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2. POPULATION61,3 million people AREA116,348 square miles CAPITALRoma (Rome), which is often called Eternal City, with 2,6 million inhabitants and Italys biggest city NICKNAMEBel Paese which means Beautiful country GOVERNMENT Democracy, Republic HEAD OF STATE Giorgio Napolitano LANGUAGEItalian (German, French and Ladin are sometimes spoken in northern Italy) RELIGIONmainly Christians (Roman Catholic 90%) CURRENCY1 Euro = 100 cents; before 2001 Italian lira NATIONAL ANTHEMFratelli dItalia (Brothers of Italy) Go to Next Page

4. POSITION Italy lies in Southern Europe SHAPE It is easy to recognize Italy in a world map for its shape; its like a high-heeled boot. GEOGRAPHY In the North, the mountain range of the Alps separates Italy from the other European countries: France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. -Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc), in the Alps, is the highest mountain:4807m. -The Po is the longest river in Italy. Go to Next Page

5. - In the south of Italy there are three active volcanoes: Vesuvius, near Naples, Etna in Sicily and Stromboli off the coast of Italy -Italy is subdivided in 20 regions like Tuscany (aroud Florence), Veneto (around Venice) and Lazio (around Rome) - Italy surrounds two of the worlds smallest countries: San Marino in Northern Italy, the oldest republic in the world and the Vatican City in Rome, the smallest country in the world: The Vatican City is led by the Pope and is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. GEOGRAPHY Go to Next Page

6. LEONARDO da VINCI MICHELANGELO RAFFAELLO CARAVAGGIO BOTTICELLI TIZIANO BERNINI DONATELLO CANALETTO CORREGGIO Go to Next Page

7. DANTE ALIGHIERI PETRARCA BOCCACCIO MANZONI LEOPARDI MACHIAVELLI FOSCOLO CARDUCCI DANNUNZIO PASCOLI Go to Next Page

8. Rome (Roma), the capital city, is full of history. Looking around while walking, you can admire its magnificent ancient monuments (Fori Imperiali, the Colosseo, Terme di Caracalla), its interesting medieval churches (Santa Francesca Romana, San Giorgio al Velabro, San Clemente), the beautiful fountains like the famous Fontana di Trevi, a lot of museums, Renaissance palaces (Palazzo Venezia, Palazzo Farnese) and its unforgettable squares (Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Navona, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza San Giovanni) The Vatican and San Pietro Church are also found in Rome. Colosseo Fori Imperiali Piazza S. Pietro Terme di Caracalla Piazza di Spagna Fontana di Trevi Palazzo Venezia Castel SantAngelo Piazza Navona Go to Next Page

9. Venice (Venezia) is a special city because it was built on water, in the middle of a lagoon. Its one of the most romantic places in the world with its hundred canals, San Marco square and its unforgettable bridges. The Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei sospiri) is the most famous. A very nice experience is sailing through the canals on the gondola, the typical venetian boat. Piazza San Marco Ponte di Rialto Go to Next Page

10. Florence (Firenze). The regional capital of Tuscany, is one of the most important Renaissance architectural and art centres. Dante Alighieri was born here and the Medici family lived and ruled in this city for many years. Thanks to them the most famous artists and painters produced their works of art living in their courts. The Dome with its famous bell tower by Giotto, the Baptisery, the medieval Town Hall, Santa Croce Church and Ponte Vecchio (the old bridge) over Arno river are some of the most visited places. Palazzo Vecchio Santa Maria del Fiore Ponte VecchioCattedrale Santa Maria del Fiore Immagine storica Go to Next Page

11. Milan (Milano), in the North of Italy, is one of Europes richest cities. It is famous for its fashion boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. If you go to Milan dont miss the Dome, a huge Gothic church, and La Scala theatre, one of the worlds most famous opera and ballet houses. Galleria Duomo di Milano Panettone il classico dolce natalizio milanese Cotoletta alla Milanese, piatto della tradizione gastronomica ambrosiana Go to Next Page

12. Naples (Napoli) lies on the coast, south of Rome. It is surely one of the most vibrant cities in Italy. From its wonderful gulf you can have an impressive view of Vesuvius, one of the three active volcanoes in Italy In Naples you can find many historical and artistic treasures, but most of all its special PIZZA, the SFOGLIATELLA, BABA and PASTIERA, three typical delicious cakes. Another incomparable thing to taste is COFFEE. They say it is so unique because of the water used to prepare it. SfogliatellaPastiera Pizza Vista Vesuvio Caffè Maschio Angioino Piazza Plebiscito Go to Next Page