The Mediterranean Sea has long been considered a focal point of regional development and prosperity. The countries that border the Mediterranean make up what can be termed an interconnected community of cultures and economies, with the sea at its center. As the millennia pass, the question remains: which countries border the Mediterranean Sea?
One of the first countries to rise to prominence as a regional power was Ancient Egypt, which had a strategic importance that today can still be seen in the area: Major shipping and naval routes stretch through the Suez Canal, running between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.
The nations of the Patriarchal Near East – including Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and the Palestinian Territories – all boast a long history of cultural, political and military ties to the Mediterranean. Ancient Greece, preceded by the Mycenaean culture, flourished under the guidance of the sea, with prominent cities like Troy, Athens and Corinth gracing the Mediterranean coast.
European nations like Spain, Italy and Malta – long since integral to the Mediterranean tapestry – remain essential partners in economics and politics. Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia all have a portion of their coasts bordering the sea, as does Albania and Montenegro.
The budding nations of the North African coast comprised some of the earliest centers of civilization, such as Ancient Egypt and Phoenicia. Modern nations like Libya, Tunisia and Algeria share a maritime border with the Mediterranean and continue to develop their relationship with regional partners.
The volcanic island of Cyprus stands as a meeting point between Europe, Asia and the Mediterranean Sea. The nation has, historically, served to connect traders and navigators through the ages. Similarly, Turkey’s coast on the Mediterranean is integral to her economy, even if not all of her coast county, Hatay, is considered part of the border.
Aside from coastal countries, non-Mediterranean lands – like Switzerland, Austria, and Germany – have, historically, had their own networks of trade and commercial activity with nations along the Mediterranean.
The Impact of Climate Change
Experts are warning that climate change may have a major impact on the Mediterranean Sea, leading to significant environmental changes. For instance, it has been suggested that rising sea levels and increased levels of storminess may lead to flooding in some of the coastal nations of the Mediterranean, threatening many of the historic sites and archaeological discoveries that are the region’s riches.
In addition, the threat of drought looms large. Global warming is expected to bring drier conditions to many parts of the Mediterranean, leading to decreased crop yields and increased costs of living.
Though the severity of the effects of climate change is difficult to predict, scientific models suggest that the effects will be felt more strongly in the Mediterranean than in other regions. This means that it is important for the nations bordering the Mediterranean to work together to form a comprehensive strategy for mitigating the effects of climate change.
The governments of countries bordering the Mediterranean have begun to cooperate on environmental protection, fisheries protection, and energy policy, although much more needs to be done if the detrimental effects of climate change are to be avoided.
Trade and Migration Patterns
During the last few decades, economic migrants have flocked to favoured regions of the Mediterranean from Africa and the Middle East. This has caused significant disruption to local economies as well as led to tensions between the various countries.
The European Union, which includes many of the countries bordering the Mediterranean, has initiated various measures to address the issue, such as the Schengen Agreement and its associated visa-free zone. Additionally, the Eurozone has helped to ensure greater economic integration between member states, with the introduction of a common currency.
Moreover, the rise in globalisation in recent years has helped to bring about increased trade between countries around the Mediterranean. This has been further encouraged by the formation of an official partnership between the European Union and the African Union, which led to the establishment of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (known as the Barcelona Process).
In this partnership, countries bordering the Mediterranean work together to collaborate in areas ranging from economic development to democracy promotion.
Tourism
The Mediterranean is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes and historic sites, making it a popular destination for tourists. Greece, Italy, France and Spain are all renowned tourist hubs thanks to their sunny climates and evocative histories.
However, while tourism can be a major contributor to local economies, it can also pose a threat to the environment. Increased shipping and jet-skiing can lead to pollution, while overcrowding can cause stress on the delicate ecosystems of the Mediterranean.
Various governments have taken measures to protect the ecosystems of their coasts, with the European Union helping to implement rigorous environmental and conservation policies in the region.
Furthermore, various nongovernmental organisations have been established in order to protect and promote the Mediterranean’s diversity, and to allow for a natural balance between environmental protection and profitable economic development.
Media Representation
The countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea are also often represented in the media. This often consists of a focus on the political and civil unrest that has been apparent in the region in recent years. Though this focus can be seen as somewhat narrow – neglecting the myriad aspects of life in the countries in question – it can also be seen as an important reminder of the need to support those countries that lack sufficient resources to improve the situation.
As a result, a number of charitable and governmental initiatives have been launched to assist in the development of the region, such as the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and the U.S.’s Global Development Strategy.
While the issues that plague the countries of the Mediterranean tend to be complex and often entrenched, the area still shows great potential for further development and collaboration. Understanding the rich cultural and political history, as well as the constantly changing demographics and populous of the countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, is essential in order to develop any meaningful, lasting solutions.
Environmental Impact
The Mediterranean Sea and its bordering countries are facing a range of environmental issues. The sea itself is estimated to have over a thousand separate strains of pollution, from various sources. This is in addition to the pollution from larger land masses such as Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, accumulating in the Mediterranean.
The over-fishing that has occurred over recent decades has had a devastating effect on the populations of different species of fish and other aquatic animals, as well as contributing to an increase in plastic waste in the biosphere.
Furthermore, the Mediterranean is considered to be a source of political tension, as many of the countries with a coastline on the sea – such as France, Italy and Spain – have differing regulations on the fishing, shipping and tourism industries. This leads to disagreements between those countries over who has the right to utilize the resources.
However, the Mediterranean is also home to a thriving technological industry in countries such as Israel, which is looking to create innovative solutions to some of the region’s most pressing environmental issues.
The health of the Mediterranean Sea also has an effect on the lives of those living in the surrounding areas, with many of the coastline countries relying on it for food, water, and tourism.
Politics
The Mediterranean has long played an essential role in shaping politics in the region. Historically, it has been the site of various military skirmishes and naval engagements, as well as trade, colonization, and immigration.
In more recent times, the Mediterranean has been subject to volatile changes in political climates, as various countries have been affected by revolutions and uprisings. This has had a profound effect on the economic prospects of the region and on the stability of society.
Furthermore, the Mediterranean is home to a number of escalating political issues that are of global importance, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Syrian refugee crisis.
The European Union has been instrumental in attempting to address these issues through diplomatic and financial means, having maintained a strong presence in the region for many decades. However, with no end in sight for many of the conflicts, the long-term prospects of the region remain murky.
In conclusion
The countries that border the Mediterranean Sea have been integral to the development of civilization over the last several millennia. Despite being plagued by numerous political and environmental issues, the region still shows immense potential for development and collaboration.
As such, effective strategies must be put in place in order to ensure the sustainability of the Mediterranean Sea and its bordering countries in the future. This will require an emphasis on both global cooperation and local solutions.
