Italy is a Country in south-central Europe. It comprises the boot-shaped peninsula extending far into the Mediterranean Sea as well as Sicily, Sardinia, and a number of smaller islands. More than three-fourths of Italy is a mountainous or highland country. The Alps stretch from east to west along Italy’s northern boundary, and the Apennines stretch southward the length of the peninsula. Most of the country’s lowlands lie in the valley of its primary river, the Po. Three tectonic plates converge in southern Italy and Sicily, creating intense geologic activity southern Italy’s four active volcanoes include Mount Vesuvius and Mount Etna.