Which of the following statements with regard to the Balkan Peninsula is/are correct? 1. It is bordered by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas to its west, and the Black Sea to its east and northeast. 2. Due to structural geography, the peninsula features a strictly demarcated and universally recognized northern border formed by the Alps. 3. The peninsula comprises fragmented political territories, encompassing nations such as Greece, Bulgaria, and the European segment of Turkey. Select the answer using the code given below: |ForumIAS

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 1 and 3 only

[C] 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Notes:

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The Balkan Peninsula is defined by distinct maritime boundaries on three sides: Adriatic/Ionian (west/southwest), Aegean (south), and Black Sea (east).
Statement 2 is incorrect: Unlike the Iberian or Italian peninsulas, the Balkan Peninsula lacks a well-defined northern geographical boundary (historically, geographers use river lines like the Danube or Sava rather than a mountain range).
Statement 3 is correct: The region covers 181,000 square miles and includes multiple sovereign states like Albania, Croatia, Greece, Romania, Serbia, and the East Thrace region of North Turkey.