Discovering Italy: Where Is It?

A Geography Journey Year 8 Geography Duration: 60 minutes

Learning Intentions

Locate Italy on a world map and globe Identify neighbouring countries and surrounding seas Label major Italian cities correctly Record simple geographical facts about Italy

Warm-Up Challenge

Look at this world map Can you point out Europe? Where do you think Italy might be located? What shape reminds you of Italy?

Italy: The Boot-Shaped Peninsula

What Is a Peninsula?

Land surrounded by water on THREE sides Connected to mainland by a narrow strip of land Italy is one of Europe's most famous peninsulas The Mediterranean Sea surrounds most of Italy

Italy's Neighbouring Countries

{"left":"France (northwest border)\nSwitzerland (north border)\nAustria (northeast border)","right":"Slovenia (northeast border)\nVatican City (inside Rome)\nSan Marino (small country within Italy)"}

Seas Surrounding Italy

Mediterranean Sea - the main sea around Italy Adriatic Sea - on the eastern coast Tyrrhenian Sea - on the western coast Ionian Sea - at the southern tip

Map Labelling Activity

Use your atlas or worksheet Find and label Italy's neighboring countries Mark the surrounding seas Identify and mark Rome (the capital city) Add any other major cities you can find

Major Italian Cities

Rome - the capital city (central Italy) Milan - major city in the north Naples - important southern city Venice - famous for its canals Florence - known for art and history

Key Geographic Facts About Italy

Italy is a peninsula in Southern Europe It is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea Italy shares borders with 4 countries Rome is the capital and largest city Italy's shape resembles a boot kicking a ball (Sicily)