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Italy
Year of EU entry: Founding member
Political system: Republic
Capital city: Rome
Total area: 301 263 km²
Population: 58.8 million
Currency: euro
Official language: Italian
Italy is located in southern Europe, on the northern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Most of Italy consists of a boot-shaped peninsula that juts out from southern Europe into the Mediterranean. Italy also includes the Mediterranean islands of Sardinia and Sicily and many lesser islands. Italy is blessed with varied and splendid landscapes, and because of its location most of the country enjoys sunshine and a mild Mediterranean climate. There are two small independent states within peninsular Italy: the Vatican City in Rome, and the Republic of San Marino.
The country’s main economic sectors are tourism, fashion, engineering, chemicals, motor vehicles and food. Italy is a member of the G8 group of industrialized countries and it is the world's seventh largest economy.
talian nationalism emerged as a powerful force in the 19th century, and a united Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed in 1861. In 1946, after World War II, the monarchy was abolished and the Italian Republic was established. Since then, Italy has had a succession of governments, dominated during most of that period by the center-right, with the left in opposition. Rome is the capital and largest city of Italy, but nearly all of Italy’s towns and cities retain artistic treasures and other reminders of Italy’s cultural heritage.
talian cuisine is one of the most refined and varied in Europe, from the piquant flavors of Naples and Calabria, the pesto dishes of Liguria to the cheese and risotto dishes of the Italian Alps.
Last updated: 1/9/2010