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World Geography 
Chapter 12 
Physical Geography 
The Big Idea 
The peninsulas of Southern Europe have rocky terrains and sunny, mild climates. 
Main Ideas 
•Southern Europe’s physical features include rugged mountains and narrow coastal plains. 
•The region’s climate and resources support such industries as agriculture, fishing, and tourism. 
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World Geography 
Chapter 12 
Main Idea 1: Southern Europe’s physical features include rugged mountains and 
narrow coastal plains. 
• Southern Europe is largely made up of three 
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Previous 
large peninsulas. 
— Iberian Peninsula 
— Italian Peninsula 
—Balkan Peninsula
World Geography 
Chapter 12 
Features of Southern Europe 
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• Seas 
— Mediterranean 
— Adriatic 
— Aegean 
— Ionian 
• Few large rivers 
— Tagus 
— Po 
Landforms 
• Rugged mountain ranges 
— Pyrenees 
— Apennines 
— Alps 
— Pindus 
• Islands 
• Coastal plains 
• River valley plains 
Water Features
World Geography 
Chapter 12 
Main Idea 2: The region’s climate and resources support such industries as 
agriculture, fishing, and tourism. 
Southern Europe is famous for its pleasant climate. 
Most of the region enjoys warm, sunny days and mild nights for 
most of the year. Little rain falls during the summer, but rain is 
more common in the winter. 
Geographers call the type of climate found in Southern Europe a 
Mediterranean climate. 
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World Geography 
Chapter 12 
Industries of Southern Europe 
Agriculture 
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Previous 
• The Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing many types of 
crops. 
• Farmers plant citrus fruits, grapes, olives, wheat, and many 
other products. 
Fishing 
• The seas of Southern Europe are full of various types of fish and 
shellfish. 
• Fishing is a profitable industry. 
Tourism 
• Millions of tourists visit Southern Europe each year because of its mild 
climate. 
• Sunny beaches and breathtaking scenery are also tourist attractions.
World Geography 
Chapter 12 
Greece 
The Big Idea 
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Previous 
The home of one of the Western world’s oldest civilizations, Greece is trying to reclaim its 
place as a leading country in Europe. 
Main Ideas 
•Early in its history, Greece was the home of a great civilization, but it was later ruled by foreign 
powers. 
•The Greek language, the Orthodox Church, and varied customs have helped shape Greece’s culture. 
•In Greece today, many people are looking for new economic opportunities.
World Geography 
Chapter 12 
Main Idea 2: The Greek language, the Orthodox Church, and varied customs have 
helped shape Greece’s culture. 
Language 
Religion 
• Most people belong to the Orthodox Church, a branch of 
Christianity that dates back to the Byzantine Empire. 
• Religion is very important to most people. 
• Greek cuisine uses local ingredients such as lamb and olives 
• Family is central to Greek culture. 
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• Greek language 
• One of the oldest languages spoken in Europe 
Customs
World Geography 
Chapter 12 
Main Idea 3: In Greece today, many people are looking for new economic 
opportunities. 
Life in Urban Greece 
• About three-fifths of Greece’s 
population lives in cities. 
• Athens, the capital, is the 
largest city. One-third of all 
people in Greece live there. 
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Previous 
Life in Rural Greece 
• Many people live in isolated 
mountain villages, as Greeks have 
for thousands of years. 
• Rural Greeks grow crops and raise 
sheep and goats.
World Geography 
Chapter 12 
The Greek Economy 
• Greece’s economy is growing rapidly, but the country faces some 
Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 
Next 
Previous 
challenges to further economic growth. 
— Few mineral resources 
— Relatively little farmland 
• Greece’s shipping industry is one of the world’s most successful. 
• Tourism is another major industry. 
— Millions of people visit Greece each year. 
— Tourist attractions include ancient ruins, beaches, and 
islands.
World Geography 
Chapter 12 
Italy 
The Big Idea 
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Next 
Previous 
Once the center of a huge empire, Italy is now one of the most prosperous countries 
in Europe. 
Main Ideas 
•Italian history can be divided into three periods: ancient Rome, the Renaissance, and unified Italy. 
•Religion and local traditions have helped shape Italy’s culture. 
•Italy today has two distinct economic regions—northern Italy and southern Italy.
World Geography 
Chapter 12 
Main Idea 1: Italian history can be divided into three periods: ancient Rome, the 
Renaissance, and unified Italy. 
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Next 
Previous 
Ancient Rome 
•Founded in the 700s 
BC 
•Formed empire that 
stretched from Britain 
to the Persian Gulf 
•Famous for great art, 
literature, and political 
ideas 
Renaissance 
•Lasted from about 
1350 through the 
1500s 
•Period of great 
creativity that began 
in Italy
World Geography 
Chapter 12 
Main Idea 2: Religion and local traditions have helped shape Italy’s culture. 
