Italien

Italien is the German name for the country commonly known as Italy in English. Located in Southern Europe, it occupies the Italian Peninsula and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. It is bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia, with coastlines along the Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, Ionian, and Ligurian Seas. The capital and largest city is Rome. The official language is Italian and the currency is the euro. The population is around 58 to 60 million.

Italy is a unitary parliamentary republic established by a 1946 constitution. The President acts as head of state with limited powers, while the Prime Minister and cabinet exercise executive authority. The Parliament consists of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The country is divided into 20 regions, five with autonomous powers. Italy is a member of the European Union and uses the euro.

Italy has a long history—from ancient civilizations and the Roman Empire through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The modern state emerged with the unification of 1861 and Rome becoming capital in 1871. The economy is diverse, with strengths in manufacturing, engineering, fashion, and tourism. Major cities include Milan, Turin, Florence, Naples, and Rome. Italy hosts countless cultural monuments and UNESCO sites, reflecting its artistic heritage. Italian culture influences world cuisine, art, music, and design; regional diversity remains a defining feature.