WorldSumma

🇮🇹Italy

About Italy

Italy, a boot-shaped peninsula in southern Europe, ignites the imagination with its lush landscapes, storied cities, and culinary legacy. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the vibrant streets of Rome, it fuses antiquity and contemporary flair into a unified marvel.

Italy's terrain is as diverse as its history—mountainous Apennines and Carpathian-like Alps frame the north, while the dramatic Dolomites and the iconic volcanic islands of Sicily and Sardinia add dramatic splendor. The peninsula extends into the Mediterranean, boasting beautiful coastlines, fertile plains like the Po Valley, and a rich network of waterways that have shaped its urban and agricultural development.

Italian culture thrives on artistic brilliance, family bonds, and gastronomic passion. From Renaissance masterpieces in Florence to opera houses in Milan, its creative spirit permeates music, fashion, and cinema. Italian cuisine, celebrated worldwide, revolves around fresh ingredients, regional specialties, and a social ritual of shared meals that bring friends and family together.

The Roman Empire, founded in 753 BC, once spanned half the world and left an indelible legacy in law, language, and architecture. Its fall in 476 AD gave rise to the medieval duchies, later unified under the House of Savoy in 1861, a turning point that set the country on its modern path.

Key Facts

  • Italy is home to 55 UNESCO World Heritage sites, more than any other country.
  • Population: approximately 59 million people; area: 301,340 km².
  • Its espresso tradition began in 1884 when café owner Giovanni Costetti added a shot of espresso to a cappuccino.

Country Details

Capital

Rome

Region / Subregion

Europe / Southern Europe

Native Name

Italia

Nationality

Italian

Currency

Euro (EUR - €)

Phone Code

39

Top-Level Domain

.it

ISO Codes

ISO2: IT / ISO3: ITA

Coordinates

Lat: 42.8333, Lng: 12.8333

Free municipal consortiums in Italy

Decentralized regional entities in Italy

Metropolitan cities in Italy

Italy: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Italy?

The capital of Italy is Rome.

What currency is used in Italy?

Italy uses the Euro (EUR), with the symbol €.

Where is Italy located?

Italy is located in Southern Europe, Europe.

What is the native name of Italy?

The native name of Italy is Italia.

What are people from Italy called?

People from Italy are referred to as Italian.

What is the phone calling code for Italy?

The international dialing code for Italy is +39.