Southeast Europe Countries

Southeast Europe, also known as the Balkans, is a region in Europe situated at the crossroads of East and West, characterized by diverse cultures, histories, and landscapes. It includes 11 countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia.

Albania

Country Overview:

Albania, located in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 28,748 square kilometers. It is bordered by Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece. Albania is famous for its stunning Adriatic and Ionian coastline, ancient ruins such as Butrint and Apollonia, and its rich cultural heritage. The country offers picturesque landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and lakes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1912 (from the Ottoman Empire)
  • Population: Approximately 2.9 million
  • Capital City: Tirana
  • Language: Albanian
  • Currency: Albanian Lek (ALL)
  • Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
  • Country Area Code: +355
  • Top-Level Domain: .al
  • ISO Country Codes: AL, ALB

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Country Overview:

Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in Southeast Europe, covers an area of approximately 51,197 square kilometers. It is bordered by Croatia, Serbia, and Montenegro. Bosnia and Herzegovina is famous for its diverse cultural heritage, including Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Slavic influences. The country offers stunning natural landscapes, including the picturesque Dinaric Alps, the Neretva River, and the historic city of Mostar with its iconic Stari Most bridge.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1992 (from Yugoslavia)
  • Population: Approximately 3.3 million
  • Capital City: Sarajevo
  • Language: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian
  • Currency: Bosnia and Herzegovina Convertible Mark (BAM)
  • Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
  • Country Area Code: +387
  • Top-Level Domain: .ba
  • ISO Country Codes: BA, BIH

Bulgaria

Country Overview:

Bulgaria, situated in Southeast Europe on the eastern Balkan Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 110,994 square kilometers. It is bordered by Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey. Bulgaria is famous for its diverse landscapes, including the Black Sea coast, the Balkan Mountains, and the Danube Plain. The country boasts a rich history, with ancient Thracian, Greek, Roman, and Ottoman influences evident in its archaeological sites and cultural heritage.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1908 (from the Ottoman Empire)
  • Population: Approximately 6.9 million
  • Capital City: Sofia
  • Language: Bulgarian
  • Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
  • Time Zone: EET (GMT+2)
  • Country Area Code: +359
  • Top-Level Domain: .bg
  • ISO Country Codes: BG, BGR

Croatia

Country Overview:

Croatia, located in Southeast Europe on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, covers an area of approximately 56,594 square kilometers. It is bordered by Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Croatia is famous for its stunning coastline, dotted with over a thousand islands, historic cities such as Dubrovnik and Split, and its rich cultural heritage. The country offers diverse attractions, including medieval castles, national parks like Plitvice Lakes, and vibrant festivals celebrating music, arts, and food.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1991 (from Yugoslavia)
  • Population: Approximately 4.1 million
  • Capital City: Zagreb
  • Language: Croatian
  • Currency: Croatian Kuna (HRK)
  • Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
  • Country Area Code: +385
  • Top-Level Domain: .hr
  • ISO Country Codes: HR, HRV

Greece

Country Overview:

Greece, located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa in Southeast Europe, covers an area of approximately 131,957 square kilometers. It is bordered by Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Greece is famous for its ancient history, including landmarks such as the Acropolis in Athens, the birthplace of democracy, and the archaeological sites of Delphi and Olympia. The country offers stunning natural beauty, with picturesque islands, sandy beaches, and rugged mountains.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1821 (from the Ottoman Empire)
  • Population: Approximately 10.4 million
  • Capital City: Athens
  • Language: Greek
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Time Zone: EET (GMT+2)
  • Country Area Code: +30
  • Top-Level Domain: .gr
  • ISO Country Codes: GR, GRC

Kosovo

Country Overview:

Kosovo, located in Southeast Europe, covers an area of approximately 10,887 square kilometers. It is bordered by Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia. Kosovo is famous for its cultural heritage, including medieval monasteries, Ottoman-era architecture, and traditional music and dance. The country offers stunning natural landscapes, including the Rugova Valley and Shar Mountains, as well as vibrant cities like Pristina and Prizren.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 2008 (from Serbia)
  • Population: Approximately 1.8 million
  • Capital City: Pristina
  • Language: Albanian, Serbian
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
  • Country Area Code: +383
  • Top-Level Domain: .xk
  • ISO Country Codes: XK, XKX

Montenegro

Country Overview:

Montenegro, situated in Southeast Europe on the Adriatic coast, covers an area of approximately 13,812 square kilometers. It is bordered by Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania. Montenegro is famous for its stunning coastline, picturesque fjords, and medieval towns such as Kotor and Budva. The country offers diverse natural landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and rivers, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities and cultural tourism.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 2006 (from Serbia and Montenegro)
  • Population: Approximately 622,359
  • Capital City: Podgorica
  • Language: Montenegrin
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
  • Country Area Code: +382
  • Top-Level Domain: .me
  • ISO Country Codes: ME, MNE

North Macedonia

Country Overview:

North Macedonia, located in Southeast Europe, covers an area of approximately 25,713 square kilometers. It is bordered by Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania. North Macedonia is famous for its rich cultural heritage, including ancient archaeological sites such as Heraclea Lyncestis and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ohrid. The country offers picturesque landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and valleys, and is known for its warm hospitality and delicious cuisine.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1991 (from Yugoslavia)
  • Population: Approximately 2.1 million
  • Capital City: Skopje
  • Language: Macedonian
  • Currency: Macedonian Denar (MKD)
  • Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
  • Country Area Code: +389
  • Top-Level Domain: .mk
  • ISO Country Codes: MK, MKD

Romania

Country Overview:

Romania, situated in Southeast Europe on the eastern edge of the Balkan Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 238,397 square kilometers. It is bordered by Ukraine, Moldova, Hungary, Serbia, and Bulgaria. Romania is famous for its stunning landscapes, including the Carpathian Mountains, the Danube Delta, and medieval towns such as Brasov and Sighisoara. The country is known for its rich history, diverse cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine, influenced by its Roman, Ottoman, and Hungarian roots.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1877 (from the Ottoman Empire)
  • Population: Approximately 19.1 million
  • Capital City: Bucharest
  • Language: Romanian
  • Currency: Romanian Leu (RON)
  • Time Zone: EET (GMT+2)
  • Country Area Code: +40
  • Top-Level Domain: .ro
  • ISO Country Codes: RO, ROU

Serbia

Country Overview:

Serbia, located in Southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, covers an area of approximately 77,474 square kilometers. It is bordered by Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. Serbia is famous for its rich history, including medieval monasteries, fortresses, and the ancient city of Belgrade. The country offers diverse landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and fertile plains, as well as vibrant cultural festivals and delicious cuisine.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1878 (from the Ottoman Empire)
  • Population: Approximately 6.9 million
  • Capital City: Belgrade
  • Language: Serbian
  • Currency: Serbian Dinar (RSD)
  • Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
  • Country Area Code: +381
  • Top-Level Domain: .rs
  • ISO Country Codes: RS, SRB

Slovenia

Country Overview:

Slovenia, situated in Southeast Europe at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covers an area of approximately 20,273 square kilometers. It is bordered by Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. Slovenia is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Julian Alps, the beautiful Lake Bled, and the underground caves of Postojna. The country offers a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Slavic, Germanic, and Mediterranean cultures, as well as delicious cuisine and world-class wines.

Country Facts:

  • Year of Independence: 1991 (from Yugoslavia)
  • Population: Approximately 2.1 million
  • Capital City: Ljubljana
  • Language: Slovenian
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Time Zone: CET (GMT+1)
  • Country Area Code: +386
  • Top-Level Domain: .si
  • ISO Country Codes: SI, SVN