Located on the Mediterranean Sea in southern Europe, Italy consists mainly of the elongated Apennine Peninsula and the islands of Sardinia and Sicily. To the north are the Alps, where the country also shares land borders with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.
Within Italy's borders, but as independent states, are also the Vatican City and San Marino.
The country is divided into 20 regions consisting of provinces and then municipalities, but it is more common to talk about Italy in three areas: northern Italy, where most people live, central Italy with the capital Rome, and southern Italy, which includes the islands.
Historical retrospect
Initially, the Italian boot-like peninsula was made up of a number of individual small towns, which then formed the unified state of Italy in 1861 under the rule of King Victor Emmanuel II. In the 1920s, the dictator Benito Mussolini took power and abolished parliamentary government.
Italy, along with its ally Nazi Germany, fell to the Axis powers during World War II and in 1948 Italy became a democracy again.
Two years earlier, it had also chosen to change its form of government from a monarchy to a republic. Italy is one of the founding members of the European Coal and Steel Union in 1956, which later evolved into the EU. It is also one of the original members of NATO, founded in 1949.
Fast facts about Italy
Capital city: Rome (2.8 million)
Population: 60.5 million (2016)
Major cities: Milan, Naples, Turin
Highest mountain: Monte Bianco, 4808 meters above sea level
Largest lake: Lake Garda, 370 square kilometers
Longest river: Po, 652 kilometers
Main religion: Catholicism
Language: Italian
Form of government: republic
National day: June 2
Currency: Euro
EU membership: 1952
Popular destinations in northern Italy
Venice - discover the city of romance with gondolas, canals and beautiful bridges.
Florence - Especially for art lovers, this is a must, as many of the greatest artists have lived and worked in the city.
Milan - Fashion and football are the city's strengths. Milan is home to top Italian clubs Inter and AC Milan.
Verona - a charming typical Italian town best known as the setting for Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Pompeii - The city is located southeast of the Vesuvius volcano and was destroyed in 79 AD by a volcanic eruption.
Leaning Tower of Pisa - The 55-meter high bell tower began construction in 1173 and was already leaning due to the watery and muddy nature of the soil.
Rome - "All roads lead to Rome" is the saying about this city built on seven hills. There is so much to experience in Rome and it is said that once you have visited the city, you will always return.
Highlights include the Colosseum amphitheater, Vatican City with the stunningly beautiful St. Peter's Basilica and Sistine Chapel, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.