Map data for
Italy

The Republic of Italy, the boot-shaped peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea, is situated in south central Europe. It shares borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and the enclaved micro-states of Vatican City and San Marino. As well as its mainland and various islands Italy is also comprised of the territorial enclave of Campione and the maritime enclave of Lampedusa. The capital city is Rome.
Famed as the heart of the Roman Empire, Italy’s position in Europe and the Mediterranean has always been strategically significant and was for many years very dominant. After the fall of the Roman Empire, northern Italy was a selection of independent city states and maritime republics which became prosperous through trade and commerce. Central Italy was under the complete control of the Papacy, while the south was a collection of territories successively conquered by other nations.
Italian nationalism became strong in the nineteenth century, and by 1861, the almost complete unification and establishment of the Kingdom of Italy was achieved. Post-WWI, Italy suffered economic and social turmoil, which resulted in the rise of Mussolini’s fascist dictatorship and subsequent WWII defeat. Following that was the rise of resistance and liberation of Italy. A democratic republic was established and the monarchy abolished.
Today Italy is a unitary parliamentary republic, comprising twenty regions (five of which have autonomous status), 107 provinces/metropolitan cities and 7,960 municipalities. It is heavily urbanised, particularly in the north, whilst the south is the heart of the agricultural sector. The population is ageing and Italy has the fifth oldest population in the world.
With an advanced economy, Italy is one of the world’s leading industrialised nations. It is renowned for its influential creative and innovative business (fashion and design), large agricultural sector (Italy produces and exports the most wine in the world), strong automotive, machinery and food industries. The tourism sector is very important, with Italy being in the top five countries visited in the world.
Italy’s cultural heritage is all-pervading. From its influence at the heart of the Roman Empire, through to the Renaissance and beyond, it has been a defining source of scientific discoveries, philosophies, art, literature, music, food and fashion. Its cultural wealth is such that it has the highest number of World Heritage Sites.
Its importance is felt on the world stage. Amongst other organisations, it is a member of the United Nations, NATO, G20 and the European Union.