The Balkans, commonly known as the “Balkan Peninsula,” is located in Southeastern Europe. It is a region with diverse cultures and a rich history. The unique blend of cultures, languages, and historical events makes it an alluring destination for tourists and historians alike.
The Balkan Countries
The countries on the Balkan Peninsula include Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. These countries have preserved much of the history and culture of Southeastern Europe, making them key to understanding the region.
Geography of the Balkans
The Balkan Peninsula is bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the west, with Italy lying just across the water. To the south, it nears the Ionian Sea. To the north, it connects with Austria, Hungary, and Ukraine, while to the east, it faces the Black Sea. To the south, Greece and Turkey share borders with the peninsula. 
Mountains are a dominant feature of the region, including the Balkan Mountains that cross Bulgaria and form a natural dividing line. Greece is also home to the Pindus Mountains, and the Dinaric Alps stretch along the Adriatic coast.
The peninsula occupies a strategic position in Southeastern Europe, acting as a bridge between Central Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. This geographical location made it a crossroads of civilizations, once home to the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and the Ottoman Empire.
The 10 Countries of the Balkans
While there is no official list of Balkan countries, these ten are widely regarded as part of the region:
1. Albania
Located in the southwestern part of the Balkan Peninsula, Albania lies along the Adriatic Sea. With a population of about 2.8 million, Albania has a rich history influenced by the Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. It is known for its stunning natural scenery, including its beautiful coastline and the Albanian Alps.
2. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina, situated northwest of Albania, has a population of around 3.2 million. The country is known for its cultural diversity, blending Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs. Sarajevo, the capital, is famous for its historical significance and vibrant cultural life, playing a key role during the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.
3. Bulgaria
With a population of about 6.6 million, Bulgaria is located in the southeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. The Balkan Mountains running through the country significantly influence its climate. During the medieval period, Bulgaria saw the rise of two powerful Bulgarian Empires.
4. Croatia
With a population of under 4 million, Croatia is located on the western edge of the Balkans along the Adriatic Sea. Known for its beautiful coastline, historical cities like Dubrovnik, and numerous islands, it is a popular tourist destination. In the 19th and 20th centuries, many Croatians migrated to Southern California.
5. Kosovo
Kosovo is one of the newest countries in the Balkans, with a population of around 1.7 million. In the 1990s, Kosovo became a flashpoint in the breakup of Yugoslavia, leading to severe conflict with Serbia. A humanitarian crisis and ethnic cleansing prompted NATO’s intervention in 1999, paving the way for its independence in 2008.
6. Montenegro
With a population of around 600,000, Montenegro features rugged mountains, medieval villages, and narrow beaches along the Adriatic Sea. Kotor Bay is one of the country’s most famous attractions and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
7. North Macedonia
North Macedonia, with a population of around 2.1 million, is a landlocked country with a rich history dating back to the ancient Kingdom of Paeonia and the Macedonian Empire of Alexander the Great.
8. Romania
Located in the northeastern Balkans, Romania is known for its forests and the Transylvania region, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. It is famous for its medieval castles, including Bran Castle, the origin of the Dracula legend. Despite being in the center of the Balkans, Romania is a gateway to Eastern Europe.
9. Serbia
From its vibrant capital, Belgrade, to the historic Kalemegdan Fortress overlooking the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers, Serbia is a must-visit Balkan country. Serbia offers a rich mix of festivals, food, monasteries, and fortresses, reflecting both Eastern and Western European cultures.
10. Slovenia
Slovenia, located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, is known for its mountains, ski resorts, and lakes. It is one of the newest EU members, with a developed economy and is the birthplace of contemporary philosopher Slavoj Žižek.
Natural Features of the Balkans
Stretching from the Adriatic Sea to the Black Sea, the Balkans is a region rich in diverse geography that has made it a focal point of political conflict for centuries.
Mountains: Natural Dividers
The name “Balkan” comes from the Turkish word for “mountain,” emphasizing the role mountains play in the region. The Balkan Mountains influence the climate—warm summers and cold winters in the north, and hot summers with rainy winters in the south. These mountains form natural boundaries and have historically been key cultural and political markers.
Rivers
The Danube River, Sava River, and Drava River are essential for transportation, trade, and agriculture in the region. The Danube flows through multiple Balkan countries, connecting Central Europe to the Black Sea.
Glacial Landscapes
The Balkans have glacial landscapes shaped by ice age glaciers, including mountains, valleys, and lakes. The Rila Mountains and Pirin Mountains in Bulgaria and the Durmitor Mountains in Montenegro are popular for hiking and nature lovers.
History of the Balkans
Humans have inhabited the Balkans since the Neolithic period. Early tribes such as the Illyrians and Thracians thrived in the region. The Thracians were known for their metalwork and horsemanship, interacting with the Greeks and developing cults around Dionysus and Orpheus. The Illyrians, due to their mountainous terrain, maintained a unique culture.
The Balkans have a complex and turbulent history, shaped by the Ottoman Empire, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and the Soviet Union. During WWII, it was a major battleground with important resistance movements. In the 1990s, the breakup of Yugoslavia resulted in conflicts and the creation of new independent nations like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Kosovo.
Culture and Society
The culture and society of the Western Balkans are known for their strong community ties. Historically, the region has experienced significant migration, with people moving between villages and towns for work and family reasons. Social systems often include extended family structures and patriarchal traditions that continue to shape daily life.
The region’s cultural heritage is rich, influenced by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. This diversity is reflected in languages, religions, and customs. The festivals, music, dance, and food of the Balkans showcase its historical depth and cultural complexity. While many Western Balkan countries are now members of the European Union, some other Southeastern European countries still maintain their sovereignty.
Tourism
A Balkan tour typically covers five former Yugoslav countries: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Slovenia. The tour offers a comprehensive view of the region’s history, culture, and natural beauty, including visits to major cities, national parks, and cultural landmarks like Dubrovnik, Mostar, and Plitvice Lakes.
You can also visit the ancient city of Ohrid in North Macedonia (known for its stunning lake and historical significance) and the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia, where breathtaking views and charming towns await. The Rila Mountains and Pirin Mountains in Bulgaria are perfect destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
