Introduction to the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean Sea is surrounded by the European continent to the north, the African continent to the south and the Asian continent to the east, and is connected to the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar to the west. It is about 4,000 kilometers long from east to west, and the widest part in the north to south is about 1,800 kilometers, with an area of about 2.512 million square kilometers. It is the largest continental sea in the world.

Climate Characteristics

The Mediterranean Sea is a typical Mediterranean climate region. It is dry, hot and rainy in summer, and warm and humid in winter. This climate makes the surrounding rivers full of rain in winter and dry and depleted in summer. The annual precipitation is 300-1,000 mm.

Natural Resources

The plants along the Mediterranean coast are mainly evergreen shrubs, with hard leaves and waxy leaves. They are drought-resistant to adapt to the dry and hot climate in summer. This is the main subtropical fruit producing area in Europe, rich in citrus, figs and grapes, and the woody oil crop olive oil.

Coastal Countries

Europe: Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece.

Asia: Türkiye, Cyprus, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine.

Africa: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco.

Transportation status

The Mediterranean occupies an important position in transportation and strategy. It can connect to the Atlantic Ocean through the Strait of Gibraltar in the west, connect to the Black Sea through the Turkish Strait in the northeast, and exit the Red Sea through the Suez Canal in the southeast to reach the Indian Ocean. It is an important channel between the three continents of Europe, Asia and Africa.

Food Culture

Mediterranean cuisine refers to the delicious food species of European countries located along the Mediterranean coast, such as Greece, Spain, southern France and Italy. Seafood is its theme, plus healthy olive oil, refreshing fruits and vegetables, thick fermented cheese, mellow wine, etc., with endless flavor.