European Peninsulas and Their Nations: Portugal, Spain, and Beyond

Europe, a diverse continent with a long history of human settlement, spans 3.9 million square miles and is home to more than 741 million people. People often consider it a subcontinent of the vast Eurasian landmass, and it’s divided into distinct regions based on cultural, political, economic, and geographical factors. Among these divisions, Europe features five significant peninsulas: the Balkan, Iberian, Apennine, Scandinavian, and Fennoscandian peninsulas.

The Balkan Peninsula

Situated in southeastern Europe, the Balkan Peninsula is bordered by the Black Sea to the east, Aegean Sea to the south, Ionian Sea to the southwest, and Adriatic Sea to the northwest. It includes Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Albania, and Serbia. The name “Balkan” has evolved beyond a geographic descriptor, particularly due to historical events like the formation of Yugoslavia after World War I and its breakup in the 1990s. The region’s landscape features rugged mountain ranges, lush forests, and rich biodiversity. Musala Mountain, at 9,596 feet in Bulgaria’s Rila range, is the peninsula’s highest peak. While deforestation has impacted parts of the region, some forested areas remain, contributing to its diverse ecosystem.

• Balkans
• The Balkans and Why We Study Them
• The Balkans Before, During, and After World War I
• The Balkan Conflicts
• Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Balkanization

The Iberian Peninsula

The Iberian Peninsula is located in southwestern Europe, and it is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and Mediterranean Sea to the east. It includes Spain, Andorra, Portugal, and a portion of France, covering 225,000 square miles, which makes it Europe’s second-largest peninsula. The region thrives on tourism, fishing, and mining. The peninsula’s terrain features mountain ranges like the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada. Its highest peak, Mulhacén, stands at 11,411 feet. The Tagus River, the longest in the region, stretches 626 miles before emptying into the Atlantic.

• Art and History of the Iberian Peninsula, 1400-1600 A.D.
• The Iberian Peninsula
• The History of the Iberians
• Geography of Spain
• About Portugal and its Geography
• Guide to Portuguese Visas

The Apennine (Italian) Peninsula

The Apennine Peninsula, also called the Italian Peninsula, is bordered by the Adriatic, Ionian, and Tyrrhenian seas. It spans 50,709 square miles and includes Italy, San Marino, and Vatican City. Some definitions also include the islands of Sicily and Elba. The Magra River marks its northern boundary. The region is a major economic hub, with strengths in wine production, manufacturing, and technology. This peninsula is home to more than 60 million people, and it combines ancient history with modern innovation against a backdrop of coastal beauty and rolling hills.

• Ecology of the Italian Peninsula and Islands
• The Italian Peninsula’s Geographical Features
• How Geography Divided Italy for 1,302 Years
• Italian Geography and Physical Features
• Profile of San Marino

The Scandinavian Peninsula

Europe’s largest peninsula, the Scandinavian Peninsula, stretches 1,150 miles across the continent’s northern regions. It includes Norway, Sweden, part of Finland, as well as a small section of Russia. It is bordered by the Norwegian, Baltic, Barents, and North seas. Mountains dominate the landscape, with Galdhopiggen rising to 8,100 feet. The peninsula experiences a wide range of climates, from marine conditions in the west to subarctic temperatures in the far north. A quarter of the region lies within the Arctic Circle. Rich in natural resources such as timber, fish, and minerals, it also supports agriculture in its southern zones.

• Earth From Space: The Snow-Capped Scandinavian Peninsula
• Where Is Scandinavia?
• Scandinavian Peninsula
• Which Countries Are Part of Scandinavia?
• Introduction to the Scandinavian Countries

The Fennoscandian Peninsula

The Fennoscandian Peninsula is located in the northern region of Europe, and it includes parts of the Scandinavian Peninsula and Russia’s Kola Peninsula. Its name combines “Scandia” (Scandinavia) and “Fennia” (Finland), reflecting its geographic diversity. The region includes Sweden, Norway, Finland, and sections of Russia, including Karelia, a territory that’s divided between Russia and Finland. Bordered by the Norwegian, Baltic, and Barents seas, the Fennoscandian Peninsula is known for its natural beauty and abundant resources. The region was first given this name in the late 19th century, and it remains a key part of Europe’s geographic and cultural landscape.

• Where Is the Southern Boundary of Fennoscandia?
• The Green Belt of Fennoscandia
• The Kola Peninsula
• Kola Peninsula Tundra

Additional Information on European Geography

• The Geography of Europe
• Everything You Need to Know About the Geography of Europe
• Seven Natural Wonders of Europe
• Explore Europe’s 30 Most Astonishing Natural Wonders
• Physical Geography of Europe
• The Geological and Tectonic Framework of Europe
• How to Get Portuguese Citizenship by Descent
• The Source of Europe’s Mild Climate
• Portugal Passport Requirements
• Europe: Identifying the Boundaries
• Earthquakes in Europe
• Most Beautiful Natural Landscapes
• Investing in Portugal to Gain Citizenship