South Europe Countries
South Europe encompasses a diverse region spanning the southern portion of the European continent. It includes the following 16 countries: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Kosovo, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and Vatican City.
Albania
Country Overview:
Albania, located in South Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 28,748 square kilometers. It is bordered by Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece. Albania is famous for its stunning Adriatic and Ionian coastlines, ancient archaeological sites such as Butrint, and its rich cultural heritage, including traditional music and dance. The country offers diverse landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and lakes, attracting tourists with its natural beauty and hospitality.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1912 (from the Ottoman Empire)
- Population: Approximately 2.9 million
- Capital City: Tirana
- Language: Albanian
- Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +355
- Top-Level Domain: .al
- ISO Country Codes: AL, ALB
Andorra
Country Overview:
Andorra, located in South Europe in the eastern Pyrenees mountains, covers an area of approximately 468 square kilometers. It is bordered by France and Spain. Andorra is famous for its stunning mountain scenery, ski resorts, and duty-free shopping. The country is known for its low tax rates and is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts and shoppers alike.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: Not applicable (co-principality under joint suzerainty of France and Spain)
- Population: Approximately 77,265
- Capital City: Andorra la Vella
- Language: Catalan
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +376
- Top-Level Domain: .ad
- ISO Country Codes: AD, AND
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Country Overview:
Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in South Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 51,197 square kilometers. It is bordered by Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. Bosnia and Herzegovina is famous for its diverse cultural heritage, including historic cities such as Sarajevo and Mostar, as well as its natural beauty, including the picturesque countryside and the stunning waterfalls of Kravica.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1992 (from Yugoslavia)
- Population: Approximately 3.3 million
- Capital City: Sarajevo
- Language: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
- Currency: Convertible Mark (BAM)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +387
- Top-Level Domain: .ba
- ISO Country Codes: BA, BIH
Croatia
Country Overview:
Croatia, located in South Europe on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, covers an area of approximately 56,594 square kilometers. It is bordered by Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Croatia is famous for its stunning coastline, medieval towns such as Dubrovnik and Split, and its rich cultural heritage, including UNESCO-listed sites such as Plitvice Lakes National Park and the historic city of Trogir.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1991 (from Yugoslavia)
- Population: Approximately 4.0 million
- Capital City: Zagreb
- Language: Croatian
- Currency: Croatian Kuna (HRK)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +385
- Top-Level Domain: .hr
- ISO Country Codes: HR, HRV
Greece
Country Overview:
Greece, located in South Europe on the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 131,957 square kilometers. It is bordered by Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Greece is famous for its ancient history, including iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis in Athens and the archaeological site of Delphi. The country boasts stunning Mediterranean landscapes, with beautiful islands such as Santorini and Mykonos, as well as picturesque coastal towns.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1821 (from the Ottoman Empire)
- Population: Approximately 10.4 million
- Capital City: Athens
- Language: Greek
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: EET (GMT+2)
- Country Area Code: +30
- Top-Level Domain: .gr
- ISO Country Codes: GR, GRC
Italy
Country Overview:
Italy, located in South Europe on the Italian Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 301,340 square kilometers. It is bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. Italy is famous for its rich history, art, and culture, with iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum in Rome, the canals of Venice, and the Renaissance art in Florence. The country offers diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, vineyards, and beautiful coastline along the Mediterranean Sea.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1861 (unification)
- Population: Approximately 60.4 million
- Capital City: Rome
- Language: Italian
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +39
- Top-Level Domain: .it
- ISO Country Codes: IT, ITA
Kosovo
Country Overview:
Kosovo, located in South Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 10,887 square kilometers. It is bordered by Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia. Kosovo is famous for its cultural heritage, including historic monuments such as the UNESCO-listed Visoki Dečani Monastery and the Ottoman-era Prizren. The country offers stunning landscapes, including mountains, forests, and rivers.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 2008 (from Serbia)
- Population: Approximately 1.8 million
- Capital City: Pristina
- Language: Albanian, Serbian
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +383
- Top-Level Domain: .xk
- ISO Country Codes: XK, XKX
Malta
Country Overview:
Malta, located in South Europe in the Mediterranean Sea, covers an area of approximately 316 square kilometers. It is an archipelago nation consisting of three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Malta is famous for its rich history, with ancient sites such as the UNESCO-listed Megalithic Temples and the medieval city of Mdina. The country offers stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1964 (from the United Kingdom)
- Population: Approximately 514,564
