Before you choose and download your most preferred blank map of Italy, here are some interesting facts about the country.
Italy (the Italian Republic) is located in the south of Europe. Its diverse coastline is bounded by the Adriatic Sea, the Sea of Sicily, the Ionian Sea, the Ligurian Sea, and the Tyrrhenian Sea. They all are part of the Mediterranean sea.
The northern border of the country is shared with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. There are also two countries within the territory of Italy- the Vatican City and San Marino.
The Landscape And Regions
The northern border is formed by mountains. The Alps stretch from France to Slovenia. The second mountain range, the Apennines, forms the backbone of the entire peninsula.
Italy boasts beautiful lakes. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, there are about 1,500 lakes in Italy.
The largest and most important lakes are Garda, Maggiore, Como, Iseo, and Lugano. They are found at the foothills of the Alps in the northern region of the country.
The coastline relief is varied, ranging from high rocky areas to famous sandy beaches.
The most important plain in Italy is the Po valley with the Po river running through it. The valley extends from the foothills of the Alps on the north to Venice on the north-east.
Italy is divided into fifteen regions and five autonomous regions.
Friuli Venezia Giulia; Sardegna (Sardinia); Sicilia (Sicily); Trentino-Alto Adige (Trentino-South Tyrol) or Trentino-Suedtirol (German); Valle d’Aosta (Aosta Valley) or Vallee d’Aoste (French).
Country Overview
Italy occupies an area of 302,073 km2 (116,631 sq mi) according to Britannica.
The most important islands that belong to Italy include Sardinia, Sicily, Capri, Elba, Ischia, and the Aeolian Island group.
The capital of Italy is Rome.
The official language is Italian. There are many local dialects.
The population of Italy was 60,340,000 in 2019, which makes it the 23rd most populated country in the world.
More than 70% of people live in cities.
There are three active volcanoes: Vesuvius, Etna, and Stromboli.
Monte Bianco, known also as Mont Blanc (4,807 meters [15,771 feet]), is the highest peak in Italy and in Europe. Its summit is located on the French side of the mountain.
The Apennines are home to wild boars, wolves, asps, and bears.
There are fifty-five UNESCO sites in Italy, the most of any country on the World Heritage List.
The national dish is pasta, but the cuisine includes a large variety of regional dishes. Italy is also famous for pizza.
Italy is home to 60% of the world’s art treasures.
Italy is the leading wine producer in the world, and also its top exporter.
Vatican City is an independent state located in the city of Rome, so Rome is sometimes called the capital of two states.
Italy is the birthplace of opera and ballet.
The functioning University of Bologna is the oldest university in the Western world. It was established in 1088.
Grotta Gigante, which means ‘giant cave’, is the world’s largest tourist cave. Its central cavern is 107 m (351 ft) high, 130 m (430 ft) long, and 65 m (213 ft) wide.