the southern regions of Ukraine (primarily Crimea, as well as Odessa, Kherson, Nikolaev, and sometimes Zaporozhye regions) and the European part of Turkey.

Southern Europe also includes the quasi-state formation of the Order of Malta (today's territory is just one mansion in Rome and a residence in Malta).

1. Countries and capitals

List of countries and their capitals:

• Portugal - Lisbon
• Spain - Madrid
• Andorra - Andorra la Vella
• Monaco - Monaco
• Italy - Rome
• Vatican - Vatican
• San Marino - San Marino
• Greece - Athens
• Malta - Valletta
• Cyprus - Nicosia
• Order of Malta - Rome, Palace of Malta

2. Geographical location

It is based on the Cenozoic (Apennine, Balkan Peninsula) and Hercynian (Iberian Peninsula) folds. The relief of the countries is elevated, there are many minerals: aluminum, polymetallic, copper, mercury (Spain is one of the leaders in the production of pyrites and mercury), uranium, iron ores, sulfur, mica, gas.

3. Climate

Southern Europe is known for its hot climate, rich history and warm Mediterranean waters. The countries of southern Europe border with France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. Türkiye is in the east with Syria, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Armenia, Iran, Georgia. In all countries of Southern Europe, a subtropical Mediterranean climate prevails, so in summer the prevailing temperatures are warm, around +24 °C, and in winter, they are quite cool, around +8C. There is enough precipitation, about 1000-1500 mm per year.

4. Nature

Southern Europe is almost entirely located in the zone of hard-leaved evergreen forests and shrubs, which was preserved only on the Mediterranean coast (a glacier was coming and the mountains delayed it, and the trees moved beyond the mountains). Fauna: roe deer, servals, horned goats, foxes, monitor lizards, wolves, badgers, raccoons. Flora: strawberry trees, holm oaks, myrtles, olives, grapes, citrus fruits, magnolia, cypresses, chestnuts, junipers.

5. Population

High population density, 10 or more people per km². The predominant religion is Christianity (Catholicism).

Urbanization level of Southern European countries: Greece - 59%, Spain - 91%, Italy - 72%, Malta - 89%, Portugal - 48%, San Marino - 48%. Natural growth in these countries is also low: Greece - 0.1 Spain - 0 Italy - (-0.1) Malta - 0.4 Portugal - 0.1 San Marino - 0.4 From which we can conclude that in These countries are also experiencing “aging of the nation.”

6. Specialization in MGRT

In most countries, mining, agriculture, mountain pasture husbandry, the production of machinery and instruments, fabrics, leather, and the cultivation of grapes and citrus fruits are widespread. Tourism is very common. Spain ranks second in the world in tourism (first place is occupied by France). The main branch of specialization, in addition to international tourism, is agriculture, in particular this area is rich in grapes, olives, quite high rates in the cultivation of grains and legumes (Spain - 22.6 million tons, Italy - 20.8 million tons), and also vegetables and fruits (Spain - 11.5 million tons, Italy - 14.5 million tons). Despite the predominance of agriculture, there are also industrial areas, in particular the cities of Genoa, Turin and Milan are the main industrial cities in Italy. It should be noted that they are located mainly in the north, closer to the countries of Western Europe.

This name refers to that part that lies in the subtropical zone and is included within a vast, single, physical-geographically, territory located along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Europe and Western Europe and is usually called the Mediterranean. In Europe, the Mediterranean includes three peninsulas and islands of the Mediterranean Sea. The northern border of Southern Europe runs along the northern foot, southern foot and southern edge of the Padan Plain, then along the Sava and the lower Danube. If in the western and central parts this boundary is expressed quite clearly in nature, then in the east there is virtually no natural boundary. On the Balkan Peninsula, the landscapes of Central Europe penetrate quite far to the south and gradually transform into the landscapes of the subtropical zone. The Balkan Peninsula is an area, according to natural conditions, transitional from Central Europe to Southern Europe.

The Mediterranean as a whole, and with it Southern Europe, is characterized by great unity of natural conditions. This is a territory with a predominance of mountainous, highly fragmented relief, in which mountain structures of the alpine geosyncline are combined with more ancient folded massifs, and areas of flat relief occupy relatively little space.

Complete destruction of natural vegetation, cultivation of subtropical crops - olives, citrus fruits, cotton.

