The term 'boot-shaped country' refers to two countries: Italy and Saudi ARABIA. Italy is a boot-shaped country located in Southern Europe, bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. It is the home of the Roman Empire and the birthplace of the Renaissance. Saudi ARABIA is a boot-shaped country located in the Middle East, bordered by Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen. It is the birthplace of Islam and is home to the holiest sites in the religion.