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{{short description|Country in Southern Europe}}
{{Infobox country
| conventional_long_name = Italian Republic
| common_name = Italy
| native_name = Repubblica Italiana
| image_flag = Flag of Italy.svg
| image_coat = Emblem of Italy.svg
| symbol_type = Emblem
| national_motto =
| national_anthem = "[[Il Canto degli Italiani]]"
| image_map = EU-Italy.svg
| map_caption = Location of Italy (dark green) in Europe (green & dark grey)
| capital = [[Rome]]
| official_languages = [[Italian language|Italian]]
| demonym = Italian
| government_type = [[Unitary state|Unitary]] [[parliamentary republic]]
| president = [[Sergio Mattarella]]
| prime_minister = [[Giorgia Meloni]]
| legislature = [[Parliament of Italy]]
| upper_house = [[Senate of the Republic (Italy)|Senate]]
| lower_house = [[Chamber of Deputies (Italy)|Chamber of Deputies]]
| area_km2 = 301,340
| population_estimate = 59,000,000
| population_estimate_year = 2023
| currency = [[Euro]] (€)
| time_zone = [[Central European Time|CET]]
| utc_offset = +1
| date_format = dd/mm/yyyy
| drives_on = right
| calling_code = +39
| iso3166code = IT
| internet_tld = [[.it]]
}}

'''Italy''' ({{lang-it|Italia}}), officially the '''Italian Republic''' ({{lang-it|Repubblica Italiana}}), is a country in [[Southern Europe]]. It consists of a peninsula delimited by the [[Alps]] and surrounded by several islands, the largest of which are [[Sicily]] and [[Sardinia]]. Italy shares land borders with [[France]], [[Switzerland]], [[Austria]], and [[Slovenia]]. It is also bordered by two enclaved microstates: [[San Marino]] and [[Vatican City]]. With a population of about 59 million, Italy is the third most populous member state of the [[European Union]]. Its capital is [[Rome]], which has historically been a center of politics, culture, and religion.

==Etymology==
The name ''Italia'' has ancient origins. Originally used for the southern part of the [[Italian Peninsula]], it was gradually extended by the [[Roman Republic]] to refer to the entire peninsula.

==History==
===Ancient and Classical Era===
Italy was the heart of the [[Roman Empire]], one of history’s most influential civilizations, which shaped law, politics, engineering, architecture, and language across Europe and beyond.

===Middle Ages===
After the fall of the [[Western Roman Empire]] in 476 CE, Italy fragmented into numerous kingdoms, duchies, and city-states, including [[Republic of Venice|Venice]], [[Republic of Florence|Florence]], and [[Duchy of Milan|Milan]].

===Renaissance===
During the [[Italian Renaissance]] (14th–17th centuries), the peninsula became a global center of art, science, and humanism, producing figures such as [[Leonardo da Vinci]], [[Michelangelo]], and [[Galileo Galilei]].

===Unification and Modern Era===
Italy was unified in 1861 under King [[Victor Emmanuel II]]. In 1946, following World War II and the fall of [[Fascist Italy|Fascism]], Italy became a republic. It is now a democratic republic and a founding member of the [[European Union]], [[NATO]], and the [[United Nations]].

==Geography==
Italy covers 301,340 km². The [[Alps]] form its northern boundary, while the [[Apennine Mountains]] run along the peninsula. Major rivers include the [[Po (river)|Po]], [[Tiber]], and [[Arno]].

==Politics==
Italy is a [[parliamentary republic]]. The [[President of Italy|President]] serves as head of state, and the [[Prime Minister of Italy|Prime Minister]] is head of government. Its legislature, the [[Parliament of Italy]], is bicameral.

==Economy==
Italy has a highly developed [[mixed economy]], ranking among the world’s largest. It is a leader in manufacturing, fashion, design, and tourism. Global brands such as [[Ferrari]], [[Fiat]], [[Prada]], and [[Armani]] originate from Italy.

==Demographics==
The majority of the population identifies as ethnically Italian. [[Italian language|Italian]] is the official language. [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholicism]] remains the predominant religion, although Italy is constitutionally secular.

==Culture==
Italy is renowned for its contributions to art, architecture, literature, philosophy, and cuisine. It is the birthplace of [[opera]] and classical composers. Italian cuisine, including pasta, pizza, and espresso, is among the world’s most popular.

==Tourism==
Italy is among the most visited countries globally. Its landmarks include the [[Colosseum]], [[Leaning Tower of Pisa]], [[Venice]]’s canals, and [[Florence]]’s art treasures. Italy has the largest number of [[UNESCO World Heritage Sites]] in the world.

==Sports==
[[Football in Italy|Football]] is the most popular sport. The national team, ''Gli Azzurri'', has won the [[FIFA World Cup]] four times. Other popular sports include cycling, basketball, and motorsport, particularly [[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari’s]] Formula One team.

==See also==
* [[History of Italy]]
* [[Italian cuisine]]
* [[Culture of Italy]]
* [[List of cities in Italy]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://www.governo.it Official Government of Italy] 
* [https://www.italia.it/en Official Tourism Portal of Italy]

[[Category:Italy| ]]
[[Category:Countries in Europe]]
[[Category:European Union member states]]
[[Category:Member states of NATO]]