What is the Italian Peninsula?
Q: What is the Italian Peninsula?
A: The Italian Peninsula, also known as the Apennine Peninsula, is a large peninsula of Southern Europe that extends into the Mediterranean Sea.
Q: What seas border the Italian Peninsula?
A: The Ionian and Adriatic Seas are located on the east side of the peninsula, while the Tyrrhenian Sea is on its west side.
Q: How is it shaped?
A: The shape of the Italian Peninsula has earned it its nickname "Lo Stivale," which means "The Boot." Three smaller peninsulas contribute to this characteristic shape - Calabria (the "toe"), Salento (the "heel") and Gargano (the "spur").
Q: How long is it?
A: The peninsula is approximately 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) long, starting from the Po Valley in the north.
Q: What type of climate does it have?
A: Generally speaking, most parts of Italy have a Mediterranean climate; however, in mountainous areas temperatures tend to be cooler.
Q: When was its northern border set?
A: Its northern border was set during Roman Emperor Augustus' reign at around 1st century BC. It runs from Magra to Rubicon rivers in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna.
Q: Which countries are part of this peninsula?
A: Most parts of Italy make up this peninsula with two exceptions - San Marino and Vatican City.