Three physical-geographical regions are distinguished: Iberian, Apennine, Balkan.

Pyrenees. The Iberian region includes the Iberian Peninsula (the largest and most massive) and adjacent islands. Border along the Pyrenees Mountains. There was a long connection with (until the end of the Paleogene), therefore the originality of the landscapes.

An area of ​​plateaus and mountains, varying in height and relief. About 60% of the territory is occupied by the ancient Paleozoic Meseta massif, surrounded (except in the west) by alpine structures. The Andalusian mountains and the Balearic Islands are similar to the Alps (alps) in composition and. The Cantabrian, Iberian and Catalan mountains are less complex uplifts with inclusions of the Hercynian massifs (Iberids).

The core of the peninsula is the Meseta plateau, an ancient Hercynian formation. Denudation, peneplanation, and fault dislocation created low table ridges and deep valleys on the surface of the Meseta. The crystalline base of the plateau comes to the surface in the north-west of the peninsula, here the ridges drop steeply to the sea (rias type of coast). Most of the Meseta are low (600-800 m) Old Castilian and Novocastilian plateaus, separated by the Central Cordillera.

Starokastilskoe is distinguished by its height (700-800 m) and rocky, uniform surface. Novocastilskoe is lower and strongly dissected by river valleys. Central - block mountains from latitudinal ranges: Sierra de Guadarrama, Sierra de Gata, Sierra de Behar, Sierra de Gredos (Almansor, 2592 m).

Between the river Tagus and Guadiana are a chain of mountains of Toledo and Sierra de Guadalupe. In the south of Meseta there is a strip of Sierra Morena ridges, in the west there are plains - the lowered outskirts of Meseta with highly rugged terrain. In the east there are the Iberian Mountains, anticline ridges, limestones are widely represented (karst processes); at the foot of the pasture.

The Aragonese plain east of the Iberian Mountains with the Ebro River has an undulating surface (up to 250 m), on the periphery - up to 500-700 m of Cenozoic conglomerates and sandstones.

The Pyrenees Mountains are one of the most inaccessible in Western Europe, stretching for 450 km (Aneto Peak, 3404 m). The axial zone is made of crystalline rocks, narrows and pinches out to the west. Alternation of high plateau-like areas and rocky peaks with cirques, small and tarn lakes (especially on the northern slopes). To the south of the axial zone there are high mountain structures made of Mesozoic limestones and Cenozoic conglomerates, in the north there is a strip of the Middle Pyrenees, at the base of which there are ancient Hercynian cores framed by Mesozoic limestones with karst relief. Even further north, the Little Pyrenees are low foothills with alluvial fans of mountain rivers. There are the Western Pyrenees - low and easily surmountable, the Central Pyrenees - massive and high and mid-mountain -

Eastern Pyrenees. The continuation of the Pyrenees in the west is the Cantabrian Mountains (Penya Vieja, 2815 m), in the east to the mouth of the Ebro - the Catalan Mountains (Moncena, 1712 m).

In the southeast of the peninsula there are the Andalusian Mountains (Beta Cordillera) with the highest point of the entire peninsula, the city of Mulacén, 3478 m - the most complex tectonic mountain range of the Alpine type. Alpine features are expressed in two zones: axial crystalline and northern limestone. The difference from the Alps is that they are strongly fragmented into ridges separated by valleys and basins. To the north of the Andalusian Mountains is the Andalusian Lowland, an intermountain trough filled with marine sediments.

Sharp climatic differences between regions, manifested in temperature and precipitation. In the northern part of the peninsula, the climate is transitional from subtropical to temperate with mild winters (+6, +8°) and not hot summers (18-20°). Precipitation (1000-2000 mm) is uniform throughout the seasons. Western regions are subtropical maritime (hot summers, humid, warm winters). Precipitation 800-1000 mm, max. in winter, not a long period of drought. Typical Mediterranean climate in the eastern and southern regions (summer 26-28°, winter 9-12°), precipitation 300-500 mm, in the mountains 1000 mm with a summer minimum.

The internal plateaus of the Meseta and the Aragonese plain are characterized by a dry continental climate (in winter +1, +4°, in summer more than 30°), precipitation - 350-450 mm with a maximum in winter.

