Italy

Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a country in Southern and Western Europe. It has a long, boot-shaped peninsula that reaches into the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by the Alps to the north and nearly 800 islands, such as Sicily and Sardinia. Italy shares borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia, and also includes the tiny states of Vatican City and San Marino.

The history of Italy is very rich, beginning with the ancient Romans who ruled much of the known world. Later, Italy became a center for art, learning, and trade. Famous artists, scientists, and writers came from Italy, and its cities grew rich through commerce.

In more recent times, Italy joined together as one nation in the 19th century and has since become an important part of Europe. Today, Italy is known for its beautiful landscapes, historic cities like Rome, world-famous food, fashion, and many places important to people all over the world. It remains a leader in art, culture, and many areas of science and business.

Name

Main article: Name of Italy

The name "Italy" has many possible origins. One idea is that it came from an Ancient Greek word for a tribe called the Italói, who lived in what is now Calabria. Some believe the name came from a ruler named Italus. Over time, the name grew to cover more of the land.

As the Roman Republic expanded, the idea of Italy changed. By the time of the Romans, Italy meant the whole land south of the Alps. Later, islands like Sicily and Sardinia were also included. The word we use today, "Italian," comes from ancient Latin words that described people from this land.

History

Main article: History of Italy

Italy's story begins far back in time. In very old times, called the Lower Paleolithic, people lived in what is now Italy as early as 850,000 years ago. We know about them from tools they left behind. Later, around 200,000 years ago, a group of people called Neanderthals were there, and after them, modern humans arrived about 40,000 years ago.

The land we now call Italy was home to many different groups. Some were from families that had lived there a very long time, like the Etruscans, while others came from far away, like people from Greece who set up towns along the coast. One of the most important groups was the ancient Romans. They started in a small place called Rome and grew to rule a huge part of the world. Rome began around 753 BC and was first ruled by kings. Later, they changed to a system where leaders were chosen, called a republic. The Romans were very good at building and making rules, and their ideas still affect us today.

After the big Roman Empire ended, Italy went through many changes. New groups of people came to live there, and sometimes fought over who would be in charge. For a while, Italy was not one country but many smaller ones, like city-states. Some of the most famous were Venice, Florence, and Genoa. These places were good at trading and made lots of money. They also had great artists and scientists.

Later, Italy went through a time called the Renaissance, when art and learning grew very fast. Many wonderful paintings and buildings were made. Italy also helped start the Age of Discovery, when explorers like Christopher Columbus sailed to new places.

In the 1800s, people in Italy worked hard to bring all the small states together into one country. This is called the Unification of Italy. In 1861, Italy became a kingdom, and in 1946, it became a republic.

During the 1900s, Italy was part of two big world wars. After World War II, Italy joined groups like NATO and the European Union. In recent years, Italy has faced challenges like economic changes and immigration, but it remains an important country in Europe.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Italy

Italy is a country in Southern and Western Europe. It has a long peninsula that stretches into the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by the Alps to the north. Italy shares borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia, and includes the tiny states of San Marino and Vatican City.

Over 35% of Italy’s land is mountainous, with the Apennine Mountains running down the middle of the peninsula and the Alps forming its northern edge. Italy’s highest point is Mont Blanc in the Alps. The country has many islands, including Sicily and Sardinia, and several active volcanoes like Mount Etna.

Main article: Climate of Italy

Italy’s climate changes from north to south. Northern areas have cooler, wetter winters and warm summers, while southern coastal regions enjoy mild winters and hot, dry summers. The weather can vary a lot, with snow in the mountains and thunderstorms in the spring and autumn.

Main articles: Fauna of Italy and Flora of Italy

Further information: Italian garden

Italy’s many landscapes — from the Alps to woodlands and coastal areas — support a rich variety of plants and animals. The country is home to unique species like the Sardinian red deer and the Italian wolf, which is the nation’s symbol. Italy’s gardens have influenced garden designs around the world.

See also: List of national parks of Italy, List of regional parks of Italy, and List of Marine Protected Areas of Italy

Italy works to protect its environment through national parks and reserves. The country uses plenty of renewable energy, like solar and wind power. However, air pollution and traffic in big cities remain challenges.

Politics

Main articles: Politics of Italy and Elections in Italy

Italy has been a unitary parliamentary republic since 1946, when the monarchy was abolished. The president of Italy, Sergio Mattarella since 2015, is Italy's head of state. The president is elected for a single seven-year term by the Italian Parliament and regional voters in joint session. Italy has a written democratic constitution that resulted from a Constituent Assembly formed by representatives of the anti-fascist forces that contributed to the defeat of Nazi and Fascist forces during the liberation of Italy, in World War II.

