Italy is bordered to the north by the Alps. Between the mountains are long and narrow basins, some of which have lakes. Southern Italy contains many volcanoes, from Vesuvius in Napoli to Mount Etna on Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean. Volcanic activity can be found throughout Italy. Italy is subject to earthquakes and erupting volcanoes. Sardinia is farther from the mainland of the country and its rugged, windy terrain and scarce resources have set it apart.

The northern part of Italy has cold and snowy winters, but mild, warm and sunny summers. Rainfall is plentiful, with brief but big thunderstorms during the warmer seasons. Southern Italy has mild, humid winters and warm, dry summers.

Italian is the official language of Italy, however, German, French and Slovene are also spoken there.

 For more information about Italy, please see:

"Italy." Philip's Encyclopedia 2008. London: Philip's, 2008. Credo Reference. 28 Apr. 2008. Web. 28 Feb. 2012.

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