The Balkans, otherwise known as the Balkan Peninsula, is a region in Southeast Europe that is rich with history and culture. There are many synonyms for the word "Balkans", including the Balkan states, Balkan region, and Balkan Peninsula. Other alternative names for this region include Southeast Europe, the Balkan Mountains, and the Danube region. The term "Balkanization" is also often used to refer to the division or fragmentation of a larger area into smaller, often hostile, units. Regardless of the term used, however, the Balkans remain a complex and diverse region that continues to fascinate visitors and scholars alike.