Houses are less expensive in the North than in the South

[phoebemia]

Hi, I read the following sentences on a website ( the link is here):
1. Houses are less expensive in the North than in the South (= of the country).
2. They bought a villa in the South of France.

Why is South capitalized here?

 

[Barque]

Houses are less expensive in the North than in the South

I wouldn't capitalise 'north' or 'south' here.

They bought a villa in the South of France.

The South of France is a name for that region in France, and 'South’ is therefore capitalised. If you were referring more generally to southern France, you could use 'southern' without a capital S.

 

[teechar]

in the North than

That is incorrect. Say:
in northern Iran
or
in the north of Iran

 

[5jj]

I see nothing wrong with Houses are less expensive in the north than in the south.

 

[phoebemia]

i see nothing wrong with Houses are less expensive in the north than in the south.

Should north and south here be capitalized?

 

[5jj]

No.

 

[teechar]

That is incorrect. Say:
in northern Iran
or
in the north of Iran

Sorry. I made a mistake. I read that as "in the North Iran". I apologise.