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Which Country Shaped Like A Boot

Is Italy Shaped Like a Boot?

Although I was born in Canada, my family on my Dad’s side is Italian (my Mom’s side is German). My husband also has 2 Italian-born parents. As a result, we have spent plenty of time in Italy, as well as learning a fair bit about the country we have ties to. So when it came time to research our “Is Italy shaped like a boot” post, we had a ton of fun!

Which Country is Shaped Like a Boot?

One of the most recognizable countries you will see on a map of the world is Italy. Why is this true? Because Italy is a country shaped like a boot!

And we do not mean that it kinda looks like a boot if you squint real hard and look at it upside down. It ACTUALLY resembles a boot! Even a young child would be able to pick it out on a map!

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Located in south-central Europe, the peninsula of Italy is surrounded by water, making it even easier to spot on a map.

And in case you are wondering, Italy is surrounded by 5 bodies of water: the Adriatic Sea in the east, the Sea of Sicily in the south, the Ionian Sea in the southeast, the Ligurian and the Tyrrhenian Seas in the west.

Is Italy Shaped Like a Boot?

YES! Italy is shaped like a boot. In fact, Italy looks very much like a tall woman’s boot with a high heel and fur around the top.

Once you see it, I can guarantee, you will never unsee it! Ha!

Is Italy Shaped Like a Boot Kicking a Rock?

You don’t have to look too closely to realize that Italy resembles a boot that is kicking a rock. Of course, ask an Italian and they may tell you that it looks like a boot kicking a soccer ball!

Either way, it’s pretty hard to miss it when looking at a map of Europe. But just in case, we have included an image demonstrating the shape!

And just in case you are wondering, the “rock” in question is actually the island of Sicily. And yes, Sicily is part of Italy and NOT its own country!

Why is Italy Shaped Like a Boot?

Italy is shaped like a boot because of the movement of the earth’s tectonic plates over millions of years. Italy’s landmass gradually took shape as Africa moved, creating the European tectonic plate, the Mediterranean Basin and several mountain ranges.

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Of course, if you happen to pose this question to some of the Italian locals, you may get the really cheeky response that Italy is shaped like a boot because the Italians kick butt! Ha!

What is the Toe of Italy’s Boot Called?

Calabria is found at the toe of Italy’s boot. This part of Italy is actually where my Dad’s side of the family is from.

Calabria is known for its production of porcini mushrooms, bergamot orange, and olive oil. It is also known for its 500 miles of gorgeous coastline. Hello, incredible beaches!

What is the Heel of Italy Called?

Puglia is the area found in the heel of Italy’s boot. Puglia is known for producing much of the country’s pasta, wine-making grapes and olives.

It is also known for attracting a variety of celebrities (The Beckhams, Jude Law, and Sienna Miller to mention a few).

Do Italians Call Italy the Boot?

Yes! The Italian Peninsula is actually nicknamed lo Stivale (the Boot) by Italians.

Is Italy the Only Country Shaped Like a Boot?

When trying to research what other countries are shaped like a boot, I came up empty! So it looks as though Italy is the only country that is shaped like a boot or any other type of footwear for that matter.

However, what we did find interesting, is that various US states also claim to be shaped like boots! Personally, I think it’s a bit of a stretch, but I’ll let you be the judge of that!

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Idaho

This state claims to resemble the shape of a logger’s boot. Of course, how appropriate is this, given that Idaho’s biggest industries are logging as well as mining!

Louisiana

This state claims to resemble a boot as well. Unfortunately, what most people fail to realize, is that due to climate change, coastal erosion, and oil and gas production, this is no longer the case.

The map of Louisiana that most Americans recognize, is actually what it looked like back in the 1930s. Nowadays, the boot looks more like it’s been chewed by alligators! Which is quite sad, given that Louisiana is an incredible place to visit!

What Countries are Shaped Like Animals?

Although Italy is the only country shaped like a boot, there are many countries that are shaped like animals. But to be quite honest, I think you really need to use your imagination to see these.

From Finland looking like a rabbit to Japan resembling a seahorse and Croatia being the picture of a flying dragon, many of these are just too crazy for words! We have included a couple of examples so that you can decide for yourself!

Is Italy Shaped Like a Boot – FAQs

Is Italy Shaped Like a Boot – Final Thoughts

This was actually a pretty fun post to research and write! We hope that you have enjoyed reading and have learned a few interesting facts as well. So the next time someone asks you if Italy is shaped like a boot, you can say “most definitely!”

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