TheBalkan states(sometimes colloquially look up to as simply " theBalkans " ) are a various and historically rich bent of area that span across southeasterly Europe .
They ’re notable as much for their commonalty as they are for their differences : Their unequaled blend of culture , languages and history make them a fascinating goal for traveler and historians likewise .
The Balkan Peninsula is usually delimitate as comprising Albania , Bosnia and Herzegovina , Bulgaria , Croatia , Kosovo , Montenegro , North Macedonia , Romania , Serbia and Slovenia . Each of these Balkan state offers a glimpse into the past and present of southeastern Europe .
Geography of the Balkan Region
The Balkan Peninsula is bound by the Adriatic Sea to the west ( across which is Italy ) and the Ionian Sea a bit further south ; Austria , Hungary and Ukraine to the north ; the Black Sea to the east ; and Greece and Türkiye to the south .
This region is characterized by its mount reach , including the Balkan Mountains , which adulterate across Bulgaria and supply a natural water parting . The Pindus Mountains in Greece and the Dinaric Alps along the Adriatic glide are also striking feature of the Balkan region .
The peninsula absorb a strategic emplacement in southeastern Europe , bridging key Europe and the easterly Mediterranean . This location has historically made it a crossroads of civilizations , include the Roman Empire , the Byzantine Empire and theOttoman Empire .
10 Balkan Countries
While there is no singular form , definitive leaning of Balkan states , these 10 are loosely view to be part of the Balkan area .
1. Albania
Albania is situated in the southwestern part of the Balkan Peninsula along the Adriatic Sea . With a total population of approximately 2.8 million hoi polloi , it boasts a rich chronicle influenced by the Illyrians , Romans , Byzantines and Ottomans . Albania is recognise for its stunning landscapes , including its beautiful coastline and the Albanian Alps .
2. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Northwest of Albania , Bosnia and Herzegovina has a universe of about 3.2 million masses . This nation is renowned for its cultural diversity , with a mix of Bosniaks , Croats and Serbs .
The capital city , Sarajevo , is know for its historical significance and vibrant ethnic living . This area also played a major role in the breakup of Yugoslavia during the 1990s .
3. Bulgaria
Bulgaria is home to approximately 6.6 million people and is fix in the southeast part of the Balkan Peninsula . The country sport the Balkan Mountains , which prevail through its dominion and significantly influence its climate . During the Middle Ages , a Bulgarian imperium cropped up across the Balkans — double .
4. Croatia
Croatia , with a population just under 4 million , is locate on the westerly border of the Balkan Peninsula along the Adriatic Sea . It ’s a popular tourist spot because of its gorgeous coastline , historical cities like Dubrovnik and its numerous islands . Many Croatians immigrated to the port of Southern California during the 19th and twentieth centuries .
5. Kosovo
Kosovo is one of the new Balkan nations and has a population around 1.7 million .
In the nineties , Kosovo was a pregnant flash point in the breakup of Yugoslavia , culminating in a violent struggle between ethnic Albanians and Serb forces . The humanitarian crisis and pagan cleansing ledNATOto intervene in 1999 . This finally paved the way for Kosovo ’s declaration of independence in 2008 .
6. Montenegro
Montenegro has a universe of more or less 600,000 people . research this country and you ’ll see furrowed mountains , medieval Greenwich Village and a narrow strip of beaches along its Adriatic coastline . The Bay of Kotor , a UNESCO World Heritage site , is one of its most notable attractions .
7. North Macedonia
North Macedonia has a universe of about 2.1 million hoi polloi . It is a landlocked country known for its rich chronicle , which dates back to the ancient kingdom of Paeonia andAlexander the Great ’s Macedonian Empire .
8. Romania
Romania is located in the northeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula . The forested and fabled area of Transylvania comprises most of the area ’s west and central district . Ringed by the Carpathian Mountains , its chivalric castle , include Bran Castle , are the birthplace of the Dracula caption .
While most Balkan states are toward the center of the continent , Romania is the gateway to Eastern Europe .