The rivers Duero, Tagus, Guadiana, and Guadalquivir are navigable in their lower reaches. The Mediterranean regime is typical (rise in winter, decline in summer).

Forests have been preserved in the northern regions, covering 8-10% of the territory. In the Cantabrian Mountains and Galicia, 25-30% is covered with forest; forests of beech, oak (summer and winter), chestnut, ash, and maple are common. By the sea, evergreen holm oak and seaside pine are mixed in. Birch trees, a relic of the Ice Age, are found in Galicia.

In Portugal, evergreen forests and shrubs grow (trees include several types of oak (holm, cork, Portuguese) and pine (maritime, pine). Maquis is widely represented - strawberry tree, myrtle, pistachio, cistus.

In the south and east of the peninsula there are formations of hard-leaved shrubs (maquis, garrigue, tomillary). In the Balearics there is the palmito formation (chamerops palm - dwarf fan palm). On the plateaus of Old and New Castile - tomillaria (aromatic Lamiaceae - thyme, lavender, rosemary).

The Pyrenees Mountains have vertical zonation. On the southern slopes up to 400-500 m there is Mediterranean vegetation (garriga), above 500 m - pine forests with an admixture of holm oak and juniper, at 1000-1700 m - beech and fir forests, from 2300 m - subalpine and.

In the Western Pyrenees, Mediterranean vegetation disappears, and a belt of oak and beech forests is widely represented. Conifers - to the very tops.
Among the animals there are European and African forms. In the south there are civet genets, porcupines, and wild rabbits; The only species of European monkey is the macaque macaque. Endemic birds: blue magpie, red partridge. Lots of reptiles.

Special features: the largest and most massive peninsula. Until the end of the Neogene, there was a connection with Africa—hence the uniqueness of the landscapes. Hercynides (Meseta massif - 60% of the territory), Iberids (Cantabrian, Iberian, Catalan mountains) and Alpides (Andalusian mountains, Balearic Islands). An area of ​​plateaus and mountains, varying in height and type of relief. In the Pyrenees, the development of axial crystalline, framed from the north and south by Mesozoic limestone zones. The Pyrenees are one of the most inaccessible mountain regions in Europe. Sharp climatic differences in individual regions (in temperature, amount of precipitation). In the northern regions there are broad-leaved forests, in the west there are evergreen forests and shrubs, in the south and east there are formations of hard-leaved shrubs, on the plateaus of Old and New Castile there are tomillars, in the Balearic Islands there are palmito trees, on the Aragonese plain there are patches of salt marshes with halophytes.

Apeninskaya. The Apennine region includes the Apennine Peninsula, the islands of Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, etc. In the north, the shield of the Alps has a typical Mediterranean climate and nature.

The Alpine tectonic structures of the Apennine Mountains in the extreme south meet the Hercynian structures of the Calabrian peninsula. This combination is also typical for Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica.

The ancient Paleozoic massif of the Tyrrhenidas sank in the Neogene and Quaternary periods, and islands were formed. This was accompanied by volcanic activity, which continues unabated even now: Vesuvius, Etna, Stromboli.

The strip of foothills separating the Apennines from the Tyrrhenian Sea is the Pre-Apennines. In the north it is a wide, hilly Tuscan plain with individual low rises of crystalline rocks - the Apuan and Ore Mountains - deposits of Carrara marble and ore. To the south are the Roman Predapennines (Lazio) with ancient volcanic formations. In the calderas of extinct volcanoes there are round-shaped lakes (Bolsena, Bracciano, Vico, etc.). Among the volcanic hills is Rome. Still to the south are the Neapolitan Predapennines (Naples Campania) - an ancient and modern volcanic terrain. Along the Gulf of Naples stretch the Phlegrean fields - low volcanic cones, eroded by water flows, with emissions. In the depths of the bay is Vesuvius 1277 m.
The eastern foothills of the Apennines - Subapennines - are more uniform in structure. In the north there is a coastal plain, to the south there are wide arched limestone massifs and plateaus (Gargano massif, Le Murge plateau, Salentina Peninsula) with karst processes, arid.

