Which parts of Europe have strong traditions of polyphonic folk singing?

Polyphonic folk singing—the practice of performing with several simultaneous melodic lines—is more prevalent in eastern and southern Europe than in western Europe.1

Key regions and traditions include:

• The Balkan Peninsula: This area is noted for its diverse polyphonic techniques.1
• Italy: Rural polyphony in mountainous regions of Italy draws from ancient folk practices, medieval church music, and modern urban choral influences.1
• Slavic Countries: Heterophony—the simultaneous performance of variations of the same tune—is a significant feature in Bulgarian, Serbian, and Croatian song. Additionally, parallel seconds, fourths, and fifths are characteristic of Slavic folk traditions.1
• General European Traditions: While parallel singing is the most common form of polyphony, the use of drones and the round structure are found throughout the continent. Parallel thirds are particularly characteristic of Spain, Italy, and German-speaking countries.1

It is important to note that the absence of polyphony does not imply a lack of musical complexity; cultures such as the British and Hungarian have developed highly sophisticated repertoires of monophonic folk song.1