Crossword Genius

Southern Spain and Portugal or Northern Russia (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

siberia

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'northern russia' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both locations as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'southern spain and portugal' is the wordplay.
'southern' becomes 's' (abbreviation).
'spain and portugal' becomes 'iberia' (I've seen this in another clue).
's'+'iberia'='SIBERIA'

'or' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for siberia that I've seen before include "region abroad" , "Region to which Russian and then Soviet governments sent those considered disloyal" , "Frozen region of former USSR noted for prison camps" , "Russian region in N Asia noted for harsh winters and prison camps" , "a place often very cold" .)

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