Area Total | 301,340 sq km |
Climate | predominantly Mediterranean; alpine in far north; hot, dry in south |
Natural Resources | coal, antimony, mercury, zinc, potash, marble, barite, asbestos, pumice, fluorspar, feldspar, pyrite (sulfur), natural gas and crude oil reserves, fish, arable land |
Imports | Germany 16.3%, France 8.8%, China 7.1%, Netherlands 5.6%, Spain 5.3%, Belgium 4.5% (2017) – engineering products, chemicals, transport equipment, energy products, minerals and nonferrous metals, textiles and clothing; food, beverages, tobacco |
Government | parliamentary republic |
Capital | Rome |
Population | 62.2 million (July 2018 est.) |
Ethnicity | Italian (small clusters of German-, French-, and Slovene-Italians in the north and Albanian-Italians and Greek Italians in the south) |
Language | Italian (official), German, French, Slovene |
Exports | Germany 12.5%, France 10.3%, US 9%, Spain 5.2%, UK 5.2%, Switzerland 4.6% (2017) – engineering products, textiles and clothing, production machinery, motor vehicles, transport equipment, chemicals; foodstuffs, beverages, and tobacco; minerals, nonferrous metals |
News about Italy
- Venice to expand contested entry fee scheme in 2026by The Local Italy on September 18, 2025
Venice authorities said on Wednesday they would expand a controversial entry fee system for tourists next year, increasing the number of days on which the charge will be due for the second consecutive year.
- Sardinia becomes second Italian region to pass assisted dying lawby The Local Italy on September 18, 2025
Sardinia became Italy's second region to approve a law regulating end-of-life issues on Wednesday, after Tuscany passed a similar law in February.
- Today in Italy: A roundup of the latest news on Thursdayby The Local Italy on September 18, 2025
October 4th set to be reinstated as national holiday, Italian football club put under judicial administration over mafia infiltration, and more news from Italy this Thursday.
- The differences between getting your driving licence in Italy and the USby The Local Italy on September 17, 2025
If you’re moving from the US to Italy, you’ll need to get an Italian driver’s licence to drive here long term. But how do the two systems compare?
- Italian unions call 24-hour general strike in support of Gazaby The Local Italy on September 17, 2025
Italian trade unions have announced a 24-hour general strike on Monday, September 22nd, in what they said was an act of “solidarity” with civilians in war-torn Gaza.
- Vueling to scrap five Rome routes in major network shakeupby The Local Italy on September 16, 2025
Spanish budget airline Vueling said it would slash five routes to Rome Fiumicino and lay off dozens of staff as part of plans to restructure its Italian network amid growing competition.
- Why are so many millionaires now moving to Italy?by The Local Italy on September 15, 2025
As Italy emerges as one of Europe's top destinations for the super-rich, generous tax breaks are just one of the factors driving the trend.
- Explained: What are your childcare options in Italy?by The Local Italy on September 15, 2025
Italy has some of Europe's most affordable early years childcare provision—if you can secure a spot. Here’s what to know about navigating the system.
- On the agenda: What’s happening in Italy this weekby The Local Italy on September 15, 2025
From a public transport strike in Tuscany to patron saint celebrations in Naples and a new 'psychologist bonus', here’s what to expect in Italy this week.
- Inside Italy: Why Venice's population crisis goes deeper than tourismby The Local Italy on September 13, 2025
In this week's Inside Italy review, we look at why mass tourism isn't solely responsible for Venice’s population decline, as resident numbers hit a new record low.
- Can unmarried couples jointly apply for Italy’s elective residency visa?by The Local Italy on September 10, 2025
If you and your partner are not married, can you still jointly apply for an elective residency visa to move to Italy? We asked an immigration lawyer to weigh in.
- Where Italy's 'tourist trains' can take you this autumnby The Local Italy on August 21, 2025
Italy's national rail company has expanded its services again this year after the initial success of new tourist-focused routes.
- EXPLAINED: How to apply for permanent residency in Italyby The Local Italy on July 14, 2025
Securing permanent residency in Italy brings multiple advantages, not least freedom from the requirement to renew your residency permit every one to two years. But how can you apply?
- Six key things to consider before you sell your home in Italyby The Local Italy on April 1, 2025
If you're planning to sell your house or apartment in Italy, it's always a good idea to prepare well in advance. Here are six things you should consider if you want to make a sale.
- How to find a storage space for your belongings in Italyby The Local Italy on August 29, 2024
Whether you’re moving house, refurbishing, or simply running out of space at your Italian property, you may need a place to temporarily store some of your belongings. Here's a look at the available options.
- The documents you'll need to open an Italian bank accountby The Local Italy on August 4, 2023
From paying bills to receiving a salary, an Italian bank account is essential if you live in Italy. But what documents will you need to open one?
- Five things to know if you're moving to Italy with your dogby The Local Italy on June 5, 2023
Each country has its own rules and cultural norms when it comes to pets. Here's what you need to know if you're planning on moving to Italy with your canine companion.
- Reader question: Can I buy a car in Italy if I'm not a resident?by The Local Italy on May 16, 2022
If you spend extended periods of time in Italy, can you buy a car to use while in the country? It all depends on your residency status.
- Six things foreigners should expect if they live in Romeby The Local Italy on February 10, 2022
Rome attracts millions of tourists from around the world every year. But what's it like to live there as a resident?
- Italian word of the day: 'Cattivo'by The Local Italy on February 4, 2020
Bad, naughty, or something worse? Let's take a closer look at how we should be using this tricky Italian adjective.