Sabtu, 03 Maret 2012

Geography of Italy

The diverse and exquisite nature of the Geography of Italy accounts for its attractiveness which has made the country a popular traveler's destination. The country is basically a peninsula with a unique boot shape, extending into the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Surrounded by seas on all three sides, Italy possesses a distinct beauty of its own. 
The geographical features of Italy are varied; the south-western corner of the country is enveloped by Tyrrhenian Sea, while Adriatic Sea takes care of its north-eastern parts. The south-eastern Ionian Sea and the Ligurian Sea located in north-west Italy encircle the country from al possible sides and act as a shield of safety for Italy.
The Geography of Italy has two mountain ranges, namely the Alps and the Apennines. The Apennine mountain range is the literal backbone of the country, surrounding the north-western parts, from where it goes to join the Alps. The natural position of both these mountain ranges acquires the shape of an arc and this semicircular topography strengthens the northern boundaries of Italy against ant possible foreign invasions and encroaches.
Mont Blanc, popularly known as Monte Bianco, 4810 meters or 5,781 feet above sea levels, is the highest Italian mountain summit. The land also has two reputed volcanoes, among which Mount Vesuvius (1,281 m) close to Naples is presently in a dormant state. The other volcanic peak in Sicily, Mount Etna (3,326 m) is still very active, that seldom poses threat to the inhabitants of Italy.
Next to the mountains and the seas, come the valleys and the plain lands in the Geography of Italy . The Italian plain known as the Padan Plain is drained by the longest river of Italy - the Po (652 km) and its numerous tributaries and distributaries, mostly flowing down from the Alps and Apennines to join it. Some of the tributaries of Po River like Mincio, Dora Baltea, Trebbia and Secchia bring in extensive alluvial deposits on the plain, increasing its fertility and making it appropriate for cultivation. Some other notable Italian rivers include:
  • Tiber or Tevere
  • Volturno
  • Tagliamento
  • Liri-Garigliano
  • Isonzo
  • Adige
  • Arno
  • Piave
  • Reno
Italy is also a land of lakes. The largest lake in Italy - Lake Garda covers a land area of370 km². Mention may be made of some other lakes in the country too like:
  • Northern Italy
  • Lake Como
  • Lake Iseo
  • Lake Maggiore
  • Central Italy
  • Lake Bolsena
  • Lake Bracciano
  • Lake Trasimeno
All these fresh water lakes add to the scenic beauty of the land, making it more and more alluring to international tourists.
More or less, the Geography of Italy is such that it has led to the growth and development of tourism industry in the country, Travelers from all over the globe visit this place to glance through its picturesque sceneries. This is a land which receives real admiration and acclaims from the ardent nature lovers.

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