Italy
Region
🌍 Europe
Population
👥 58
Currency
💱 Euro
Languages
🗣️ Catalan, Italian
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Italy, a country located in Southern Europe, is renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. From ancient Roman ruins to Renaissance art and picturesque coastlines, Italy offers a captivating experience for every traveler.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Italian Republic
Continent
Europe
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Italian
Independence
Italy was unified in 1861.
Top-Level Domain
.it
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+39
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+01:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Rome
ISO Alpha-2
IT
ISO Alpha-3
ITA
UN Code
380
Geographic Coordinates
42.83333333,12.83333333
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
301,336#73 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
58,943,673#25 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
199.49
Highest Point (m)
4,810 meters (Mont Blanc)
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Mediterranean Sea)
Land Use
Primarily agricultural land, with forests and urban areas.
Irrigated Land
Approximately 2.8 million hectares (2012 estimate).
Coastline Length
7,600 kilometers.
Climate
Primarily Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters; alpine in the north.
Natural Resources
Coal, mercury, zinc, potash, marble, barite, asbestos, pumice, and hydropower.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Austria, France, San Marino, Slovenia, Switzerland, Vatican City
Major Rivers
Po, Adige, Tiber, and Arno.
Major Lakes
Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Como.
Government Type
Parliamentary Republic
Administrative Divisions
20 regions (regioni), 107 provinces (province), and 7,904 municipalities (comuni).
Legal System
Civil law system based on Roman law.
Chief of State
President of the Republic
Head of Government
Prime Minister
Cabinet
Council of Ministers
Elections
Elections are held for the Parliament.
Judicial Branch
Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Cassation, and other lower courts.
Legislative Branch
Bicameral Parliament consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic.
Major Political Parties
Brothers of Italy, Democratic Party, Five Star Movement, Lega.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Euro
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2,551.56#9 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3,700.05#12 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
43,308.64#36 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.07
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
22.64
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
64.51
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.53#138 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
25,660,587
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6.39#70 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Central government debt, total (% of GDP) (1992)Checked September 29, 2026
77.29
Budget
Italy's annual budget reflects the country's economic priorities and fiscal policies; current data is available in government publications.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
822.29#13 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
773.02#11 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Italy's foreign exchange reserves are substantial, reflecting the country's economic standing; current figures are available through financial institutions.
Currency Exchange
Exchange rates for the Euro (EUR) are readily available from major banks and online currency converters.
GDP by Sector
The Italian economy is primarily driven by services, followed by manufacturing and agriculture.
Major Industries
Major industries include tourism, manufacturing (machinery, automobiles, pharmaceuticals), and fashion.
Major Export Partners
Major export partners include Germany, France, the United States, and Switzerland.
Major Import Partners
Major import partners include Germany, France, China, and the United States.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2019)Checked September 29, 2026
99.35#23 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.3
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
11
Net Migration Rate
Italy's net migration rate fluctuates; consult recent demographic data for current figures.
Median Age
The median age in Italy is relatively high due to an aging population; check recent demographic data for current figures.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
69.68#92 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Italy's urbanization rate is relatively stable.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
84#10 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
The HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in Italy is low.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
8.44
Ethnic Groups
The population of Italy is predominantly Italian.
Religions
The majority of Italians identify as Roman Catholic.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Catalan, Italian
Education
Education System
Public and private education, compulsory from age 6 to 16. Includes primary, lower secondary, upper secondary, and higher education.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2018)Checked September 29, 2026
16.2
Government Education Spending
Around 4% of GDP.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome, University of Milan, University of Padua, University of Turin.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Rich history, art, architecture, and cuisine. Strong emphasis on family and social connections. Regional variations in culture.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- Capodanno (2026-01-01)
- Epifania (2026-01-06)
- Pasqua (2026-04-05)
- Lunedì dell'Angelo (2026-04-06)
- Festa della Liberazione (2026-04-25)
- Festa del Lavoro (2026-05-01)
- Lunedì di Pentecoste (2026-05-25)
- Festa della Repubblica (2026-06-02)
- Ferragosto o Assunzione (2026-08-15)
- San Francesco d'Assisi (2026-10-04)
- Tutti i Santi (2026-11-01)
- Immacolata Concezione (2026-12-08)
Popular Music
Pop, rock, classical, opera, and traditional folk music.
Traditional Food
Pizza, pasta, risotto, regional specialties, gelato.
Sports
Football (soccer), cycling, basketball, Formula 1 racing.
Major Festivals
Venice Carnival, Palio di Siena, various regional festivals.
Famous People
Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Galileo Galilei, Dante Alighieri, Sophia Loren, Luciano Pavarotti.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pantheon.