Italy plays a major role in several economic, military, cultural, and political affairs, and is one of the EU big three. It is widely considered to be a regional power, while its great power status is a subject of debate among scholars and political analysts.

According to International IDEA's Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Indices and Democracy Tracker, Italy performs in the high range on overall democratic measures, with particular weaknesses in rule of law.

Government

Main article: Government of Italy

Italy has a parliamentary government based on a mixed-member majoritarian representation system. The parliament is perfectly bicameral; each house has the same powers. The two houses: the Chamber of Deputies meets in Palazzo Montecitorio, and the Senate of the Republic in Palazzo Madama. A peculiarity of the Italian Parliament is the representation given to Italian citizens permanently living abroad: 8 Deputies and 4 Senators are elected in four distinct overseas constituencies. There are senators for life, appointed by the president "for outstanding patriotic merits in the social, scientific, artistic or literary field". Former presidents are ex officio life senators.

The prime minister of Italy is head of government and has executive authority, but must receive a vote of approval from the Council of Ministers to execute most policies. The prime minister and cabinet are appointed by the president, and confirmed by a vote of confidence in parliament. To remain as prime minister, one has to pass votes of confidence. The role of prime minister is similar to most other parliamentary systems, but they are not authorised to dissolve parliament. Another difference is that the political responsibility for intelligence is with the prime minister, who has exclusive power to coordinate intelligence policies, determine financial resources, strengthen cybersecurity, apply and protect State secrets, and authorise agents to carry out operations, in Italy or abroad.

The major political parties are the Brothers of Italy, Democratic Party, and Five Star Movement. During the 2022 general election, these three and their coalitions won 357 of the 400 seats in the Chamber of Deputies, and 187 of 200 in the Senate. The centre-right coalition, which included Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy, Matteo Salvini's League, Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia, and Maurizio Lupi's Us Moderates, won most seats in parliament. The rest were taken by the centre-left coalition, which included the Democratic Party, the Greens and Left Alliance, Aosta Valley, More Europe, Civic Commitment, the Five Star Movement, Action – Italia Viva, South Tyrolean People's Party, South calls North, and the Associative Movement of Italians Abroad.

Law and criminal justice

Main articles: Law of Italy, Judiciary of Italy, Law enforcement in Italy, and Crime in Italy

The law of Italy has several sources. These are hierarchical: the law or regulation from a lower source cannot conflict with the rule of an upper source (hierarchy of sources). The Constitution of 1948 is the highest source. The Constitutional Court of Italy rules on the conformity of laws with the constitution. The judiciary bases their decisions on Roman law modified by the Napoleonic Code and later statutes. The Supreme Court of Cassation is the highest court for both criminal and civil appeals.

Law enforcement is complex with multiple police forces. The national policing agencies are the Polizia di Stato ('State Police'), the Carabinieri, the Guardia di Finanza ('Financial Police'), and the Polizia Penitenziaria ('Prison Police'), as well as the Guardia Costiera ('Coast Guard Police'). Although policing is primarily provided on a national basis, there are also the provincial and municipal police.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Italy

Italy is a founding member of the European Economic Community (EEC), now the European Union (EU), and of NATO. Italy was admitted to the United Nations in 1955, and is a member and strong supporter of international organisations, such as the OECD, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade/World Trade Organization (GATT/WTO), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Council of Europe, and the Central European Initiative. Its turns in the rotating presidencies of international organisations include the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in 2018, G7 in 2017, and the EU Council in 2014. Italy is a recurrent non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Italy strongly supports multilateral international politics, endorsing the UN and its international security activities. In 2013, Italy had 5,296 troops deployed abroad, engaged in 33 UN and NATO missions in 25 countries. Italy deployed troops in support of UN peacekeeping missions in Somalia, Mozambique, and East Timor. Italy provides support for NATO and UN operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Albania, and deployed over 2,000 troops to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) from 2003.

Military

Main articles: Italian Armed Forces and Military history of Italy

See also: List of wars involving Italy

The military history of Italy chronicles a vast time period, lasting from the military conflicts fought by the ancient peoples of Italy, most notably the conquest of the Mediterranean world by the ancient Romans, through the expansion of the Italian city-states and maritime republics during the medieval period and the involvement of the historical Italian states in the Italian Wars and the wars of succession, to the Napoleonic period, the Italian unification, the campaigns of the colonial empire, the two world wars, and into the modern day, with world peacekeeping operations under the aegis of NATO, the EU or the UN.

