The term "Balkan states" is often used to describe a group of European countries including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. However, there are various synonyms used to describe these countries, often based on historical or political contexts. One example is "Southeast Europe", a term used to highlight the region's location in the southeastern part of the continent. Another synonym is "Balkans", a term that refers to the mountain range that spans through the region. "Former Yugoslavia" is also a common term when referring to the countries that emerged after the breakup of Yugoslavia. Overall, these synonyms demonstrate the complexity and diversity of the region and its countries.