Why Greece Belongs to Southern Europe: Cultural and Geographical Perspectives
When discussing the categorization of countries, one common misconception is that Greece is often mistakenly labeled as Eastern Europe. This article will address why Greece is considered a Southern European nation and explore the cultural and geographical reasons behind this classification.
Cultural and Historical Influences
The term Eastern Europe is not based strictly on geographical boundaries but often includes the countries that were influenced by the Soviet Union during the Cold War era, collectively known as the Eastern Bloc. Greece, on the other hand, was a part of the Western world, avoiding the influence of the USSR. Additionally, many Mediterranean countries share a cultural heritage rooted in the Roman Empire, making them part of Southern Europe.
Greece, despite not being a Latin-speaking country, fits within the broader category of Southern Europe due to its geographical and cultural affinities. Its rich history as a former conqueror and conqueree, its geographical location between the West and the East, and its strong connection to the Mediterranean Sea are significant factors in this categorization.
Geographical and Political Factors
Geographically speaking, the Mediterranean region is divided into the North and South. Greece is situated at the southernmost part of the Balkans, adjacent to the Aegean Sea. This geographical position provides a natural link to the broader Mediterranean region, sharing numerous cultural, economic, and historical ties with other Mediterranean countries such as Turkey, Cyprus, Italy, and Egypt.
The historical context further solidifies Greece's classification as Southern Europe. During World War II and the Cold War, Greece was not part of the Eastern Bloc, maintaining a Western alliance and alignment. This political stance, combined with its geographical placement, further reinforces its classification within the Southern European nations.
West Versus East in Europe
Europe is traditionally divided into the West and the East, with the political and cultural divide being more pronounced than the North-South division. However, the North-South division is equally important and should not be overlooked. Greece, situated at the southernmost point of the Balkans and the broader Mediterranean region, inherently belongs to the Southern part of Europe.
Several key points help to cement Greece's classification as a Southern European nation:
Greece's southernmost coordinates are more south than those of Gibraltar, making it clear that it is a Southern European country. Although Cyprus, Crete, and the Eastern Aegean Islands are often debated, Greece itself is definitively part of Southern Europe based on its geographical and cultural ties. Corfu, located at the eastern entrance of the Adriatic, is also sometimes considered part of the Balkans, but this is a contested claim. Greece, however, is a clear point of reference for Southern Europe.Conclusion
Despite the occasional misclassification, Greece is firmly rooted in the Southern European cultural and geographical context. Its rich history, geographical position, and strong ties to other Mediterranean nations all contribute to its classification as a Southern European country. Understanding these factors sheds light on why Greece is considered Southern Europe and not Eastern Europe.