Italy

File:Canto degli Italiani - Marina Militare (strumentale).wav

EU-Italy (orthographic projection)

EU-Italy

Etruscan Painting 1

Aistulf's Italy-en

Marco Polo Mosaic from Palazzo Tursi

Italy, officially known as the Italian Republic (Repubblica Italiana), is a country located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Europe. It is a unitary parliamentary republic with Rome as its capital and largest city. Italy shares land borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, and the enclaved microstates of Vatican City and San Marino. The country covers an area of approximately 301,340 square kilometers (116,350 sq mi) and has a largely temperate seasonal and Mediterranean climate. With around 60 million inhabitants, Italy is the fourth-most populous member state of the European Union.

History

The history of Italy is characterized by the Roman Empire's rise as a central power in the Mediterranean world. After the decline of the Roman Empire, Italy faced numerous invasions by foreign peoples. In the Middle Ages, Italy became a patchwork of city-states and kingdoms, which often fought against each other or were involved in complex alliances with European powers. The Renaissance began in Italy in the 14th century, leading to significant advances in art, science, and philosophy. Italy was unified in 1861, marking the establishment of the modern Italian state. The country played a central role in World War II and became a founding member of the European Union.

Geography

Italy is known for its diverse landscape ranging from the Alps in the north to the central Mediterranean climate. The country includes the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, among others. The Po River, Italy's longest river, flows from the Alps on Italy's western border and crosses the Padan plain to the Adriatic Sea. Several active volcanoes, including Mount Vesuvius, Mount Etna, and Stromboli, are part of Italy's complex geology.

Economy

Italy has a diversified industrial economy, with a focus on manufacturing and export of goods such as machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, fashion, and food. Italy is also renowned for its influential and high-quality automobile, machinery, food, design, and fashion industries. Tourism is another significant part of the economy, with Italy being one of the world's most visited countries, known for its rich art, cuisine, history, fashion, and culture.

Culture

Italian culture is rich and varied, known for its influential contributions to art, music, fashion, cinema, cuisine, and philosophy. Italy is home to the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. High art and monuments are to be found everywhere around the country. It is also famous worldwide for its delicious cuisine, its trendy fashion industry, luxury sports cars and motorcycles, diverse regional cultures and dialects, as well as for its many beautiful coasts, alpine lakes, and mountains.

Government and Politics

Italy is a parliamentary republic with a head of government - the Prime Minister - appointed by the President and a head of state - the President of the Republic. The country has a complex political landscape, with numerous parties that span a broad spectrum from left to right. Italy's legislative power is vested in a bicameral parliament, consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic.

Demographics

Italy has a population of approximately 60 million people, making it the fourth-most populous EU member. The country has seen a significant rate of immigration in the last two decades, leading to a population that is increasingly diverse. The official language is Italian, and the country is predominantly Roman Catholic.

Education and Science

Italy has a long tradition in science and education. The country has produced many famous scientists, scholars, and polymaths such as Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, and Enrico Fermi. Italy has a high level of education and offers various universities and institutions that are well-regarded internationally.