Exploring Italy’s Geography—The Land of Mountains and Magic

Where is Italy?
Italy is a country in southern Europe, famous for its unique shape that looks just like a boot kicking a ball (which is the island of Sicily!). Because it is surrounded by water on three sides, Italy is called a peninsula. The nickname for Italy is “Bel Paese,” which means “beautiful country”—and once you see its beaches, mountains, and charming cities, you’ll understand why.

Italy stretches into the Mediterranean Sea and includes two large islands, Sicily and Sardinia. The entire country covers about 301,230 square kilometers, which is just a little bigger than the U.S. state of Arizona.

People and Cities
Italy is home to more than 61 million people. The capital city is Rome, also known as “The Eternal City” because it has existed since 753 B.C. Today, Rome is a busy, exciting city with about 3.5 million people.

Mountains and More Mountains
In the north, Italy shares borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia, separated by the majestic Alps. These snowy mountains are home to Monte Bianco (also called Mont Blanc), Italy’s tallest mountain at 15,770 feet (4,897 meters).

Running down the center of Italy like a backbone are the Apennine Mountains. These help divide the country into east and west and bring cooler temperatures to the central and northern parts of the country.

Tiny Countries Inside Italy
Did you know that Italy actually surrounds two of the world’s smallest countries?

• San Marino, in the northeast, is the oldest republic in the world.

• Vatican City, located right in Rome, is the smallest country in the world. It’s the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope.

Rivers, Lakes, and Volcanoes
Northern Italy has many deep and beautiful lakes, just before the land becomes the flat and fertile Po Valley. The Po River is Italy’s longest river, flowing from the Alps into the Adriatic Sea. Other major rivers include the Arno, which flows through Florence, and the Tiber, which runs through Rome.

Southern Italy is home to three active volcanoes:

• Mount Vesuvius, near Naples

• Mount Etna, on Sicily

• Stromboli, an island volcano that glows at night!

These volcanoes are part of what makes Italy so unique—and just a little dramatic!

Learning About Italy Through Language
If your child is curious about Italy’s incredible geography, people, and culture, why not combine learning with fun? Dinolingo offers online Italian lessons for kids, designed to match their age, level, and learning style. With games, songs, videos, and printable materials, Dinolingo helps kids explore places like Rome, the Alps, and Sicily—all while learning to speak Italian!