The Italian Republic

Italy lies in Southern Europe on the Mediterranean, on the Apennine Peninsula, and also includes the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Its area is about 301 thousand km², population about 59 million, and capital Rome. In the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia; within its territory lie the states of San Marino and the Vatican – such states are called enclaves. Italy is a parliamentary republic and a unitary state divided into 20 regions (5 with special status, including Sicily and Sardinia). Relief is mostly mountainous: the Alps in the north and the Apennines down the peninsula, with the Po Plain and the biggest river, the Po, between them. Italy is seismically and volcanically active: Etna (Europe’s highest active volcano), Vesuvius and Stromboli. The climate is Mediterranean subtropical: hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Mineral resources are few, so energy and raw materials are mostly imported. Natural change is negative and the population is ageing; immigration (Romanians, Albanians, Moroccans) partly offsets this. Urbanisation is about 70 %; big cities are Rome, Milan, Naples and Turin. Catholics are the majority, and the Vatican lies inside the country. Italy is a G7 member, but the north (around Milan and Turin) is rich and industrial, while the south relies on farming and is poorer. Leading branches: engineering (cars, appliances), chemicals, fashion and light industry, food (olive oil, wine, cheese, tomatoes). Tourism is among the most profitable branches: Rome, Venice, Florence and the Colosseum; Italy has the most sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List.