- Capital City: Valletta
- Language: Maltese, English (official)
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +356
- Top-Level Domain: .mt
- ISO Country Codes: MT, MLT
Montenegro
Country Overview:
Montenegro, located in South Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 13,812 square kilometers. It is bordered by Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania. Montenegro is famous for its stunning Adriatic coastline, with picturesque towns such as Kotor and Budva, as well as its rugged mountainous landscapes, including Durmitor National Park. The country offers a mix of cultural heritage, outdoor activities, and beautiful natural scenery.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 2006 (from Serbia and Montenegro)
- Population: Approximately 628,066
- Capital City: Podgorica
- Language: Montenegrin
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +382
- Top-Level Domain: .me
- ISO Country Codes: ME, MNE
North Macedonia
Country Overview:
North Macedonia, located in South Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 25,713 square kilometers. It is bordered by Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania. North Macedonia is famous for its cultural heritage, including the historic city of Ohrid with its UNESCO-listed Ohrid Lake and Byzantine churches. The country offers a blend of Ottoman, Byzantine, and Slavic influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1991 (from Yugoslavia)
- Population: Approximately 2.1 million
- Capital City: Skopje
- Language: Macedonian
- Currency: Macedonian Denar (MKD)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +389
- Top-Level Domain: .mk
- ISO Country Codes: MK, MKD
Portugal
Country Overview:
Portugal, located in South Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 92,090 square kilometers. It is bordered by Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. Portugal is famous for its maritime history, with historic cities such as Lisbon and Porto, picturesque coastal villages, and scenic vineyards in the Douro Valley. The country offers a rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and beautiful landscapes, including golden beaches and rugged cliffs.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1143 (recognized)
- Population: Approximately 10.3 million
- Capital City: Lisbon
- Language: Portuguese
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: WET (GMT)
- Country Area Code: +351
- Top-Level Domain: .pt
- ISO Country Codes: PT, PRT
San Marino
Country Overview:
San Marino, located in South Europe, covers an area of approximately 61 square kilometers. It is an enclaved microstate surrounded by Italy. San Marino is famous for being one of the world’s oldest republics and its well-preserved medieval architecture. The country offers stunning views from its hilltop location, with attractions such as the UNESCO-listed historic center of San Marino City and the imposing fortress of Guaita.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 301 AD (traditional founding date)
- Population: Approximately 33,562
- Capital City: San Marino City
- Language: Italian
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +378
- Top-Level Domain: .sm
- ISO Country Codes: SM, SMR
Serbia
Country Overview:
Serbia, located in South Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 77,474 square kilometers. It is bordered by Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Serbia is famous for its historic sites, including the medieval monasteries of Studenica and Sopoćani, as well as its natural beauty, such as the Đavolja Varoš rock formations and the Đerdap Gorge.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1878 (from the Ottoman Empire)
- Population: Approximately 6.9 million
- Capital City: Belgrade
- Language: Serbian
- Currency: Serbian Dinar (RSD)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +381
- Top-Level Domain: .rs
- ISO Country Codes: RS, SRB
Slovenia
Country Overview:
Slovenia, located in South Europe on the eastern Alps, covers an area of approximately 20,273 square kilometers. It is bordered by Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. Slovenia is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Julian Alps, Lake Bled, and the Škocjan Caves. The country offers outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and wine tasting, as well as charming medieval towns like Ljubljana and Piran.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1991 (from Yugoslavia)
- Population: Approximately 2.1 million
- Capital City: Ljubljana
- Language: Slovenian
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +386
- Top-Level Domain: .si
- ISO Country Codes: SI, SVN
Spain
Country Overview:
Spain, located in South Europe on the Iberian Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 505,990 square kilometers. It is bordered by France, Andorra, Portugal, and the Mediterranean Sea. Spain is famous for its diverse culture, historic cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, and iconic landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia and the Alhambra. The country offers beautiful beaches, vibrant festivals, delicious cuisine, and a rich artistic heritage.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: Not applicable (unification of various kingdoms)
- Population: Approximately 46.9 million
- Capital City: Madrid
- Language: Spanish
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +34
- Top-Level Domain: .es
- ISO Country Codes: ES, ESP
Vatican City
Country Overview:
Vatican City, located in South Europe within Rome, Italy, covers an area of approximately 0.44 square kilometers. It is an independent city-state and the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. Vatican City is famous for being the smallest sovereign state in the world and its iconic landmarks such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house priceless art collections and historic treasures.
Country Facts:
- Year of Independence: 1929 (from Italy)
- Population: Approximately 800 (citizens), mainly consisting of clergy, and workers
- Capital City: Vatican City
- Language: Italian, Latin (official)
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
- Country Area Code: +379
- Top-Level Domain: .va
- ISO Country Codes: VA, VAT