Sicily is composed of alpine structures that form latitudinally elongated ridges (Nebrodi, Le Madonie). In the north of the island there is a continuation of the Calabrian Apennines - the Peloritan Mountains (up to 1375 m), in the central part there is a heavily rugged plateau, sparsely populated and arid. On the east coast, Etna (3340 m) is the most active in Europe with side cones on the slopes (about 900), it is characterized by altitudinal zones - gardens, vineyards up to 800 m, above pastures and xerophytic evergreen shrubs. and associated relief in the landscapes of almost the entire island. The most active volcanoes in the Apennine region are Etna and Stromboli.

Sardinia and Corsica - the remnants of the Tyrrhenides - are composed of crystalline rocks. The relief includes medium-high mountains. In the west of Sardinia there are lava and tuff plateaus, in the east there are the highest altitudes, the southwest is also elevated (Iglesiente massif). It is separated by the Campidano lowland. Corsica is a high granite massif (Mont Sainteau, 2710 m).

Fragments of the Tyrrhenids - Aeolian Islands (Vulcano, Lipari, Stromboli, etc. - active volcanoes).

In the east of the Dinaric Highlands - the complex mountainous regions of Šumadia, the north-eastern Peloponnese and the island of Euboea - Paleozoic sandstones, shales, and crystalline rocks predominate. Karst processes are poorly developed. Dome-shaped peaks, gentle slopes.

The middle Thracian-Macedonian massif of Hercynian age consists of blocky uplifts and tectonic depressions. The highest formations are the Rila mountains (highest point 2925 m), the Rhodopes, Pirin, Osogovska Planina, Shar Planina. The mountains are separated by tectonic basins and fault zones; large ones have a meridional strike with the valleys of the Vardar, Struma, and Morava rivers.

Continuation of the Dinaric Highlands - the Pindus Mountains (Zmolikas, 2637 m) stretch from north to south for 200 km - made of limestone and flysch. The ridges are dissected by deep river valleys. Even further to the southeast are isolated mountain ranges limited by faults (Olympus, 2917 m; Parnassus, 2457 m).

The Peloponnese peninsula is strongly dissected, in the center of the Sparta plateau. Connected to the rest of the city by the Corinth Canal (length 6.3 km, built in 1897).

In the northern part of the Balkan Peninsula are the Thessalian, Upper Thracian, Lower Thracian, and Thessaloniki plains.

Upper and Lower Thracian are located in the trough zone. The first of lake and river sediments, with a flat surface with residual mounds of crystalline rock outcrops.

Lower Thracian from Neogene marine sandy-clayey sediments. Agriculture centers.

Islands: Ionian in the west, Sporades in the east, Crete in the south with mountainous dissected terrain (Ida, 2456 m).

For most of the peninsula the climate is Mediterranean, in the north and north-east it is transitional from temperate continental (sub-Mediterranean climate). Differences in climate especially in winter. In the north and center from -2 to +2° (in the Rhodope Mountains -I0°). Stable in the mountains. In the south from +4, +5 to 18-12°. In summer, temperatures are uniform (21-23° in the north, 25-27°C in the south).
The amount of precipitation decreases from west to east and north to south. On the western slopes of the Dinaric Highlands 2000-3000 mm, in the Rhodope Mountains more than 1000 mm per year, least of all in the Thracian Lowland and southern Greece (less than 500 mm). Differences in precipitation patterns in areas with a Mediterranean climate - max. In winter, the share of summer precipitation increases to the north.

Lakes in tectonic basins (Skadar, Prespa, Ohrid). In the west and south there are karst lakes with great depths. A special feature of the Balkan region is the abundance of thermal springs (in the Rhodope Mountains, in the Struma River basin).

The vegetation is varied and depends on orography and climatic differences.

Interaction between Central European and Mediterranean flora. There are many endemics and relics (Pine and Rumelian pine, Judas tree, spruce). Mountain forests of Central European species, shrub formations. In the eastern part of the peninsula, the freegan and shiblyak formations predominate. Typically Mediterranean vegetation is characteristic of the south and the islands (holm oak, wall oak, Aleppo pine, pine, cypress, maquis and shiblyak thickets). Mediterranean vegetation rises to 600-800 m in the south and 200-300 m in the north; above the mountains are covered with forests of evergreen and deciduous species (ash, hornbeam, hop hornbeam, downy oak, winter oak, Macedonian oak). The upper border of the forest is coniferous (Greek fir, armored pine). In the sub-Mediterranean climate there is a combination of evergreen and Central European species. In the lower belt of mountains on rocky soils there are thickets of gorse, astragalus, milkweed, sage, and thyme (freegan). In more continental conditions there are thickets of deciduous shrubs (shiblik). fluffy hornbeam, plane tree, oriental beech. The soils are brown and brown forest. In basins on products of andesitic lavas, black soils (smolnitsa) up to 120 cm of humus horizon are the most of the Balkan Peninsula.

