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Italy

Italy Country Guide

Italy is a vibrant and diverse European nation with a rich history spanning over three thousand years. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, it has a population of around 60 million people. The country’s capital city, Rome, serves as both its political center and one of its most iconic landmarks. Italy’s cultural heritage is vast and varied, from the Renaissance art masterpieces found in Florence and Venice to the stunning architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, which also happens to be an independent sovereign state within Italy.

Italy is famous for its cuisine and offers dishes like pizza, pasta, risotto, gelato, and espresso coffee, all of which have become staples worldwide. Throughout history, Italy has been at the forefront of scientific discovery, artistic innovation, and technological advancement. It was home to great minds such as Galileo Galilei, Leonardo da Vinci, Christopher Columbus, and Guglielmo Marconi, whose contributions continue to shape our world today.

The Capital of Italy

The capital of Italy is Rome. It became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy in 1871 and has remained the capital of the Italian Republic since its establishment in 1946. It is home to the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic and the Italian Prime Minister.

Italy Flag

The flag of Italy consists of three equally sized vertical pales of green, white, and red, with the green at the hoist side.

Location of Italy

Italy is located in Southern Europe, on the Apennines Peninsula. It’s bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia to the north.

What Continent Is Italy In?

Italy is located in Southern Europe, on the Apennine Peninsula. It is part of the European continent.

Time Zone Of Italy

Italy is in the Central European Time Zone (CET). During standard time, Italy is GMT/UTC+1 hour, and during Daylight Saving Time (DST), it is GMT/UTC+2 hours.

What Language Is Spoken In Italy?

The official language of Italy is Italian. Italian is spoken by around 85 million people, including 67 million native speakers.

Official Currency In Italy

The official currency of Italy is the Euro (€).

Is Italy Expensive To Visit?

The cost of visiting Italy can vary depending on various factors such as travel style, preferences, and the time of year. Italy ranks thirty-seventh with a cost of living of $1,221.

The Population of Italy

Italy has a population of 58,7 million. Italy is the third-most populous member state of the European Union and the tenth-largest country by land area in the European continent.

Is Italy Safe To Visit?

Italy is generally a safe country to visit, with a lower crime rate compared to many Western European nations. However, tourists should practice basic safety measures and be aware of common risks. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are common in crowded tourist areas.

Strange Laws In Italy Visitors Should Know

Italy has several unique legal codes that visitors should be aware of:

Building sandcastles is prohibited on the beaches at Eraclea on the Venetian Litho.
Men are not allowed to touch their genitals in public.
Wearing skirts in public is illegal for men.
Opening fast food kebab shops in historical centers is forbidden in Lucca and Florence.
Swimming in public fountains comes with a hefty fine.
Dog owners must walk their pets at least three times a day in Turin, or risk being fined.
Goldfish bowl ownership was banned in Rome in 2005 because it was deemed cruel.
Hanging wet towels outside windows is prohibited in Lerici.
Smiling is mandatory in public spaces in Milan.
Singing and/or dancing in the streets of Rome can result in a €500 fine.
In Falciano del Massico, it was once illegal for residents to die.
Pinching women's bottoms is not explicitly illegal, despite men not being able to touch themselves in public.

Religion of Italy

Italy is officially a secular state, but its religious and social landscape is deeply influenced by the Roman Catholic tradition. The Vatican, the epicenter and government of the Catholic Church, is located in Rome. Roughly 80% of Italians identify with Christianity, and around 20% are unaffiliated with any religion.

Italy Hotels