I’ve been guiding travelers on Balkan tours for over twenty years, and if there’s one question that always comes up, it’s this one. People hear “the Balkans” and picture a single, mysterious place. But the reality is a mosaic of fiercely independent nations, each with its own soul. The list of countries isn’t as simple as it seems, and the “official” answer often depends on who you ask—a geographer, a historian, or a traveler.
Let’s cut through the confusion.
The Quick Answer: Which Countries Are in the Balkans?
Geographically, there are 10 countries primarily considered to be in the Balkans. This list includes nations either fully or mostly within the Balkan Peninsula.
The core countries are:
- Albania
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Kosovo
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Greece
- Serbia
- Croatia
- Slovenia
However, parts of Romania and Turkey are also on the peninsula, making the complete list even more nuanced.
The Definitive List of Balkan Countries: A Detailed Breakdown
A common mistake is thinking the Balkans are the same as “Former Yugoslavia.” That’s only part of the story. From a traveler’s perspective, the region’s heart is a blend of Slavic, Greek, Albanian, and Turkish influences. Here’s how we at Balkland break down the list when crafting our Balkan tour packages from the USA.
Countries Entirely Within the Balkan Peninsula
These nations are geographically and culturally the core of the Balkans. Their entire landmass falls within the peninsula.
- Albania: A unique country with its own language family, incredible coastlines, and a history of resilience.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: The meeting point of East and West, where mosques and churches share city skylines. Its history is palpable.
- Bulgaria: The country that gives the region its name (from the Balkan Mountains). Rich in ancient Thracian and Roman history.
- Kosovo: Europe’s youngest country, full of vibrant, youthful energy and a complex, recent history.
- Montenegro: A land of dramatic black mountains that crash into the stunning Bay of Kotor on the Adriatic coast.
- North Macedonia: A cultural crossroads in the heart of the peninsula, famous for its deep lakes and ancient bazaars.
- Greece: The historic southern anchor of the Balkans, whose ancient civilization shaped the entire Western world.
Countries with Significant Territory in the Balkans
These nations have a strong Balkan identity and history, but parts of their territory lie outside the strict geographical definition of the peninsula.
- Croatia: While it often identifies as “Mediterranean” or “Central European,” its long, beautiful Adriatic coast is firmly on the Balkan Peninsula.
- Serbia: The northern part (Vojvodina) is in the Pannonian Plain, but the nation’s historical and cultural heartland is undeniably Balkan.
- Slovenia: A small but significant portion of Slovenia is on the peninsula. It acts as a beautiful bridge between the Balkans and the Alps.
- Romania: Only the small region of Northern Dobruja is technically in the Balkans, but its history is deeply intertwined with its Balkan neighbors.
- Turkey: The region of East Thrace, which includes the European side of Istanbul, is the southeastern edge of the Balkan Peninsula.
“The List is Just a Starting Point…”
In my two decades of experience, I’ve learned that the ‘Balkan spirit’ doesn’t really care about the strict lines on a map. There’s a shared history—a cultural DNA shaped by the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Austro-Hungarians—that you can feel from the coast of Croatia to the mountains of Bulgaria.
The political and cultural boundaries of Southeastern Europe are fluid. The most rewarding travel experiences come from understanding these connections. That’s why the best Balkan tours focus on these shared cultural threads, telling a story that a simple list of countries never could.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Romania a Balkan country?
Partially. Geographically, only a small part of it is on the peninsula. Culturally and linguistically, it’s more distinct (a Romance language). However, due to its history with the Ottoman Empire and its location, it’s often included in broader discussions of the region.
What about Slovenia and Croatia? Do they consider themselves Balkan?
This is a sensitive topic. Politically and culturally, both nations often identify more with Central Europe or the Mediterranean. This is partly to distance themselves from the negative stereotypes associated with the term “Balkans” that arose from the conflicts of the 1990s. However, geographically, both are undeniably part of the peninsula.
So, how many countries are in the Balkans?
There’s no single magic number. For travel purposes, most people refer to the 10-12 core countries listed above. The answer changes depending on whether your definition is purely geographic, cultural, or political.