Overview of Italy

Profile

Laid the foundation of Western civilization as center of ancient Roman Empire and blossomed Renaissance art, architecture, and scholarship. Became republic in mid-20th century, now playing major role in European politics and economy as G7, EU, and NATO member. Fashion, design, automobiles, and food culture of "Made in Italy" have become global brands. Landscape woven by Alps and Apennines with over 55 World Heritage Sites attracts over 50 million tourists annually.

Official name: Italian Republic
Common name: Italy
Numeric code: 380
Alpha-3 code: ITA
Alpha-2 code: IT
Population: Approx. 58.5 million (2024)
Population density: Approx. 195 people/km²
Primary languages: Italian
Major religions: Catholic
National anthem: Il Canto degli Italiani (Fratelli d'Italia)
Calling code: +39
Internet TLD: .it

History

From Roman Empire through Renaissance and modern unification to abolishing monarchy in 1946, becoming republic.

Rome founded in ancient times unified Mediterranean world but split in 5th century. Medieval era saw clustering of Papal States and city-states, with Renaissance civilization flourishing 13th–16th centuries. Italian Kingdom established 1861 through 19th-century Risorgimento, experiencing Mussolini dictatorship from 1922. After WWII, monarchy abolished via referendum transitioning to republic, developing as EU and euro adoption core member.

Geography & climate

Diverse terrain from Alpine peaks through Apennine hills, fertile Po Plain, to Mediterranean coves.

Mediterranean climate (northern inland temperate humid)

Area: Europe / 301338 km²
Capital: Rome
Largest city: Rome
Coastal status: Yes
Major lakes: Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Lake Trasimeno
Bordering countries: France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia

Natural resources

Marble, Potash, Natural gas (Adriatic offshore), Sulfur, Hydropower, Fertile volcanic soil, Hot springs, Olives, Grapes, Lemons

Politics

Government: Republic with parliamentary cabinet system

Economy

Currency: Euro (EUR)

GDP (nominal): 2.10 trillion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 3.10 trillion USD (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Italian

Time zone: Central European Time, Central European Summer Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Italians, German-speaking South Tyroleans, Slovenes, Albanian Arbëreshë, Greek Griko, Sardinians, Romani, Romanian immigrants

Life expectancy

Approx. 82.7 years

Literacy rate

Approx. 99%

National sports

Soccer, Cycling, Motorsports, Volleyball, Rugby, Basketball