Italy

Southern Europe

Italy is a country in Southern Europe, home to 59 million people, with an area of 301,340 km². Its capital is Rome.

Capital: Rome
Population: 59 million
Area: 301,340 km²
Region: Southern Europe
Density: 196 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Italy · Southern Europe · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Italy is known for

Italy is best known for The Colosseum, The Leaning Tower of Pisa and The Vatican City.

Italy is a country located in Southern Europe, known for its rich history, culture, and cuisine. It is bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia to the north, and by the Mediterranean Sea to the west, south, and east. Italy is a democratic republic and has a long-standing tradition of art, literature, and philosophy.

Italy at a glance

Language: Italian is the official language, but many people also speak regional dialects and English
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Religion: Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion in Italy, but there are also significant minorities of Muslims and Protestants
National dish: Pizza and pasta are some of the most famous dishes in Italian cuisine
Climate: Italy has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The climate can vary depending on the region, with Alpine regions experiencing colder temperatures and more snowfall
Main industries: Tourism, manufacturing (including luxury goods, machinery, and food), and agriculture
GDP: $2.1 trillion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Italy is a highly developed country, with a human development index (HDI) ranking of 30 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Italy

Some of the main tourist attractions in Italy include:

The Colosseum a famous ancient amphitheater in Rome that was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa a bell tower in Pisa that leans due to a sinking foundation.
The Vatican City an independent city-state within Rome that is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Florence Cathedral a Gothic-style cathedral in Florence that features a dome designed by Filippo Brunelleschi.
The Amalfi Coast a picturesque coastal region in southern Italy that is known for its colorful villages and stunning views.
The Venice Canals a network of canals and bridges in Venice that are used for transportation and tourism.
The Pompeii Archaeological Site an ancient Roman city that was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.
The Cinque Terre a group of five small fishing villages on the Ligurian coast that are known for their colorful houses and scenic hiking trails.
The Sistine Chapel a chapel in the Vatican City that is famous for its ceiling painted by Michelangelo.
The Lake District a scenic region in northern Italy that is home to several lakes and picturesque towns.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Italy has to offer. The country is also known for its fashion industry, automotive industry, and contributions to the arts and sciences.