The Italian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Carabinieri collectively form the Italian Armed Forces, under the command of the High Council of Defence, presided over by the president, per the Constitution of Italy. According to Article 78, the Parliament has the authority to declare a state of war and vest the necessary war-making powers in the government.

Despite not being a branch of the armed forces, the Guardia di Finanza has military status and is organised along military lines. Since 2005, military service has been voluntary. In 2010, the Italian military had 293,202 personnel on active duty, of which 114,778 are Carabinieri. As part of NATO's nuclear sharing strategy, Italy hosts 90 US B61 nuclear bombs located at the Ghedi and Aviano air bases.

The Army is the national ground defence force. It was formed in 1946, when Italy became a republic, from what remained of the "Royal Italian Army". Its best-known combat vehicles are the Dardo infantry fighting vehicle, the B1 Centauro tank destroyer, and the Ariete tank, and among its aircraft are the Mangusta attack helicopter, deployed on EU, NATO, and UN missions. It has at its disposal Leopard 1 and M113 armoured vehicles.

The Italian Navy is a blue-water navy. It was also formed in 1946 from what remained of the Regia Marina (the 'Royal Navy'). As a member of the EU and NATO, the Navy has participated in coalition peacekeeping operations worldwide. In 2014, the Navy operated 154 vessels in service, including minor auxiliary vessels.

The Italian Air Force was founded as an independent service arm in 1923 by King Victor Emmanuel III as the Regia Aeronautica ('Royal Air Force'). After World War II, it was renamed as the Aeronautica Militare. In 2021, the Italian Air Force operated 219 combat jets. A transport capability is guaranteed by a fleet of 27 C-130Js and C-27J Spartan. The acrobatic display team is the Frecce Tricolori ('Tricolour Arrows').

An autonomous corps of the military, the Carabinieri are the gendarmerie and military police of Italy, policing the military and civilian population alongside Italy's other police forces. While different branches of the Carabinieri report to separate ministries, the corps reports to the Ministry of Internal Affairs when maintaining public order and security.

Administrative divisions

Main articles: Regions of Italy, Provinces of Italy, Metropolitan cities of Italy, and Comune

Italy is constituted of 20 regions (regioni), five of which have special autonomous status which enables them to enact legislation on additional matters.

The regioni contain 107 provinces (province) or metropolitan cities (città metropolitane), and 7,896 municipalities (comuni).

Economy

Main article: Economy of Italy

See also: List of largest Italian companies

Italy has a strong mixed economy and is one of the biggest economies in the world. It is famous for its creative businesses, especially in making cars, fashion, and food. Italy is also known for its beautiful landscapes and historic sites, which attract many visitors each year.

Italy makes many things, like cars and machinery, and sells them around the world. The country is also good at growing food, such as wine and olive oil, which are enjoyed by people everywhere.

Agriculture

Main article: Agriculture in Italy

Italy grows a lot of food, including wine, olive oil, and many kinds of fruits and vegetables. Many farms in Italy are small and family-run, especially in the southern part of the country.

Transport

Main article: Transport in Italy

See also: Railway stations in Italy

Italy has many roads, railways, and airports. The country was the first to build motorways, which are special roads for fast traffic. Italy also has a big railway network with fast trains that can go very fast.

Energy

Main article: Energy in Italy

Further information: Renewable energy in Italy and Electricity sector in Italy

Italy uses a lot of clean energy, like wind and solar power, to make electricity. The country is good at using these natural sources to help keep the environment clean.

Science and technology

Main article: Science and technology in Italy

See also: List of Italian inventions and discoveries

Italy has a long history of making important discoveries in science. Many smart people from Italy have helped us learn more about the world. Today, Italy has special places for science and technology where people can study and invent new things.

Tourism

Main article: Tourism in Italy

Many people visit Italy to see its beautiful places, like old buildings, art, and natural wonders. Italy is one of the most popular countries for tourists, with lots of people coming to enjoy its history, food, and scenery.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Italy

See also: Italians, Internal migration in Italy, Italian diaspora, Genetic history of Italy, and List of cities in Italy

Italy has about 59 million people. It is more crowded in some areas, like the Po Valley and big cities such as Rome and Naples, while other places, like the Alps and parts of Sicily, have fewer people.

Italy’s population grew a lot in the 1900s but is now getting smaller. Many people moved from the countryside to cities, and today fewer babies are being born. As a result, Italy has many older people and not enough young ones to replace them.

From the late 19th century to the 1960s, many Italians moved to other countries looking for work. Today, Italy also has people from other places coming to live there.

