Country Details The famous boot-shape of Italy, a 100-150 mile-wide peninsula, about 760 miles in length, is a major economic force on the European continent and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Some say the Italians invented tourism in the 16th century, and it is safe to say that no country has given the world more fine automobiles, fashions, paintings, sculptures, architectural styles, operas, and of course...food. It's a rugged, mountainous country with two major islands (Sardinia and Sicily) off the southwestern coast. There's spectacular skiing in the Alps, the popular Lake District of the north, Tuscany, the stylish cities of Milan, Turin, Naples and Venice, and then there's Rome and the Vatican. So much to see, and so little time. Quick Facts and Figures Official Name Italian Republic Capital City Rome Major Cities here Bordering Countries here Flag here Climate Predominantly Mediterranean weather, hot and dry in the south, with cool winters. In the far north, Alpine winter conditions Latitude/Longitude 42° 50'N, 12° 50'E Languages Italian Official Currency: the Euro effective 01/01/02, details (here) Religions Catholic, others Population 56,686,000 Land Area 294,060 sq km (116,334 sq miles) Highest Point Mount Blanc (4,807 meters) Landforms A boot-shaped peninsula surrounded by four seas. In the north the Alps dominate, drained by the Po Valley. The remaining land is mostly mountainous and rugged. Appennino (Apennines) Mountains run the length of the country. The Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily are off the southwestern coast, and the Mt. Etna volcano (on Sicily) is currently active. Land Divisions 20 regions

Maps European Continent here European Continent provided by University of Texas, here Italy Outline Map here Italy Map, CIA version here Italy Region's Map here Sardinia/Corsica coastal area and islands here Sicily and the Bay of Nalpes here Western Mediterranean Map here Suggested Links Italy web site here! Italy Information Page here! Sardinia Page here! Sicily Page here! Weather in Rome here! Time and Date in Rome

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