| Area |
301,323 sq km (116,341 sq miles). |
| Population |
60,681514 (2011) |
| Capital |
Rome - population 2,761,477 (2010) |
| Language |
Italian is the official language. Dialects are spoken in different regions. German and Latin are spoken in the South Tyrol region (bordering Austria).French is spoken in all the border areas from the Rivera to the area north of Milan (border with France and Switzerland). German is spoken around the Austria border. English, German and French are spoken in the biggest cities and in tourism and business circles. |
| Religion |
Roman Catholic with Protestant minorities. |
| Time |
GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in September). |
| History |
The area we today know as Italy first achieved wide recognition through the inexorable growth of the Roman Empire from the first century BC. By 400 AD, however, the empire's decline had become terminal, and the country entered a long period of relative inactivity known as The Dark Ages. Prosperity returned in force by the fourteenth century, when the nation's important trade role saw it blossom into a centre for sharing ideas and cultures. Art, science, exploration and literature all flourished, and the Catholic Church became hugely influential.
As power shifted in the sixteenth century, it then again became a rather rudderless region, until for political reasons full national unification was reached in 1861. Fascist leader Benito Mussolini led the country to defeat in World War II, after which Italy became a republic. In recent history, former Prime Minister Romano Prodi and his government resigned in January 2008 after losing a confidence vote in the Senate. Elections in April 2008 were won by still-controversial media magnate Silvio Berlusconi, securing a third term as premier after two years in opposition.
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| Highlights |
The list of major attractions in the capital Rome is vast, among them the Trevi Fountain and the Piazza Navonna, the ruins of the Roman Arena, the Colosseum, St Peter's Basilica within the boundaries of the Vatican City, to name but a few. Outside of the capital, Perugia contains many Etruscan and Roman ruins, and Assisi is a picturesque medieval hill town famous as the home of St Francis, founder of the Franciscan order of monks. In Venice, often praised as the most beautiful city in the world, you should visit the Doges' Palace, St. Mark's Square, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Grand Canal. |
| Geography |
Italy is situated in southern Europe and divided into four sections: Northern Italy, Central Italy, Southern Italy and The Islands. It is attached to European mainland to the north where the Alps separates the country from France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. Climate wise, Italy enjoys hot summers, especially in the south. During spring and autumn, the weather is mild and sunny. During the winter months, the south tends to be drier and warmer than in the northern and central areas.
Summer is hot especially in the south. Spring and autumn are mild with fine, sunny weather. Winter in the south is much drier and warmer than northern and central areas. Mountain regions are colder with heavy winter snowfalls.
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