Southern Europe

Countries include some of the following :- Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Spain, Gibraltar, Andorra and Malta

Southern Europe Climatically, less variability from country to country Economically, nations have been slower to industrialize Italy has the highest per capita income in the south, but it is only 52% of that of its neighbor, Switzerland

Southern Europe Membership in the EU will continue to provide a boost to their economies EU removed most trade barriers among its European members in 1992 Capitalize on lower wage rates to expand their production and sale of industrial goods

Physical Characteristics Generally quite rugged Pyrenees, young mountains form a barrier between France and Spain Alps ranging west to east through Switzerland, Austria and northern Italy have tended to isolate Italy from Western Italy

Physical Characteristics Population, economic activity, and tourism are concentrated in coastal lowlands around the mountains of the region Coastal plains in Italy are narrow, but form important agricultural regions on both the west and east coasts

Physical Characteristics Italy has nearly as many people as Spain, Portugal, and Greece combined Po Valley of northern Italy, is the focus of economic development in the country Major agricultural region of South Europe and the industrial heart of Italy, with such industrial cities as Turin, Milan, Parma, Modena, and Bologna

Physical Characteristics Small islands dot the Mediterranean around the countries of Southern Europe Rocky and mountainous and have similar climates, beaches, and historical attractions Serious environmental problem is pollution

Climate Patterns Summer drought and winter rainfall 80% of precipitation falls between Dec and Mar Growth of major cities such as Rome, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, and Athens has so clogged the road arteries of the cities that air pollution is extremely high

Cultural Characteristics Important cultural characteristics Catholic Church has been the dominant religious force in the area Languages with the exception of Greek and a few minor tongues are based on Latin Based on the Latin are known as Romance Languages

Tourism Characteristics Pilgrimages are an important element of tourism, especially to Southern Europe Catholic Church has a long tradition of pilgrimages in the region Ranging from small shrines to world- renowned sites

Tourism Characteristics 3 major attractions common to the four countries can be classified as sun-sea- sand, religion and historic sites Highly seasonal and geographically concentrated in coastal areas and capitals Spain and Italy account for nearly 14% of the world’s arrivals Portugal and Greece significantly smaller number of visitors

Tourism Characteristics Mecca for youthful travelers, who favor cheap accommodations in campsites, hostels, or unlicensed rental rooms Pleasant climate year round Peak tourist season from May to September

Tourist Destination and Attractions Classical historical and architectural remains Scenic islands Picturesque ports Flea markets Food Festivals Friendly people

Tourist Destination and Attractions Athens and Surrounding Environs Major destination is Athens Largest city in the Balkan peninsula with over 3 million population Attractions include temple of Athena but built between 448 and 438 B.C. Olympic stadium, temple of Olympia, history of Christians and Muslims on display at the Byzantine Museum and Benaki Museum

Tourist Destination and Attractions Plaka oldest and picturesque quarter in Athens Handcrafted goods e.g. woven fabrics, linen wool carpets, sheepskin jackets, silver jewellery, ceramics, and gold icons and ornaments

Tourist Destination and Attractions Also near Athens is Marathon, where the ancient Athenians stopped the invading Persians mile marathon race was derived from the military runner who carried the news of the victory to Athens

Tourist Destination and Attractions Olympia was the site of the first Games started in 776 BC and continued every Four years for a thousand years Revived in 1896 by the French historian Torch became a symbol starting from Olympia bearing the sacred flame to the place where the Games are held

Tourist Destination and Attractions Thessaloniki(Salonika) and the North Second largest city in Greece Crossroads of international trade Northern Greece(Macedonia) has numerous beaches, beautiful villages (some with beaches), and rugged terrain

Tourist Destination and Attractions The Greek Islands Playground of the rich and famous Offers a variety of settings, from mountains capped with snow to palm-lined beaches, caves, and coves Famous islands for tourism in this group is Patmos, holy island for Christians