The highest peak of the Western European Alps, dividing France and Italy.

England is the largest region of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. England spans 50,334 square miles, and is bounded by Wales to the west and Scotland to the north. The English climate is rather mild because of its proximity to the Atlantic basin, though it rains often in England. There are a total of eighty-one unitary and county governments in England. In 2007, its estimated population was ~50,710,000.

Greece, also known as Hellas or Ellas in Greek, is a republic in Europe. The country spans 50,944 square miles along the southern Balkan Peninsula, and ~75% of that land is mountainous. The largest city in Greece is Athens. Although Greece’s economy once relied more on agriculture, tourism and manufacturing are now vital  contributors to revenue.

Sicily, or Sicilia in Italian, is the largest of the Meditteranean islands in Italy. Its total land mass is 9,925 square miles. It is separated from mainland Italy by the Straight of Messina. Geographically, Sicily is mostly hills and mountains, which are prolongations of the Apennines. Sicily has notably fertile soil and an agreeable climate, and its chief industry is agriculture.

Vesuvius, also known as Mount Vesuvius or Vesuvio in Italian, is a volcano in southern Italy. It is the only active volcano within mainland Europe, and sits on the Bay of Naples. Its main cone is approximately 4,000 feet, though the height of the volcanic cone fluctuates with each of Vesuvius’ eruptions. 

Fiesole, Faesulae in ancient times, is a city in Tuscany in central Italy. Fiesole overlooks the Arno valley and Florence. Some of the most notable architectural features of Fiesole are a Roman theater built in 80 BC, Roman bath ruins, and a Romanesque cathedral. In 1991, its population was ~15,096.

The Arno River is a river in Tuscany, Italy. It is 150 miles long, flowing south through the Northern Apennines mountains to Arezzo, at which point it flows northwest. The valley of the Arno River is comprised of fertile land, though its northern valley is prized for its scenery. Because the Arno River flooded in 1966, many of Florence’s great artistic treasured were damaged.

Como is a city in Lombardy in northern Italy. It borders Lake Como on its southwestern shores. One of Como’s most notable exports is silk, though it also manufactures clothing, paper, chemicals, and fabricated metals. Como was founded as a Roman colony, and was an independent commune until it came under Milan’s rule. Following Milan’s rule, Como was controlled by Spanish and Austrian forces until being liberated by Garibaldi in 1859.  Its population is ~78,680. Like Milan, one of Como’s most notable architectural features is a marble cathedral.