Expert: Masha Petrova - 1/20/2002

Question
Why is the region called the Balkan region?
What are the countries in the Balkan region?

Answer
Balkan is a word that means a complex grouping or several things compacted together... just as the nations are.

As for countries, some people have varying ideas but the most commonly held view of "balkan" nations are: Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Romania, and sometimes they throw Greece in as well.

I hope that helps.

thanks,
Masha