The Balkan Peninsula is a region in Southeast Europe, bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the west, the Ionian Sea to the southwest, and the Aegean Sea to the southeast. It includes several countries, such as Greece, Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Croatia. The peninsula is known for its diverse cultures, languages, and histories. Geographically, the Balkan Peninsula is characterized by mountainous terrain, with the Balkan Mountains running through the center. The region has a rich history influenced by various civilizations, including the Ottoman Empire and the Roman Empire. Its strategic location has made it a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange throughout the centuries.