Mediterraneans

Olive oil peoples

Mediterraneans are people from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea—southern Europe, North Africa, and the eastern Mediterranean coast.

The term often evokes shared cultural traits: olive-based cuisines, warm climates, and stereotypically expressive temperaments.

In American usage, it sometimes functions as a broad ethnic category distinct from northern European: The neighborhood was full of Mediterraneans—Greeks, Italians, Lebanese.

appearance

tanned

Darkened by UV exposure

complexion · golden · dusky · features · coloring

cuisine

paella

Saffron rice with shellfish

  • mezzeMiddle Eastern small dishes
  • fetaBrined Greek cheese
  • tzatzikiYogurt-cucumber sauce from Greece

souvlaki · dolma · halloumi · moussaka · bouillabaisse · tagine · couscous · gyro · falafel · pesto

climate

sunny

Bright with daylight

dry summers · seaside · balmy · warm · breezy · arid · sunshine · beach · clear skies · siesta

Categories
Opposites
geographic/climatic region

MediterraneansScandinavians

People from northern Europe

Nordics · Northern Europeans · Norwegians · Swedes · Icelanders

phenotypic/anthropological type

MediterraneansNordics

Northern European countries

Scandinavians · Anglo-Saxons · Teutons · Northern Europeans · Celts

Phrases
Family

Mediterranean, Mediterranean Sea

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G