• Most people in Italy belong to the Roman Catholic Church. 
• The pope, the spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church, lives in 
Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 
Next 
Previous 
Vatican City, an independent state located within the city of Rome.
World Geography 
Chapter 12 
Italian Culture 
Food 
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Previous 
Art 
• Olives, tomatoes, rice, and pasta are common. 
• Recipes vary widely from region to region. 
• For example, in the south people often serve pasta with tomato sauces, 
while in the north they serve creamier sauces. 
• Italy has been known as a center of the arts for centuries. 
• Italy has been home to some of the world’s greatest painters, 
sculptors, authors, composers, fashion designers, and filmmakers.
World Geography 
Chapter 12 
A Main Idea 3: Italy today has two distinct economic regions—northern Italy and 
southern Italy. 
Northern Italy 
•Strong economy 
•Tourists visit many 
northern cities, such as 
Florence, Pisa, and Venice. 
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Previous 
Southern Italy 
•Poorer than the north 
•Depends heavily on agriculture 
•Tourists visit the region’s 
beaches and ruins. 
Italy’s capital is Rome
World Geography 
Chapter 12 
Spain and Portugal 
The Big Idea 
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Next 
Previous 
Spain and Portugal have rich cultures, stable governments, and growing economies. 
Main Ideas 
•Over the centuries, Spain and Portugal have been part of many large and powerful empires. 
•The cultures of Spain and Portugal reflect their long histories. 
•Having been both rich and poor in the past, Spain and Portugal today have growing economies.
World Geography 
Chapter 12 
Main Idea 2: The cultures of Spain and Portugal reflect their long histories. 
Language 
Religion 
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Previous 
• Most people speak Spanish or Portuguese. 
•Most people in Iberia are Roman Catholic. 
•People gather to celebrate Christian holidays and saints’ 
festivals.
World Geography 
Chapter 12 
Main Idea 3: Having been both rich and poor in the past, Spain and Portugal today 
have growing economies. 
• Spain and Portugal were once the wealthiest 
countries in Europe, thanks to gold and silver 
from the Americas. 
• The economies of Spain and Portugal are 
growing rapidly, largely because of new 
industries such as tourism. 
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Next 
Previous
World Geography 
Chapter 12 
Spain and Portugal Today 
Spain 
• Spain’s government is a 
parliamentary monarchy, 
which means it is ruled by a 
king with the help of an 
elected parliament. 
• Manufacturing is a major 
economic activity. 
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Previous 
Portugal 
• Portugal is a republic with 
elected leaders. 
• Lisbon, the capital and 
largest city, is an industrial 
center. 
• Portuguese farmers are 
famous for growing grapes 
and cork.

Ch.12 southern europe

  • 1.
    Next World Geography Chapter 12 Physical Geography The Big Idea The peninsulas of Southern Europe have rocky terrains and sunny, mild climates. Main Ideas •Southern Europe’s physical features include rugged mountains and narrow coastal plains. •The region’s climate and resources support such industries as agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
  • 2.
    World Geography Chapter12 Main Idea 1: Southern Europe’s physical features include rugged mountains and narrow coastal plains. • Southern Europe is largely made up of three Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Next Previous large peninsulas. — Iberian Peninsula — Italian Peninsula —Balkan Peninsula
  • 3.
    World Geography Chapter12 Features of Southern Europe Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Next Previous • Seas — Mediterranean — Adriatic — Aegean — Ionian • Few large rivers — Tagus — Po Landforms • Rugged mountain ranges — Pyrenees — Apennines — Alps — Pindus • Islands • Coastal plains • River valley plains Water Features
  • 4.
    World Geography Chapter12 Main Idea 2: The region’s climate and resources support such industries as agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Southern Europe is famous for its pleasant climate. Most of the region enjoys warm, sunny days and mild nights for most of the year. Little rain falls during the summer, but rain is more common in the winter. Geographers call the type of climate found in Southern Europe a Mediterranean climate. Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Next Previous
  • 5.
    World Geography Chapter12 Industries of Southern Europe Agriculture Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Next Previous • The Mediterranean climate is ideal for growing many types of crops. • Farmers plant citrus fruits, grapes, olives, wheat, and many other products. Fishing • The seas of Southern Europe are full of various types of fish and shellfish. • Fishing is a profitable industry. Tourism • Millions of tourists visit Southern Europe each year because of its mild climate. • Sunny beaches and breathtaking scenery are also tourist attractions.
  • 6.
    World Geography Chapter12 Greece The Big Idea Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Next Previous The home of one of the Western world’s oldest civilizations, Greece is trying to reclaim its place as a leading country in Europe. Main Ideas •Early in its history, Greece was the home of a great civilization, but it was later ruled by foreign powers. •The Greek language, the Orthodox Church, and varied customs have helped shape Greece’s culture. •In Greece today, many people are looking for new economic opportunities.
