Southern: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Vatican City, San Marino, Greece Southern Europe Southern: Italy, Spain, Portugal, Vatican City, San Marino, Greece

Southern Europe Matching Italy San Marino Vatican City Spain Greece Portugal

Physical Features Peninsulas Alps Islands Iberian (home to Spain and Portugal) Pyrenees Mountains – block off peninsula from rest of Europe Italian (boot of Italy) Alps Most famous mountain chain in Europe Stretch across France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the northern Balkan Peninsula Cut Italy off from rest of Europe Islands Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Crete

Climates Western Europe: Southern Europe: Marine West Coast (mainly) Highland and Humid Subtropical Southern Europe: Mainly Mediterranean Some Marine West Coast, Semiarid, and Humid Subtropical

Southern Resources Majority Zinc and Coal Biggest variety of resources found in Spain

Water Pollution: Venice Industrial waste, sewage, and saltwater combine together and eat away the foundations of buildings (damage) Erosion is allowing large amounts of seawater into the lagoon “Killer Algae”: decaying algae uses up all the oxygen which causes fish in water to die as well = insects in water = STENCH!

ITALY Rich culture The Roman Empire Ruled most of the Italian Peninsula Grew by conquering overseas territories The Renaissance (‘rebirth’) – a renewed interest in learning (Leonardo DaVinci)

Landmarks Rome is the capital & largest city Home to the Colosseum and other Roman ruins.

Southern Italy has many natural disasters  Earthquakes, Volcanic Activity, Floods, & Droughts Home to Mt. Vesuvius and the ancient city of Pompeii

Italy’s Economic Problems Northern region is much more developed than Southern region Why? North is closer to industrial nations (Germany & France) South = poor transportation systems Southern government made poor decisions when promoting growth

The island of Sicily – large island on the southern coast of Italy Mt. Etna, an active volcano

SPAIN & PORTUGAL Together form the Iberian Peninsula Capital of Spain = Madrid Capital of Portugal = Lisbon

One of the world’s largest tourist industries Beaches & rich culture

Fishing is a large part of economy Have a long history of sailing

Leading producer of cork – corkboards, shoes, wine stoppers

Background The Iberian Peninsula was ruled by the Moors (a Muslim people from North Africa) for over 700 years

Were the most powerful European nations; controlled sea trade during the 15th – 16th century Had a huge colonial empire and was a leader in the spice trade.

VATICAN CITY An independent state surrounded by the city of Rome Smallest country in the world (0.2sq. Miles)

The pope, the head of the Roman Catholic church, has absolute political authority within the city

GREECE Agricultural products – olive oil, tobacco, grapes, & citrus fruits Shipping is big part of economy

Background Ancient Greece – vital to the development of Western culture City-state – “birth of democracy”

Ancient city of Olympia – site of the first Olympic Games

Ancient city of Sparta – famous for its athletes and warriors (movie “300”)

Capital = Athens Home of the Acropolis with the Parthenon (one of the world’s most photographed and famous buildings)

SAN MARINO San Marino was founded early in the 4th century by Christians escaping persecution One of the oldest and smallest republics / countries