Italy

Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a country in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. It comprises the Italian Peninsula and two large islands, Sicily and Sardinia, and is bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia; the enclaves of San Marino and Vatican City lie within its borders. The capital and largest city is Rome. Italy is a parliamentary republic; the President serves as head of state and the Prime Minister as head of government. The Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.

Geography and demographics: Italy covers about 301,340 square kilometers and has a population around 58 million. The northern alpine region borders the rest of Europe, while the Apennines run down the length of the peninsula. Major rivers include the Po, Adige, Arno and Tiber. The country is divided into 20 regions, several with special autonomous status, and contains major cities such as Milan, Turin, Naples, Florence and Venice.

History: Italy has a long history from ancient civilizations such as the Etruscans and Romans to medieval communes, city-states and the Renaissance. The unified Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed in 1861, and the modern Italian Republic was established in 1946 after a constitutional referendum.

Economy and society: Italy has a diversified, high-income economy with strengths in manufacturing, fashion, design, automotive industry, and tourism. It is a member of the European Union and uses the euro. Tourism centers on cultural heritage, art, and landscapes, such as Rome's ancient monuments, Venice, Florence, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.

Culture and language: Italian is the official language, with regional languages and dialects common. Italian culture has made enduring contributions to the arts, music, literature and cuisine, including opera, Renaissance painting, pasta, pizza, wine and olive oil.