1. Chapter 13.1 Physical Geography of Southern Europe
Southern Europe has 3 peninsulas that extend into the Mediterranean Sea:
Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal)
Italian Peninsula (Italy)
Balkan Peninsula (includes Greece)

2. Landforms: ¾ of land in Southern Europe is mountainous
Pyrenees: boundary between Spain and France
Apennines: “spine” of Italy
Alps: highest in Europe, are in Italy, Switzerland, Austria, France
Pindus: cover much of Greece
Mountains extend into the sea, where they form islands

3. Water is central to European life (food & travel)
Water Features
Water is central to European life (food & travel)
Surrounding seas include:
Mediterranean Sea
Adriatic Sea
Aegean Sea
Ionian Sea
Major rivers include:
Tagus and Ebro Rivers on the Iberian Peninsula
Po and Tiber on the Italian Peninsula

4. Climate and Resources
Southern Europe is famous for its pleasant Mediterranean Climate
Warm, sunny days and mild nights most of the year
Little rain in the summer; rain during the mild winter
The climate is a valuable resource
Good for growing crops: citrus fruits, grapes, olives, and wheat
Tourism: climate, beaches, and scenery
Shipping: ports ship goods worldwide
Fishing industry: fish and shellfish