The Geography of Italy

Italy is officially known as the Republic of Italy, is located in the southernmost part of Europe. It covers a surface of roughly 301,225 square kilometers. It's situated at 42º50´ north of the equator, and longitudinally at 12º 50´ east of Greenwich. It's capital city is Rome which also happens to be the largest city in the country. Other important cities in Italy include Venice and Milan.

The boot shaped Italian peninsula is comprised of the Po River Valley and two large islands in the Mediterranean Sea, namely Sicily and Sardinia. The border of Northern Italy is shared with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The Italian peninsula creates some distinct waters, namely the Adriatic Sea, Ionian sea, and Tyrrhenian Sea. Nestled within Italy are two independent enclaves. They are San Marino and the Vatican. The other small islands in the Mediterranean Sea that form parts of Italy are Elba, Capri, Ischia and the islands of Lipari.

To it people, Italy is known as "Belpaese", which in the native language means "beautiful country". Those who visit Italy are struck by the undeniable beauty of its versatile landscapes. Landscapes that are richly blended with hills and hot beaches. Geographically, the Apennine Mountains are the backbone of this peninsula, where they join the Alps in the northwest. The Italian terrain is mostly rugged and mountainous with some plains and coastal lowlands. The Po River is the largest river in Italy, flowing down from the Alps, and the Apennines. Other notable water ways include The Tiber, Adige and the Arno Rivers.

Northern Italy is flanked by hills with Mont Blanc being the highest point in the country. Italy is also associated with two famous volcanoes, the currently dormant Vesuvius near Naples and the very active Etna on Sicily.

For many, many years Italy has been a favorite with tourists and one of Europe's most beautiful countries.

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