Italy

Italy is a country in Southern Europe, in the central Mediterranean. Its peninsula extends between the Adriatic Sea to the east, the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the Ionian Sea to the south. It borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. San Marino and Vatican City are two small independent states within Italian territory.

It also includes Sicily and Sardinia. Rome is the capital. Italy has a varied landscape: the Alps rise across the north, while the Apennines form a long mountain chain through much of the peninsula. In the north, the Po Valley is the country’s main large lowland region and an important area for agriculture and industry.

Landscape and climate vary with altitude and distance from the sea. Alpine regions have cold winters, while many coastal areas are milder. Italy has several active or recently active volcanoes, including Mount Etna in Sicily and Stromboli in the Aeolian Islands. It lies in a tectonically active part of the Mediterranean, where the African and Eurasian plates interact, contributing to earthquake and volcanic activity.

The Roman Empire and the Renaissance left a lasting mark on European history. Most people live in cities, plains and valleys, while mountains and islands remain important parts of the country. Its economy is diversified, with major roles for manufacturing, services, trade, agriculture and tourism.