Chapter 12 SOUTHERN EUROPE Aristotle Chapter 12 SOUTHERN EUROPE Julius Caesar

Ch. 12:1 - Physical Geography of Southern Europe Landforms Southern Europe is made up of three peninsulas: Spain and Portugal on the Iberian Peninsula, Italy on the Italian Peninsula, and Greece on the southernmost part of the Balkan Peninsula. Mountain ranges like the Pyrenees and the Alps form a natural border with Northwestern Europe. The Apennines run along the spine of the Italian Peninsula.

Swiss Alps

Ch. 12:1 - Physical Geography of Southern Europe Water Systems Although important to the ecology of the region, Southern Europe’s shallow rivers are not viable transportation or trade routes. Italy’s Tiber River is the primary water source for the capital city of Rome.

Climate, Biomes, & Resources Ch. 12:1 - Physical Geography of Southern Europe Climate, Biomes, & Resources The subregion is well suited for growing grapes, olives, shrub herbs, and raising livestock. Most agriculture occurs along the coastal plain region b/c it has higher amounts of rainfall and rich, sedimentary soil conditions.

Italian Farm near the Mediterranean Sea

History and Government Ch. 12:2 - Human Geography of Southern Europe History and Government The civilizations of ancient Greece laid the foundation for Western civilization. Greece introduced the concept of democracy. The Renaissance marked a period of cultural revival and enlightenment. It was a resurgence of the arts. Spain and Portugal became leaders in the Age of Exploration, establishing new empires. Nationalism led this region to transition from city-states and ethnic regions into modern countries.

Ancient Athens

The Acropolis, Athens, Greece

Ancient Rome

Roman Forum

Italian Renaissance Painting

1400’s – 1700’s A.D.

Ch. 12:2 - Human Geography of Southern Europe Population Patterns Southern Europe is one of the most populated regions of the world. As the populations of Greece, Italy, and Spain age and the birthrates fall, care for the elderly is straining the social welfare systems.

Society & Culture Today Ch. 12:2 - Human Geography of Southern Europe Society & Culture Today Education in Southern Europe is mandatory for all children. The Greeks and Romans developed many important elements of art and architecture.

Italian Family

Economic Activities Spain and Italy continue to face challenges. Ch. 12:2 - Human Geography of Southern Europe Economic Activities Spain and Italy continue to face challenges. As one of the least developed in the area, Greece’s economy remains weak as it grapples with high public spending, low productivity, and tax evasion. The region is a popular destination for tourists b/c of its warm, dry summer climate. Manufacturing has decreased and the service sector has increased.

Ch. 12:3 - People and Their Environment: Southern Europe Managing Resources Large algae blooms are damaging the delicate marine biomes of the Adriatic Sea.

Typical Algae Bloom

Ch. 12:3 - People and Their Environment: Southern Europe Human Impact Manufacturing and tourism cause pollution that is a major threat to surrounding seas and agricultural resources. Pollutants and other human impacts have led to pollution hot spots, the extreme damage or even death of the local ecosystem.

Air Pollution in Athens, Greece

Ch. 12:3 - People and Their Environment: Southern Europe Addressing the Issues The EU created the European Environmental Agency to effectively deal with environmental issues. This is the gov’t effort to protect the environment.