Information About Italy

Italy is one of the largest countries in Europe, bordering France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The exact origins of the country are unknown, but it has a prominent place in history. Its geographical features are diverse and considered some of the most visually stunning on the continent. The country also has a large population that operates its democracy in a very standardized way.

Identification

The true origin of the name "Italy" is unknown. The Latin word "Italia" may have come from an adjustment to the Greek word for "land of young cattle."

History

Italy has been part of many civilizations over the course of history, including early Greek colonizations and the Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, it became the seat of the Catholic religion and the Pope. The modern state was established in the late 1800s.

Geography

Located in Southern Europe, Italy is a peninsula with the Alps to the north and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia in the Mediterranean to the south. Its climate is heavily varied due to its proximity to the sea and the divergent height of its rolling hills and mountains.

Features

Italy is a democratic republic with a multi-party system in 2009. It has a trilateral system, with executive power exercised by a President and Council of Ministers, legislative authority wielded by two houses of Parliament and a judiciary represented by a series of courts.

Considerations

As of 2008, Italy had over 60 million residents, making it the fourth-largest population in the European Union. In regards to population density, it has 123.8 people per square mile.

References

• Info on Italy
• CIA World Factbook: Italy
• Italy Government

Resources

• Italian Tourism