| − | The [[Mediterranean Sea]] is almost completely enclosed by land; [[Europe]] to the north, [[Asia]] to the east, [[Africa]] to the south, connecting to the [[Atlantic Ocean]] via the Straits of [[Gibraltar]] to the west. In order, the four largest islands in the Mediterranean are Sicily, Sardinia, [[Cyprus]], and Corsica. Two independent island nations exist within the Mediterranean Sea: [[Cyprus]] and [[Malta]]. | + | The [[Mediterranean Sea]] is almost completely enclosed by land: [[Europe]] to the north, [[Asia]] to the east, and [[Africa]] to the south. It is connected to the [[Atlantic Ocean]] via the Strait of [[Gibraltar]] to the west. In order, the five largest islands in the Mediterranean are [[Sicily]] ([[Italy]]), [[Sardinia]] (Italy), [[Cyprus]], [[Corsica]] ([[France]]) and [[Crete]] ([[Greece]]). Two independent island nations exist within the Mediterranean Sea: Cyprus and [[Malta]]. |