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=Many countries make up the Mediterranean Region of Southern Europe, but our study will focus on the commonalities shared by all the nations and the 4 major countries in the region and their cuisines.=

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The Southern Region of Europe consists primarily of 3 peninsulas and the islands that surround them.

1. Spain and Portugal are located on the Iberian (eye-BIR-e-uhn) Peninsula, in close proximity to the continent of Africa. 2. Italy occupies the second peninsula and looks like a boot about to kick the ball - an island at the tip of "the boot" which is a region of Italy known as Sicily. 3. Greece is located on the third peninsula which is known as the Balkan Peninsula. Greece also consists of over 2,000 islands surrounding this peninsula.

The climate of the region is much warmer than that of Western, Northern and Eastern Europe. The warmer weather means the people here traditionally have eaten a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. The region is surrounded by water, which means the diet is also rich in seafood. Olives grow abundantly here and are a major part of the diet, olive oil is the primary source of fat used in cooking.
 * Climate**

Parts of the region are very mountainous with poor soil. The climate is mild with dry summers.

The uniqueness of the cuisine lies in the preparation methods for the foods that are eaten here.
 * Cuisine**

This region was a major trade point in the days of water travel and was influenced by the many traders and nations that conquered and settled in different portions of the region.