Printable map of the Balkans

A printable map of the Balkans is often wanted for a geography lesson on the region, a history topic, a test on its countries or a project at home. There are two versions: With country borders, which draws the nine countries this map counts as the Balkans, and a Blank outline of the region without the lines between them. Both are PDFs for A4 or Letter, in colour or black and white, with no names printed.

Classroom ideas for the Balkans

Nine countries make a manageable labelling sheet. Older pupils can name them all from memory, then check against the list further down this page, which doubles as the answer key. For a timed starter, number five of them, such as Montenegro, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania and Kosovo, and give the class three minutes.

Younger children can colour each country a different colour, copy the names into a key and add a compass rose. For a writing task, each pupil picks one country, colours it on the sheet and writes a postcard home as if from there, with the map stuck on the back.

To compare two regions, print the printable map of the Mediterranean as well. Pupils shade, on both sheets, the countries that appear on the two maps, and talk about why a country can belong to more than one region.

Which version to print

With country borders is the one for labelling, quizzes and colouring by a rule, since each country has its own shape. The Blank outline suits drawing the borders in. Black and white is the one to photocopy for a class; colour suits a single sheet for the wall. To shade some countries before you print, use the bar on the map, then Download your map. For names on the map, a title or A3, choose Customise before printing.

Printing tips

Print one black-and-white master first and check it before you photocopy a class set. A laminated copy on each table, marked with dry-wipe pens, serves several classes in a day.