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Glite Dictionary
Balkan state

Balkan state

1 3.7
A country in southeast Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, for example Albania or Greece
  • noun
translation icon : estado balcánico
  • The Heinrich-Böll Stiftung is one of the foundations calling for a discussion on renewables in the Balkan state.

Examples

  • It was widely assumed that the Western Balkan states (Albania and the former Yugoslav republics) would all eventually join the EU and NATO, but even that can no longer be taken for granted.

    Academic text (2008)

  • The Balkan states fell into heavy foreign debt.

    Academic text (1999)

  • The Balkan states have also had active pronatalist policies.

    Academic text (2002)

  • As the EU becomes the chief economic partner of the Balkan states, it must find ways to vigorously promote not just its institutions but also its values.

    Academic text (2002)

  • In contrast to its relations with Central Asia and the Caucasus, Turkey maintained political and economic relations with the Balkan states during the Cold War period.

    Academic text (2000)

  • Ninety years after Woodrow Wilson laid out his vision of self-determination for the Balkan states, the process continues in Kosovo.

    Academic text (2009)

  • Many tourists visit various Balkan states to explore their rich history and diverse cultures.

  • The political stability of the Balkan states has improved in recent years, attracting foreign investments.

  • Each Balkan state has its own unique traditions, making the region a fascinating place to study.

Synonyms

Balkan nation
vsBalkan state
1 4.1

A country in southeastern Europe, for example Greece or Serbia

has identical meaning but uses a different common label
Balkan country
vsBalkan state
1 4.3

A country on the peninsula in southeastern Europe like Greece or Albania

has identical meaning but uses a different common label

Surface Forms

Balkan state singular
Balkan states plural

Morphology

Balkan + state

The phrase is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: 'Balkan' (relating to the Balkans) + 'state' (a nation), so the meaning 'a country in the Balkan Peninsula' is directly derivable from the parts. This compositional pattern is common cross-linguistically (e.g. Spanish 'estado balcánico') and would be clear to a B1 learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Balkan state comes from Balkan, which was the old name for a range of mountains in that area. So a Balkan state is simply a country on the 'Balkan peninsula', which is why we use it for places like Albania, Bulgaria, or Greece.