About Italy
Italy extends from the Alps in the north to its tip at Reggio di Calabria in the south. Italy also includes two large islands, Sardinia and Sicily.
Italy was formed in the 19th century from many small states and even today there is a difference between the rich north and the much poorer south.
The capital of Italy is Rome. Already in ancient times Rome was an important European cultural centre and the centre and starting point of the Roman Empire.
Today Italy is known for its very good cuisine, the Italian fashion, architecture and tourist destinations.
In total, about 57,600,000 people live in Italy and the currency is the Euro.
In the north of Italy, the climate is continental with very warm summers and cold winters. That is why the north of Italy is particularly suitable for skiing.
Central and southern Italy has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and humid winters.