Immigration

Main articles: Immigration to Italy and 2015 European migrant crisis

In recent years, Italy has seen many people from other countries come to live there. After changes in Europe, people from places like Romania and other Eastern European countries moved in. Others came from North Africa, Asia, the Philippines, and Latin America.

By 2021, about 5 million people living in Italy were from other countries. Some of these people were born in Italy to parents from other places. Many Romanians now call Italy home.

Languages

Main articles: Languages of Italy, Italian language, Regional Italian, and Geographical distribution of Italian speakers

Italian is the official language of Italy. Many people also speak different regional dialects or minority languages. Some of these, like German and French, have special status in certain areas.

Because of immigration, many people in Italy now speak languages such as Romanian, Arabic, Albanian, and Spanish at home.

Religion

Main articles: Religion in Italy and Catholic Church in Italy

See also: List of cathedrals in Italy

Italy has many people who follow the Catholic tradition, though not all practice it regularly. There are also smaller groups of Orthodox Christians, Protestants, Jews, Hindus, and Sikhs living in the country.

The government allows different religious groups to receive a small part of taxes for their work. Those who do not want to support any religion can choose to have their money go to public services instead.

Education

Main article: Education in Italy

Children in Italy go to school for free from ages six to sixteen. They learn reading, writing, math, science, history, and more. After primary school, students can choose between different types of schools that prepare them for either university or specific jobs.

Some Italian universities are very old and well-known around the world.

Health

Main article: Health in Italy

See also: Healthcare in Italy

People in Italy live long lives, thanks in part to the healthy Mediterranean diet. The country has a good public healthcare system that helps all citizens stay healthy. Smoking in public places is limited to special areas.

Culture

Main article: Culture of Italy

Italy is one of the main places where European culture began. The country's culture is rich and varied, shaped by many local traditions and important centers of art and learning. Italy has greatly influenced Europe's history and art.

Architecture

Main article: Italian architecture

Italy is famous for its buildings, from the ancient arches and domes of Rome to the beautiful designs of the Renaissance. The country was home to important architectural styles like Renaissance architecture, which inspired designs around the world. Italian architects helped shape styles such as Neoclassicism and influenced building designs in places like the United Kingdom and the United States.

Visual art

Main article: Italian art

Italian art has played a big role in Western painting. Roman art was inspired by Greek styles, and later, the Italian Renaissance became a golden age for painting. Famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael created masterpieces that changed art forever.

Literature

Main article: Italian literature

Italy's literary history is long and important. Latin literature from ancient Rome was very influential, with writers like Virgil and Ovid. In the Middle Ages, poets like Dante wrote works that shaped modern Italian. The Renaissance brought famous writers such as Niccolò Machiavelli, and later, Italian authors explored many new ideas in literature.

Philosophy

Main article: Italian philosophy

Italian philosophy has influenced Western thought for centuries. From ancient Greek philosophers in Italy to Renaissance thinkers, Italians have contributed to many areas of philosophy. Famous philosophers like Thomas Aquinas and Niccolò Machiavelli helped shape ideas about religion, politics, and more.

Theatre

Main article: Theatre of Italy

Italian theatre has deep roots, beginning in ancient times and growing during the Middle Ages. Comedy and acting styles like commedia dell'arte became very popular. Ballet also started in Italy during the Renaissance.

Music

Main article: Music of Italy

Music is a big part of Italian life, from classical compositions to modern pop. Italy is the birthplace of opera and has produced famous composers like Verdi and Puccini. Today, Italy has a vibrant music scene, including jazz, pop, and rock.

Fashion and design

Main articles: Italian fashion and Italian design

Italy is known worldwide for its fashion. Cities like Milan and Rome are famous for their stylish designs. Italian fashion brands are leaders in the industry, and the country is also a top place for design in areas like furniture and architecture.

Cinema

Main article: Cinema of Italy

Italian cinema has a long and rich history. From early silent films to famous directors like Federico Fellini and Roberto Rossellini, Italian movies have won many awards and inspired filmmakers around the world. Today, Italy continues to produce important films that are enjoyed globally.

Cuisine

Main articles: Italian cuisine, Italian meal structure, and List of Italian foods and drinks

Italian food is loved around the world for its simplicity and flavor. Based on the Mediterranean diet, Italian cuisine includes pasta, fish, and many fresh vegetables. Regional differences make Italian food varied and delicious, with each area having its own special dishes.

Sport

Main article: Sport in Italy

Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Italy, with the national team winning many World Cup titles. Other popular sports include basketball, volleyball, and cycling. Italy has a strong tradition in winter sports like skiing and has hosted several Olympic Games. The country is also known for its success in motorsports, especially in Formula One racing.