From 1700 m there is a belt of coniferous forests (European fir, spruce, pine). Above are mountain shrubs and subalpine lawns.

The fauna includes representatives of Central European and Mediterranean species - in the mountains there are wild boars, deer, chamois, vultures, falcons, and eagle. Lizards, vipers, Greek tortoise.

Special features: the north is not protected from continental influences - the landscapes are transitional from Central European to Mediterranean. In the west and north there are folds of Alpine age, at the base of the peninsula there is the ancient Hercynian Thracian-Macedonian massif - a fragment of the Aegean. In the west of the Dinaric Highlands there are thick strata of Mesozoic limestones - a wide distribution of karst forms: carr fields, sinkholes, depressions, caves, underground rivers, fields. The Karst Plateau is an area of ​​classically expressed karst landforms. Sub-Mediterranean climate in the north and northeast of the peninsula, manifested in sharp decreases in winter temperatures due to breakthroughs of cold continental masses and an increase in the share of summer precipitation. The predominance of the freegana and shiblyak formations. The presence of black soils - smolnitsa - the most fertile soils in the Balkan region.

The peninsulas are elongated along the meridian and extend far into the Mediterranean Sea. Their outskirts are only 1.3-44 km separated from the huge massifs of Asia and Africa by narrow straits - the Dardanelles, Bosporus, and Gibraltar (Fig. 101). The territory is fenced off from continental Europe by a barrier of high mountains. All countries are characterized by mountainous terrain. Peculiarities of the geographical location played a significant role in the history of Southern Europe. They determine the different sizes and number of countries, the diversity of cultures and religions of the peoples inhabiting them.

Rice. 101. Strait of Gibraltar

Natural conditions and resources. The territory is part of the modern active lithospheric belt - the Alpine-Himalayan, which causes its high seismicity. At the intersection of the faults that break the island block Sicily, there is a volcano Etna.

Etna is a stratovolcano. Its gigantic cone (base - 40-60 km, height - 3290 m) is “molded” from more than 200 cones and craters. Eruptions occur continuously. Several craters located along the same line “work” at the same time. The center of eruptions moves, and sometimes new craters grow on the slopes right before our eyes. Lava streams rush from them at speeds of up to 80 km/h.

The relief of each of the peninsulas is unique.

Most of the most massive peninsula - the Iberian Peninsula - is occupied by the largest country in the region - Spain (503 thousand km 2). Its relief is dominated by plateaus, dissected by deep gorges (Fig. 102). In the north and south of the peninsula they are framed by mountain ranges: the highest point of the country in the Andalusian mountains - 3482 m; in the Pyrenees - Aneto peak (3404 m).

Volcano Vesuvius(Fig. 103)

Portugal is located in the west of the peninsula. Its territory descends through hilly plains to the low-lying coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

The second largest country in the region - Italy (301 thousand km 2) - occupies the Apennine Peninsula and the southern slopes of the Alps. The Apennine Mountains, composed of limestone, stretch across the entire peninsula (highest point 2914 m). Earthquakes are frequent in the Apennines; the only active volcano in mainland Europe, Vesuvius, is located there (Fig. 103). The chain of Alps, located perpendicular to the Apennines, from the north protects the fertile lands of the vast Padansky lowland. The lowland is composed of river alluvium By(652 km) - the largest in the country. The peaks of the Alps are covered with glaciers. Descending along loose slopes, they feed numerous landslides with melt water.

The highest point of Greece, which occupies the mountainous Balkan Peninsula, is the mythological Olympus (2917 m). Karst processes actively occur in the limestones and sandstones that make up the mountains.

Numerous small islands are scattered in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas - rocky and inaccessible (Fig. 104).

Rice. 104 Cyprus

The Mediterranean climate of the region is formed by tropical air masses in summer; that's why it's hot everywhere here- up to +23... +28 °C - and dry.

