Apennines

views updated May 23 2018

Apennines (Appennino) Mountain range extending the length of Italy, a continuation of the Pennine Alps. The ‘backbone’ of Italy, it stretches c.1350km (840mi) from the Genoese Riviera to the tip of the country's ‘toe’. Unselective deforestation over the years caused deep erosion and landslides. The Apennines are the location of numerous hydroelectric plants. Sheep and goats graze on its slopes. The highest point is Mount Corno, at 2914m (9560ft).