UNESCO Sites
Over 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including historical centers, archaeological sites, and natural areas.
Annual Tourist Visits
Millions of annual tourist visits.
Tourism Overview
Major tourist destination, known for art, history, fashion, cuisine, and scenery.
Top Tourist Attractions
Colosseum, Vatican City, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Uffizi Gallery, and canals of Venice.
Famous Cities
Rome, Milan, Venice, Florence, Naples.
National Parks
Significant number of national parks, preserving diverse ecosystems.
Protected Areas
Extensive network of protected areas, including national parks and reserves.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October) are ideal for visiting Italy, offering pleasant weather for exploring cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice without the intense summer heat and crowds. These months also provide excellent conditions for hiking in regions like the Dolomites or the Cinque Terre. For beach lovers, July and August are the peak season, but be prepared for higher temperatures and more people. If you're interested in experiencing vibrant local festivals, consult a calendar as many towns celebrate patron saints or historical events throughout the year, with significant celebrations often occurring in summer and early autumn.
Tourist Visa Info
Generally, visa-free entry for many nationalities for tourism.
Visa Requirements Overview
Tourist visa requirements for Italy depend heavily on your nationality. Citizens of many countries, including those within the Schengen Area, the United States, Canada, and Australia, can typically enter Italy for short stays (usually up to 90 days within a 180-day period) without a visa for tourism or business purposes. However, travelers from other nations may be required to obtain a Schengen visa in advance of their travel. It's essential to check the specific requirements for your passport well before your planned trip. Always ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
Travel Advisory
Travel advisories issued by various countries; check your country's guidance.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Italy generally scores high on healthcare quality indices.
Medical Cost
Medical costs in Italy vary depending on the service and insurance coverage.
Number of Hospitals
Italy has a well-developed healthcare system with numerous hospitals; the exact number fluctuates, please check recent healthcare reports.
Universal Healthcare
Universal healthcare through the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN).
Medical Services Overview
Italy offers a comprehensive public healthcare system, as well as private options.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are readily available throughout Italy, accessible via 118.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
112 (European emergency number, also for police).
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
118
Emergency Number (Fire)
115
Crime Rate
Moderate.
Safety Index
High.
Military Expenditure
Around 1.5% of GDP.
Emergency Services Overview
Integrated system including police, ambulance, and fire services, accessible via 112.
Safety Overview
Italy is generally a safe country for tourists. Like any popular destination, petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded tourist areas and on public transport, so keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings is advisable. Common scams include inflated taxi fares or street vendors selling counterfeit goods; it's wise to use official taxis and be wary of unsolicited offers. While major cities have areas that can become less inviting late at night, exercising common sense and sticking to well-lit, populated streets is a good general practice. Emergency services are readily available, and most Italians are friendly and helpful.
Military Branches
Army, Navy, Air Force, Carabinieri (gendarmerie).
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Universal access to electricity.
Water Access
Generally high access to improved water sources.
Sanitation Access
Access to improved sanitation is generally good, but varies regionally.
Railways
Extensive railway network operated by Trenitalia and other regional operators.
Roadways
Extensive network, including Autostrade (motorways) and state roads.
Transportation System
Well-developed road network, rail, and air transport. Public transport in cities.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Abruzzo Airport (PSR), Bari Karol Wojtyła International Airport (BRI), Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), Brindisi Airport (BDS), Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG), Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
Ports
Major ports include Genoa, Trieste, and Gioia Tauro, crucial for trade.
Public Transit
Varies by city; includes buses, trams, metros, and trains.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
89.22#67 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Over 100.
Tech Startups
Growing startup ecosystem, particularly in Milan and Rome.
Innovation Index
Ranked among the top innovative countries globally.
ICT Development Index
High.
TV Broadcast Stations
Numerous stations, including RAI (public) and private channels.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Numerous stations, both public and private.
Plug Type & Voltage
Type C/F, 230V, 50Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
5.08#52 of 202
Air Quality Index
Moderate air quality; particularly poor in industrial areas.
Water Pollution Level
Moderate to high; affected by industrial discharge and agricultural runoff.
Renewable Energy Usage
Growing, with emphasis on solar, wind, and hydropower; significant government incentives.
Environmental Issues
Air and water pollution, deforestation, soil degradation, and coastal erosion.
Natural Hazards
Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, floods.
Waste Management
Significant waste production; efforts to improve recycling and reduce landfill usage.
Environmental Agreements
Party to numerous international environmental agreements.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Extensive diplomatic network worldwide.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
NATO, EU, Eurozone, G7, G20, OECD, Schengen Area
Major Treaties
Schengen Agreement, Paris Agreement, Kyoto Protocol.
Visa-Free Countries
Many visa-free countries due to EU membership and bilateral agreements.