In Sicily, the absolute maximum is +45 °C. The hot breath of Africa especially often reaches this island. A strong wind, the sirocco, blows from the south and southeast from the hot Sahara. It brings heat and a huge amount of dust.

In winter, westerly transport brings moist, temperate air from the Atlantic. Winters are warm(+5… +12 °С). They are characterized by the highest humidity in Italy: 600-1000 mm of precipitation falls here annually, and up to 1000-3000 mm high in the mountains and on the western slopes. In Spain and Greece the climate is drier: 300-600 mm of precipitation per year. Due to low precipitation, hot summers and high permeability of surface rocks, there are no large rivers in the region.

In Southern Europe, little natural vegetation remains. In the north of the peninsulas and in the mountains there are unique forests of oak (cork and holm) and pine with an undergrowth of evergreen shrubs. They occupy about 10% of the territory on the Iberian Peninsula and 20% on the Apennine Peninsula. The rocks are most often covered with impenetrable maquis.

The countries of Southern Europe do not have large reserves of mineral raw materials. In Spain, Italy, Greece there are ore minerals: chrome, copper, polymetallic, mercury. But thanks to its geographical location, the region is extremely rich in agroclimatic resources, and its natural and recreational potential is great and diverse.

Population. The total population of the region is more than 120 million people. The most populated country is Italy (more than 60 million). All countries are characterized by the first type of population reproduction. Average life expectancy is approaching 80 years. The population density - more than 100 people / km 2 - is close to the average European one. In the microstates of the Vatican and Malta, it exceeds 1000 people/km2 and is one of the highest in the world. Among the countries with a large territory, Italy is the most densely populated - about 200 people / km 2 (especially the Padana and coastal lowlands). The population is much less common in the central arid and mountainous regions of Spain and in the Italian Alps. In Italy, Spain and Greece, more than 70% of the population are city dwellers. A significant part of them live in small towns, many of which were founded in ancient times.

The population is racially and ethnically homogeneous. The overwhelming majority of it belongs to the Mediterranean (southern) branch of the Caucasian race. The peoples of the Romance group of the Indo-European family, whose language was formed on the basis of Latin, dominate - the Spaniards, Portuguese, Catalans, Galicians, Italians. A special group of this language family is the Greeks.

For centuries, in the countries of Southern Europe, emigration prevailed over immigration. During the era of the Great Geographical Discoveries, there was mass emigration to overseas possessions. Then - to the USA, Canada, Latin American countries and Australia (XIX and XX centuries) and the countries of Western and Northern Europe (second half of the XX century). Internal migrations were intense: from underdeveloped agricultural areas to large industrial areas and centers, from villages to cities. Now the situation is reversed: immigration exceeds emigration. Immigrants from North Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East flocked to the countries of the region in search of work and a better life. The fight against illegal immigration is one of the most pressing problems of the countries in the region.

The countries of Southern Europe are predominantly single-national. In Italy, Greece, Portugal, Malta, the main nations make up 95-98%. The most multinational of the southern European countries is Spain (Spanish make up 70%). Almost all believers from among the Romance peoples are Catholics. Here is the state of the Vatican with the residence of the Pope - the spiritual leader of all Catholics in the world. In the east of the region Orthodoxy predominates. It is professed by more than 90% of Greeks. Turks and people from North Africa profess Islam.

Farming. The level of socio-economic development of the countries in the region is comparable to the average level for the EU. In terms of GDP per capita, they are among the first 30 countries in the world. Countries are well endowed with labor and certain types of mineral resources, but they feel a shortage of their own fuel and energy resources. To form the structure industry had an impact almost complete absence of oil and natural gas in the region. Energy needs are provided by oil and gas coming from Northern Europe, Russia, North Africa and the Middle East. The bulk of electricity is produced at thermal power plants. In Spain, about 25% of electricity is generated by nuclear power plants. Much attention is paid to the use of renewable energy sources. In Italy and Spain, the role of hydropower is great. Solar energy is being developed. The missing part of the electricity is purchased from neighboring Germany and France. In the port cities of Italy, Spain, and Greece, where imported oil is delivered, powerful oil refining and petrochemicals . The main enterprises are located here ferrous metallurgy , also dependent on imported raw materials. Italy and Spain occupy 2nd and 4th places in the EU, respectively, in terms of steel production. Electrometallurgy predominates and, as a result, the steel produced is of high quality.

