With a surface area of 25,700 squared kilometers (27,700 including the surrounding islands) and 1000km of coast line, Sicily the largest island in the Mediterranean and thelargest region of Italian, 
The region is divided into 9 provinces, which are as follows: Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Ragusa, Siracusa, Trapani and Palermo. Palermo is Sicily's 
Sicily is one of the 5 autonomous regions of Italy.

Sicily is also called “Trinacria” or “Three Ends Island” due to its triangular shape. Sicily became an island 600,000 years ago when, after a series of violent earthquakes, the island detached from the boot of Italy. Its surface consists of a series of mountains with two volcanic formations, Etna in the north-east and, in the south-east, the Iblei mountains.
Etna is 3300 meters high and remains active; its frequent eruptions make Sicily a geological attraction.
The region is surrounded by three archipelagos: Eolie, Egadi and Pelagi,  all of which are islands well-known for their flora and fauna.
Sicily has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by dry, hot summers and mild, damp winters. The best period to visit the island is April or May when visitors have the opportunity to see, amongst other beauties, the spectacular blooming of the orange trees.
Sicily’s landscape dotted by citrus plantations and prickly pear fields.
The mountainous area is covered by oak, beech and fir forests.
Sulphur, asphalt and petrol are some of the natural resources of Sicily

Amongst its numerous treasures, Sicily offers archeological ruins, ancient tradition and an excellent cuisine. While not industrialized, Sicily has important mineral deposits.
In terms of food and drink, the island produces wine, olive oil and pasta.
Fishing is one of the biggest industries of the island. Agriculture represents the main activity of the region, but the argicultural production is not enough to sustain the local population. Sicily has a high unemployment rate (25%), just behind that of Calabria, the highest in Italy.  A quarter of Sicilian families live below the poverty line and the mafia continues to control a large portion of the economy.