Italy
Italy (Template:Lang-it), officially the Italian Republic (Template:Lang-it), 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.
| Italian Republic | |
|---|---|
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| Official language(s) | Italian |
| Capital | Rome |
| Largest city | |
| Government | Unitary parliamentary republic |
| President | Sergio Mattarella |
| Prime Minister | Giorgia Meloni |
| Legislature | Parliament of Italy |
| Formation | |
| Area | 301,340 km² |
| Population | |
| GDP (nominal) | |
| GDP (PPP) | |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | |
| Date format | dd/mm/yyyy |
| Driving side | right |
| Calling code | +39 |
| ISO 3166 code | |
| Internet TLD | .it |
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 Venice, Florence, and 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 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, Tiber, and Arno.
Politics
Italy is a parliamentary republic. The President serves as head of state, and the 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 is the official language. 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 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 Ferrari’s Formula One team.
See also
References