9. Serbia
From the bustle street of its vibrant capital letter , Belgrade , to the historical fort of Kalemegdan overlooking the Danube and Sava rivers , Serbia is a must - see Balkan commonwealth .
you’re able to receive Serbia ’s rich traditions reflected in its lively festivals , diverse cuisine and the alone architectural inheritance regain in its monasteries and fort , volunteer a compelling journey through the level of southeast Europe ’s past and present .
10. Slovenia
Slovenia is situate at the crossroads of central and southeastern Europe . Known for its mountains , ski resorts and lake , Slovenia is arecent additionto theEuropean Unionand has a well - develop economy . It ’s also the place of birth of noted contemporary philosopher , Slavoj Zizek .
Natural Features of the Balkans
From sea to shining sea ( Adriatic to Black , that is ) , the peninsula is host to an classification of picturesque geographical feature article that have also contributed to the region ’s political discord over the century .
The Balkan Mountains: A Natural Divide
The word “ Balkan ” is Turkish for “ mountains , ” highlight the significance of mountain image in this realm . The Balkan Mountains play a crucial part in shaping the climate , with warm summers and cold winters in the north and hot summers and rainy winter in the south .
These hatful are not only a lifelike divide but also a ethnic and historical turning point .
Rivers of the Balkans
The neighborhood is home to several major rivers , including the Danube , Sava and Drava . These river have been vital for shipping , trade and agriculture throughout history . The Danube River flows through multiple Balkan countries , linking them with central Europe and the Black Sea .
Glacial Landscapes of the Balkans
The Balkans feature numerous glacial landscapes , such as mountains , valleys and lake influence by the movement of glaciers during the last icing eld . These include the Rila and Pirin mountains in Bulgaria and the Durmitor scope in Montenegro .
These glacial features add to the part ’s natural beauty and are pop destinations for hiker and nature enthusiasts .
History of the Balkan Peninsula
The Balkans were live well before the Neolithic period by Indo - European people such as the Illyrians and Thracians . The Thracians were known for their metalwork attainment and horsemanship , and they interacted with the Greeks , contributing to the development of the Dionysian and Orphean cults .
The Illyrians , on the other hand , were more isolated , due to their mountainous terrain , maintaining a distinct culture .
The Balkan Peninsula hasa complex and turbulent history , charm by the Ottoman Turks , the Austro - Hungarian Empire and the Soviet Union . The region was a major battlefield during World War II , with significant resistivity movements and conflict take situation .
In more late decades , the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s led to a serial publication of conflicts and the emergence of new independent states , such as Bosnia and Herzegovina , Croatia and Kosovo .
Culture and Society in the Western Balkans
The Western Balkans are characterized by strong community tie and social networks . Historically , the area has seen important migration , with people move between small town and townspeople for workplace and family reasons . The societal systems often let in unfold crime syndicate structures and patriarchal traditions , which carry on to influence day-to-day life sentence .
The Balkan part is renowned for its copious cultural inheritance , influenced by the Greeks , Romans , Byzantines and Ottomans . This ethnic mosaic is reflected in the region ’s nomenclature , organized religion and tradition .
festival , music , dance and cuisine in the Balkans are vibrant and diverse , showcasing the area ’s historical depth and ethnic complexness . While most Western Balkan countries have mix into the European Union , some of the other Southeast Europe - spanning states hold their own reign .
Travel and Tourism in the Balkans
One popular way to research the Balkan region is through something broadly referred to as the Grand Balkan Tour , which covers five countries of the former Yugoslavia : Croatia , Bosnia and Herzegovina , Serbia , Montenegro and Slovenia .
This itinerary typically offers a comprehensive overview of the neighborhood ’s history , civilization and born stunner , including sojourn to major cities , national parking lot and ethnic landmarks such as Dubrovnik , Mostar and Plitvice Lakes .
You ’ll also desire to chat places like the ancient city of Ohrid in North Macedonia ( known for its stunning lake and historical significance ) and the Dalmatian coast in Croatia , which offers breathless panorama and charming towns . The mountains of Bulgaria , such as Rila and Pirin , are perfect for out-of-door enthusiasts .
We created this article in alignment with AI technology , then made sure it was fact - contain and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor .
