where are the balkans

The Balkans, also known as the Balkan Peninsula, is a region in Southeastern Europe. It is generally located between the Adriatic Sea to the west, the Mediterranean Sea (including the Ionian and Aegean Seas) to the south, and the Black Sea to the east. The broader region includes countries such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, and parts of Turkey. The northern border is less well defined but often considered to run along the rivers Danube and Sava, with some debate about inclusion of parts of Slovenia and Romania. The region is known for its rich cultural diversity and complex history, influenced by various empires and peoples over centuries. It is situated in southeastern Europe, constituting a bridge between Europe and Asia in terms of geography and culture.