The Balkan States: A Definitive List

The **Balkan States** (or **Balkans**) comprise the following countries, located on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe:

1. Albania
2. Bosnia and Herzegovina
3. Bulgaria
4. Croatia
5. Greece
6. Kosovo (partially recognized)
7. Montenegro
8. North Macedonia
9. Romania (often included; mostly north of Danube)
10. Serbia
11. Slovenia (northern fringe)
12. Turkey (European part / East Thrace — 3% of land, 15% of pop)

Notes

• Geographic vs. Political: The peninsula's northern boundary is debated (Danube–Sava–Kupa line vs. Julian Alps). Slovenia, Romania, and Turkey (Thrace) are sometimes excluded in strict geographic definitions but included politically/historically.
• Former Yugoslavia: Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo.
• EU/NATO: Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Greece, Romania are EU/NATO. Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania in NATO; candidates for EU. Bosnia, Kosovo, Serbia candidates/potential. Turkey NATO, EU candidate (frozen).