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. However, the region also manufactures chemicals, textiles, ships, wine, forest projects, and a few other goods. The island has three chief ports: Palermo, Catania, and Messina. Its population in 1991 was ~4,966,386.