Balkan states

The Balkan states are countries located in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, and parts of Turkey. Historically diverse, they share a complex mix of cultures, languages, and religions, shaped by a turbulent history of empires, conflicts, and political changes. Today, they are a mix of developing nations and members of international organizations like NATO and the EU, working toward stability, economic development, and regional cooperation. The term "Balkan" often highlights their shared geography and intertwined histories rather than strict political boundaries.