THE LAND

Italy is a peninsula that juts into the Mediterranean Sea from southern Europe. Its shape resembles a high boot. In the north, the wide top of the boot includes part of the Alps and also Italy's major plain, the Po Valley. The spur of the boot, on the eastern side of the country, is formed by the small, rugged Gargano peninsula. In the south, the heel, instep, and toe of the boot each make up a distinct region of Italy. Off the toe lies Sicily, Italy's largest island.