Italian Republic · Southern Europe
View on the interactive map →| Capital | Rome |
|---|---|
| Population | 60.4 million |
| Area | 301,336 km² (116,346 mi²) |
| Official language(s) | Italian |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Region | Europe |
| Subregion | Southern Europe |
| Continent | Europe |
| Demonym | Italian |
| Calling code | +39 |
| Time zone | Europe/Rome |
| Government type | Unitary parliamentary republic |
|---|---|
| Major political parties | Brothers of Italy, Democratic Party, Lega, Five Star Movement, Forza Italia |
| Major religions | Christianity (Catholic majority), Unaffiliated, Islam |
| Important cities | Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin, Florence |
Independence / founding: Unified 17 March 1861; Republic proclaimed 1946
Heart of the Roman Empire and later the Renaissance, the Italian peninsula was long divided into rival states. The Risorgimento unified Italy in 1861. After the Fascist era and WWII, Italians voted to become a republic in 1946, and Italy became a founding member of the European Community.
| National animal / bird | Italian wolf |
|---|---|
| National dish | Pizza, pasta, espresso |
| Music | Opera (Verdi, Puccini); pop |
| National sport | Football |