The natural beauty of the area's valleys and rocky hills, punctuated by picturesque historical cities, reflect the area's diverse past as a strategic gateway to the east. More than 75 percent of this beautiful country is mountainous or hilly, leaving less than one quarter of its land area in plains.

Italy is also comprised of two large islands: Sicily - the biggest and most populous of all the Mediterranean islands, and Sardinia, the second largest but least populated. Italy also has two independent countries within its borders. Vatican City is the center for the Roman Catholic Church, and is the world's smallest country. San Marino, on the north east coast of Italy, is an independent republic.

Because of the length of the peninsula and the mountainous regions that make up Italy, the climate varies throughout the country. However, Global Volunteers' host communities enjoy nearly year-around sun and warm temperatures. With a coastline of 3,100 miles of beaches and small bays, sunbathing is a popular pastime in Italy!