From south east to north west, the Italian mainland has a length of 736 miles (1,185 km) and a width of 237 miles (381 km). Italy is notable for the boot-shape of its mainland territory, but the country is also comprised of the major islands of Sicily and Sardinia.
The total territory of Italy covers 116,347 square miles (301,338 square kilometers). It is the fifth most populous country in Europe and 23rd most populous in the world with 60.6 million inhabitants.
Including its islands, Italy has a coastline and border of 7,600 km on the Adriatic, Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas, along with its shared borders with other countries.
The country is situated at the meeting point of the Eurasian Plate and the African Plate, which leads to significant seismic and volcanic activity. There are 14 volcanoes in Italy, of which three are currently active. These are:
• Etna
• Stromboli
• Vesuvius
Vesuvius is the only active volcano in mainland Europe and is famous for having destroyed the ancient city of Pompeii.
The country shares borders to the north with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The independent states of San Marino and the Vatican City are enclaves within Italy.
The climate of Italy is very diverse and varies greatly depending on the location. It can be far removed from the traditional perception of a 'Mediterranean climate' in certain locations. In most of the inland northern parts of Italy (such as Piedmont and Lombardy) for instance, the climate is largely humid and temperate, with harsh winters and hot summers. Coastal areas, on the other hand, are more likely to fit in with the Mediterranean stereotype. Areas such as Liguria and the peninsula to the south of Florence would fit this description.
The total territory of Italy covers 116,347 square miles (301,338 square kilometers). It is the fifth most populous country in Europe and 23rd most populous in the world with 60.6 million inhabitants.
Including its islands, Italy has a coastline and border of 7,600 km on the Adriatic, Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas, along with its shared borders with other countries.
The country is situated at the meeting point of the Eurasian Plate and the African Plate, which leads to significant seismic and volcanic activity. There are 14 volcanoes in Italy, of which three are currently active. These are:
• Etna
• Stromboli
• Vesuvius
Vesuvius is the only active volcano in mainland Europe and is famous for having destroyed the ancient city of Pompeii.
The country shares borders to the north with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The independent states of San Marino and the Vatican City are enclaves within Italy.
The climate of Italy is very diverse and varies greatly depending on the location. It can be far removed from the traditional perception of a 'Mediterranean climate' in certain locations. In most of the inland northern parts of Italy (such as Piedmont and Lombardy) for instance, the climate is largely humid and temperate, with harsh winters and hot summers. Coastal areas, on the other hand, are more likely to fit in with the Mediterranean stereotype. Areas such as Liguria and the peninsula to the south of Florence would fit this description.