The leading industry of the largest countries in the region is mechanical engineering. Its basis is the production of vehicles: cars, trucks, and sea vessels. Electronics and electrical engineering and instrument making are developing at a high pace. The brands of Italian refrigerators and washing machines, as well as computers from the Olivetti company, are world famous. In Italy, the level of development of machine tool industry is high. Rich raw material reserves contribute to the development of production building materials . A significant part of Fig. 105. The production of pasta products (tiles, marble, cement) is exported. The economy of the countries of the region traditionally plays a large role easy And food industry. The countries are major producers of cotton and woolen fabrics, knitwear, clothing and footwear, furniture, and jewelry. The food industry specializes in the production of pasta (Fig. 105), olive oil, grape wines, canned vegetables and fruits, and juices.

Rice. 106 Pasta production

The concentration of production on sea coasts conflicts with their use by the tourism industry. Therefore, much attention is paid to the environmental culture of industrial production: the construction of treatment facilities and the use of low-waste technologies.

Favorable climate and artificial irrigation make it possible to grow in agriculture Southern European countries have the widest range of crops in the world. And the presence of a large European sales market nearby contributes to large volumes of their production. Main crops: olive trees(Fig. 106) and grapes.

A variety of vegetables and fruits are grown everywhere: tomatoes, peaches, apricots, cherries. Subtropical crops - figs, citrus fruits - are exported in large volumes. Cereals (wheat, barley, rice), legumes and melons are produced mainly for their own needs. Of the industrial crops, the most important are sugar beets, tobacco and cotton. In the region The main livestock sectors are presented: breeding large and small (sheep, goats) cattle, pigs, poultry. Sheep are grazed on natural pastures. The fertile lowlands, primarily Padanaya, are characterized by intensive stalled livestock farming. Dairy farming, pig farming and poultry farming are concentrated here, as well as in suburban areas.

Agricultural development is hampered by an acute shortage of land resources. Mountain slopes are terraced for farming. The development of livestock farming is limited by the lack of feed for cattle and competition from highly specialized farms in Western and Northern Europe.

Transport. The peninsular position of the countries influenced the development of their transport systems. In international and domestic transportation, the role of sea transport. All countries have large merchant fleets, some of which are leased. Freight of sea vessels is especially developed in Greece. Ferry services between Mediterranean countries are constantly expanding. Automotive And iron roads connect all major settlements. Through tunnels built in the mountains, connections are made with continental regions of Europe.

Italy is located at the crossroads of many international routes. Therefore, in external - more than 70% of cargo turnover - and in internal (coastal) freight transport, the role of sea transport is extremely important. Road transport occupies a leading position in domestic transportation of goods and passengers. The main highway - the "motorway of the Sun" - connects Turin and Milan with the southernmost city of the peninsula - Reggio Calabria.

Rice. 107. Architectural monuments of cities in Southern Europe: 1 - Colosseum in Rome;

2 - Athens Acropolis

External economic relations. The countries of Southern Europe are characterized by wide and varied foreign trade. They export machinery and equipment, textile products, clothing and footwear, grape wine, olive oil and citrus fruits. The value of exports in Italy and Spain is 20% of the GDP of these countries. Imports are dominated by energy resources, mineral raw materials, engineering products, meat and dairy products, and grain. The main foreign trade partners are EU countries. Natural, historical and cultural attractions of the countries of Southern Europe annually attract more than 100 million tourists from all over the world (Fig. 107). The development of the service sector is focused on their service.

In Italy, the industrial North is significantly ahead in its development of the predominantly agricultural South. The largest industrial centers are located in the North - Milan, Turin, Genoa, - forming a kind of “industrial triangle”. More than 2/5 of all industrial products are produced here; the most modern industries are concentrated: automobile manufacturing, electronics, and the chemical industry.

The south specializes in the production of agricultural, mainly crop, products. In recent years, large oil refining and metallurgical plants have emerged in port cities based on imported raw materials.

References

1. Geography 9th grade / Textbook for 9th grade of general secondary education institutions with Russian language of instruction / Edited N.V. Naumenko/ Minsk "People's Asveta" 2011