  • 7.
    World Geography Chapter12 Main Idea 2: The Greek language, the Orthodox Church, and varied customs have helped shape Greece’s culture. Language Religion • Most people belong to the Orthodox Church, a branch of Christianity that dates back to the Byzantine Empire. • Religion is very important to most people. • Greek cuisine uses local ingredients such as lamb and olives • Family is central to Greek culture. Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Next Previous • Greek language • One of the oldest languages spoken in Europe Customs
  • 8.
    World Geography Chapter12 Main Idea 3: In Greece today, many people are looking for new economic opportunities. Life in Urban Greece • About three-fifths of Greece’s population lives in cities. • Athens, the capital, is the largest city. One-third of all people in Greece live there. Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Next Previous Life in Rural Greece • Many people live in isolated mountain villages, as Greeks have for thousands of years. • Rural Greeks grow crops and raise sheep and goats.
  • 9.
    World Geography Chapter12 The Greek Economy • Greece’s economy is growing rapidly, but the country faces some Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Next Previous challenges to further economic growth. — Few mineral resources — Relatively little farmland • Greece’s shipping industry is one of the world’s most successful. • Tourism is another major industry. — Millions of people visit Greece each year. — Tourist attractions include ancient ruins, beaches, and islands.
  • 10.
    World Geography Chapter12 Italy The Big Idea Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Next Previous Once the center of a huge empire, Italy is now one of the most prosperous countries in Europe. Main Ideas •Italian history can be divided into three periods: ancient Rome, the Renaissance, and unified Italy. •Religion and local traditions have helped shape Italy’s culture. •Italy today has two distinct economic regions—northern Italy and southern Italy.
  • 11.
    World Geography Chapter12 Main Idea 1: Italian history can be divided into three periods: ancient Rome, the Renaissance, and unified Italy. Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Next Previous Ancient Rome •Founded in the 700s BC •Formed empire that stretched from Britain to the Persian Gulf •Famous for great art, literature, and political ideas Renaissance •Lasted from about 1350 through the 1500s •Period of great creativity that began in Italy
  • 12.
    World Geography Chapter12 Main Idea 2: Religion and local traditions have helped shape Italy’s culture. • Most people in Italy belong to the Roman Catholic Church. • The pope, the spiritual head of the Roman Catholic Church, lives in Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Next Previous Vatican City, an independent state located within the city of Rome.
  • 13.
    World Geography Chapter12 Italian Culture Food Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Next Previous Art • Olives, tomatoes, rice, and pasta are common. • Recipes vary widely from region to region. • For example, in the south people often serve pasta with tomato sauces, while in the north they serve creamier sauces. • Italy has been known as a center of the arts for centuries. • Italy has been home to some of the world’s greatest painters, sculptors, authors, composers, fashion designers, and filmmakers.
  • 14.
    World Geography Chapter12 A Main Idea 3: Italy today has two distinct economic regions—northern Italy and southern Italy. Northern Italy •Strong economy •Tourists visit many northern cities, such as Florence, Pisa, and Venice. Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Next Previous Southern Italy •Poorer than the north •Depends heavily on agriculture •Tourists visit the region’s beaches and ruins. Italy’s capital is Rome
  • 15.
    World Geography Chapter12 Spain and Portugal The Big Idea Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Next Previous Spain and Portugal have rich cultures, stable governments, and growing economies. Main Ideas •Over the centuries, Spain and Portugal have been part of many large and powerful empires. •The cultures of Spain and Portugal reflect their long histories. •Having been both rich and poor in the past, Spain and Portugal today have growing economies.
  • 16.
    World Geography Chapter12 Main Idea 2: The cultures of Spain and Portugal reflect their long histories. Language Religion Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Next Previous • Most people speak Spanish or Portuguese. •Most people in Iberia are Roman Catholic. •People gather to celebrate Christian holidays and saints’ festivals.
  • 17.
    World Geography Chapter12 Main Idea 3: Having been both rich and poor in the past, Spain and Portugal today have growing economies. • Spain and Portugal were once the wealthiest countries in Europe, thanks to gold and silver from the Americas. • The economies of Spain and Portugal are growing rapidly, largely because of new industries such as tourism. Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Next Previous
  • 18.
    World Geography Chapter12 Spain and Portugal Today Spain • Spain’s government is a parliamentary monarchy, which means it is ruled by a king with the help of an elected parliament. • Manufacturing is a major economic activity. Copyright © by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company Next Previous Portugal • Portugal is a republic with elected leaders. • Lisbon, the capital and largest city, is an industrial center. • Portuguese farmers are famous for growing grapes and cork.