2.17. Mediterranean Europe: Geography Overview

Mediterranean Europe: Geographical Location

• Located in the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere
• Includes Iberian Peninsula, Apennine Peninsula, and southern Balkan Peninsula
• Has access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea
• Separated from North Africa and Southwest Asia by the Strait of Gibraltar
• Strategic maritime corridor for Europe
• Facilitates optimal living conditions and various economic activities, especially tourism
• Known for Mediterranean plant cultivation (citrus fruits, olives) and wine/olive oil production
• Cradle of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations which influenced subsequent European developments
• Countries like Italy, Spain, and Portugal played a role in global cultural exchange during the Age of Exploration

Natural Conditions

• Fragmented coastline with large and smaller peninsulas, and islands
• Relief primarily mountainous, extending into the interior of peninsulas
• Coastal plains and river valleys
• Major mountain ranges including: Pyrenees, Apennines, Pindus, mountainous islands of Sicily and Sardinia and Central Meseta Plateau (Spain)
• Lower elevations found in the Po River valley and western/southwestern Iberian Peninsula
• Rocky soils in mountainous areas

Population and Economy

• Population: Approximately 128 million with a high average density (around 117 per square kilometer)

• High population density concentrated in coastal areas and river valleys

• Lower density in mountainous areas

• Urban population: 72.6%

• Urban centers facing immigrant waves mainly from North Africa, Southwest Asia, and Eastern Europe

• Negative natural population growth leading to an aging population

• Economic fluctuations, stock market crises, job losses, inflation, banking system turmoil

• Economic reforms implemented to address these issues

• Major economic sectors:

  • Light and food industry
  • Car manufacturing industry
  • Chemical and pharmaceutical industry
  • Electronic/appliance industry
  • Agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing, tourism and transport.