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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Italy

Italy is a country in southern Europe, occupying the boot-shaped Italian Peninsula and several islands in the Mediterranean Sea.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Italy is a country in southern Europe, occupying the boot-shaped Italian Peninsula and several islands in the Mediterranean Sea. It borders France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia, and contains the enclaves of Vatican City and San Marino. Rome is the capital and largest city.

Geography

Italy is located in southern Europe on the Apennine Peninsula and includes mainland territory as well as islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Its physical geography is defined by the Alps, the Apennines, the Po Valley, and surrounding seas.

Borders and surrounding seas

Italy borders four countries on land: France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. It is surrounded by several seas, including the Adriatic, Ionian, Ligurian, and Tyrrhenian seas.

Administrative divisions

Italy is divided into 20 regions. These regions form the country’s main first-level administrative divisions, and several have special autonomous status.

Major cities and settlement pattern

Rome is the capital and largest city, while other major urban areas include Milan, Naples, and Turin. Population and economic activity are concentrated in the north and in major metropolitan areas.

Key facts

  • Italy is widely described as boot-shaped because of its peninsula extending into the Mediterranean Sea.
  • The country includes the large islands of Sicily and Sardinia.
  • Italy is bordered to the north by France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia.
  • Rome is both the capital and the largest city.
  • Italy’s territory includes two independent enclaves: Vatican City and San Marino.
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Canadian context

Italy is a major destination for Canadian tourism and a country of historical importance to many Canadians of Italian descent.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Italy often described as boot-shaped?
Because the Italian Peninsula extends southward into the Mediterranean in a shape that resembles a boot.
What countries border Italy?
France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia border Italy on land.
What are the enclaves within Italy?
Vatican City and San Marino are independent enclaves completely surrounded by Italian territory.
What is the capital of Italy?
Rome is the capital and largest city of Italy.
Which seas surround Italy?
Italy is bordered by the Adriatic, Ionian, Ligurian, and Tyrrhenian seas, among others in the Mediterranean basin.

References

  1. Geology.com — https://geology.com/world/italy-satellite-image.shtml
    Supports: Italy is in southern Europe and bordered by the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, Ionian, and Mediterranean seas, and by France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia.
  2. GIS Geography — https://gisgeography.com/italy-map/
    Supports: Italy’s location, boot shape, major cities, area, coastline, islands, and bordering countries.
  3. World Atlas — https://www.worldatlas.com/maps/italy
    Supports: Italy’s area, location in southern Europe, borders, seas, enclaves, and divisions into regions.
  4. Nations Online Project — https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/map/italy-political-map.htm
    Supports: Italy’s shape, location on the Apennine Peninsula, surrounding seas, and area.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Italy
    Supports: Italy’s geographic features, coordinates, area, border length, and coastline.