The Balkans

The Balkans is a region in southeastern Europe named after the Balkan Mountains. It includes countries like Greece, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, and others. The Balkans has a long and complex history with many different cultures living close together. The region has beautiful mountains, coastlines, and historic old towns.

Land and People

About 55 million people live in the Balkans region. The area has mountains, river valleys, and coastlines along the Adriatic and Aegean Seas. The Danube River flows along the northern edge of the Balkans. Ancient Greeks and Romans both left their mark on this region.

Culture and Fun Facts

The Balkans has an incredible mix of cultures, religions, and languages. You can find Orthodox churches, Catholic cathedrals, and mosques often in the same city. The food is delicious, with grilled meats, fresh salads, and pastries. Dubrovnik in Croatia was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

Fun Facts

• The ancient Greeks and Romans both built great cities in the Balkans.
• Dubrovnik, Croatia, was used as the setting for King's Landing in Game of Thrones.
• The Balkans has more than a dozen different languages spoken across the region.

Did You Know?

The word 'balkanize,' meaning to break into smaller pieces, comes from the Balkans region. Over the centuries, many different empires have controlled parts of this area.