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Italy is a country or territory in Southern Europe. Its capital is Rome.
Italy is located in Southern Europe, and its capital is Rome. It has a population of approximately 58,952,704 and covers an area of about 302,070 km². Its official currency is the Euro (EUR).
People & place
Economic snapshot
Practical reference
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.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Capital
Rome
Population
58,952,704 (195 /km²)
Surface Area
302,070 km²
GDP
$2.38 trillion (2024)
GDP per Capita
$40,385 (2024)
Region / Subregion
Native Name
Italia
Nationality
Italian
Currency
Euro (EUR - €)Phone Code
+39
Top-Level Domain
.it
ISO Codes
IT / ITA
Coordinates
42.8333, 12.8333
Timezones
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
The capital of Italy is Rome.
Italy has a recorded population of approximately 58,952,704 people.
Italy covers an area of about 302,070 km².
Italy has a population density of roughly 195 /km² (people per square kilometre).
Italy has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $2.38 trillion as of 2024.
Italy has a GDP per capita of approximately $40,385.
Italy uses the Euro (EUR), with the symbol €.
Italy is located in Southern Europe, Europe.
The native name of Italy is Italia.
People from Italy are referred to as Italian.
The international dialing code for Italy is +39.
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Italy is .it.
Italy uses the Europe/Rome time zone.
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.