Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a country in Southern and Western Europe, consisting of a peninsula and nearly 800 islands, including Sicily and Sardinia. It shares borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, and enclaves like Vatican City and San Marino. Covering 301,340 km², it is the tenth-largest country in Europe and has a population of nearly 60 million, with Rome as its capital.
Italy’s history includes ancient Romans, who established the Roman Empire, and the city-states that flourished during the Renaissance, contributing to modern capitalism and global exploration. Unified in 1861, Italy industrialized rapidly, particularly in the north, while the south remained impoverished, leading to significant emigration.
After participating in World War I, Italy fell under fascist dictatorship in 1922 and was part of the Axis in World War II before becoming an Allied co-belligerent. Post-war, Italy transitioned to a republic, recovering strongly.
Today, Italy has a developed economy, is a founding member of the European Union, and is a cultural superpower known for its contributions to art, music, cuisine, and more. It boasts the highest number of World Heritage Sites (60) and is the fourth-most visited country globally.
