Neapolitan: Sicilian: Poulye}}) is a region of Italy in Southern Italy bordering the Adriatic Sea to the east, the Ionian Sea to the southeast, and the Strait of Otranto and Gulf of Taranto to the south. Its southernmost portion, known as the Salento peninsula, forms a "tacco" or heel on the boot of Italy. The region comprises 19345 sqkm, and its population is about four million. &&&&