Get to Know Italy: Geography

Italy is located on the continent of Europe Italy is located on the continent of Europe. It is in the South Central part of the continent. Italy looks like a boot kicking a rock.

Italy – The Peninsula Europe Ligurian Sea Adriatic Sea The Italian peninsula stretches 600 miles south into the Mediterranean Sea. It is also bordered by the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas to the West and the Adriatic and Ionian Seas to the East. Tyrrhenian Sea Ionian Sea Mediterranean Sea

Neighboring Countries Italy has four neighbors to the north. They are France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. Italy also has two independent countries within their borders, San Marino and Vatican City. Austria Switzerland Slovenia France San Marino France Vatican City Neighboring Countries

Mountains & Volcanoes The Alps Italy is a largely mountainous country with two large mountain chains. The Alps cover the northern portion of the country, and the Apennines round down the spine of the peninsula. Italy also has been home to numerous volcanoes, three of which are still active. Mt. Etna is on the island of Sicily and Mt. Vesuvius is on the mainland. The Apennines Mt. Vesuvius Mt. Etna

Being surrounded by water, Italy has numerous islands, but the two main islands are Sardinia and Sicily. Italy has numerous rivers and lakes that play an important role in the country’s agricultural and hydroelectric business. Many were also integral during historical events as well. Tiber River Arno River Rubicon River Po River Adige River Sicily Sardinia Islands & Rivers

Important Cities of Italy Venice Rome, the capital of Italy, was founded in the 8th century BC, and just like Venice and Naples, it continues to be an important city in Italy today. However other cities like Pompeii and Syracuse no longer play such a vital role in the Italian peninsula. Rome Naples Pompeii Tarentum Messana Syracuse

Climate The climate of Italy varies greatly from one end of the country to the other. A Mediterranean climate is found along the coasts, except for in the North. It is also found inland in the Southern areas of Italy. Summers are dry, while precipitation comes during the winter. Temperatures only fluctuate 30-40 degrees total. In the north, subtropical, continental, and tundra climates can all be found thanks to the changing elevation of the Alps. The subtropical climate has hot and wet summers with moderately cold winters. There is no dry season. Continental climate has cold winters and mild summers with snow from November to April. The tundra is never above 50 degrees and is the area above the tree line in the high Alps.

Agriculture In northern Italy, the Po Valley is home to Italy’s largest agricultural area. This is also known as the Padan Plain. Italy’s most plentiful crops are grapes and olives, followed by other fruits and vegetables.

The Italian Flag The flag, made up of three equal bands of green, white, and red has been said to stand for various things. The green represents the hills, the white the snow on the Alps, and the red the blood spilled in wars of independence. Another is that the green represents hope, white is faith, and red represents charity.