Trivia in Italy
Learn fascinating facts and trivia about this country
National symbols
Flag: Vertical tricolor (green, white, red from left), symbolizing liberty, faith, and patriotism.
Emblem: Coat of arms composed of star, cogwheel, olive, and oak representing labor and the republic.
Trivia & facts
- Espresso consumption per capita among world's highest.
- About one-quarter of country registered as World Heritage Sites.
- Ferrari headquarters located in Maranello, population roughly 10,000.
- Contains two independent nations within territory: Vatican City and San Marino.
- Italian 'ciao' originates from Venetian dialect meaning 'slave.'
- Olive cultivation area second in EU after Spain.
- Left-handed Leonardo da Vinci's mirror-script manuscripts preserved in national library.
- World's first bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena founded 1472.
- Pizza Margherita originated 1889 dedicated to Queen Margherita.
- Italian school year begins in September.