general information

Republic
capital: Roma
area: 301 000 km2
currency: euro

population: 60,6 million
population density/km2: 201
EU member since 1952
national holiday: June 2
national anthem: Inno di Mameli (Fratelli d'Italia)

language: italian

• 7 is Guinness World Record for the number of Ferrero Rocher chocolates eaten in one minute, Italian brand Ferrero was founded in Piedmont in 1946.

• Italy is the European country with the highest rainfall (95 cm per year).

• Italians have the longest life expectancy in Europe (85,3 years for women and 80,4 for men).

• The Italians spend the most on clothing.

• Italy is the world's leading exporter of wines, ahead of France.

• San Marino and the Vatican State are not part of the European Union.

• For the ancient Romans, a crooked nose was seen to be a sign of strong leadership.

If it is picturesque villages, olive groves and vineyards you are after then the Italian countryside is for you. Float around the canals of Venice in a gondola and drive along the coastline of Tuscany. Don't forget to check out the island of Sicily as well and climb the spectacular Stromboli volcano. During the summertime Italy's east coast is one of the most popular spots, as s Tuscany where you will find tourists scratching their heads and wondering why the leaning tower of Pisa isn't straight.