Italia

Italia, officially the Repubblica Italiana (Italian: Repubblica Italiana), is a sovereign state in Southern Europe. It occupies the Italian Peninsula and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, extending into the central and southern Mediterranean. It is bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia, and encloses the independent microstates of Vatican City and San Marino. The capital is Rome; major urban centers include Milan, Naples, Turin, and Palermo.

Geography and population: The country ranges from the Alpine north to the Mediterranean south, with diverse landscapes that include mountains, plains and coastlines. The Po is the longest river, and active volcanoes such as Etna and Vesuvius are among its notable geographic features. Italian is the official language; regional languages and dialects are widely spoken, with minority languages recognized in various regions.

Government and economy: Italia is a constitutional republic with a parliamentary system. The President is the head of state, while the Prime Minister leads the government. The Parliament is bicameral, comprising the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. Italia is a member of the European Union and uses the euro. The economy is diversified, with strong manufacturing, services, tourism, and creative sectors, including fashion and design.

History and culture: The area has ancient roots in civilizations such as the Etruscans and Romans. It was a center of the Roman Republic and Empire and later a cradle of the Renaissance. Modern Italy was unified in the 19th century and became a republic in 1946, with the constitution entering into force in 1948. Italia is renowned for its art, architecture, cuisine, literature, music, and cultural heritage, and it hosts many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.