Italy
Italian Republic · Southern Europe
About Italy
Italy (officially Italian Republic) is a country in Southern Europe, with Rome as its capital. It is home to roughly 58.92 million people, giving a population density of about 196 people per square kilometre. The country covers 301,336 km² of land and shares land borders with 6 neighbouring countries. Its economy is valued at approximately $2.55T in nominal GDP (2025), and it records a Human Development Index of 0.915. The official currency is the Euro (EUR), and the main language is Italian.
How Italy is governed
Ceremonial head of state; guarantor of the constitution.
President of the Council of Ministers; holds executive power.
Bicameral — Chamber of Deputies — 400 seats; Senate — 200 seats
Who holds the power?
Italy is a parliamentary republic. The President is a largely ceremonial head of state but plays a crucial role in appointing prime ministers and dissolving parliament during Italy's frequent government crises. The Prime Minister leads the government but depends on the confidence of both houses of a strongly bicameral parliament, which historically produced short-lived coalition governments.
Key indicators
Latest available data · World Bank & UNDP.
💹 Economy
👥 People
🌍 Quality of Life
Travel & practical
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
Fun facts about Italy
- Italy is the 25th most populous country in the world, with about 58.92 million people.
- By land area it is the 72nd-largest country in the world, covering 301,336 km².
- It has the world's 9th-largest economy by nominal GDP ($2.55T).
- Italy shares land borders with 6 countries.
- It is classed by the UN as a country of very high human development, with an HDI of 0.915.
- Italy has a population density of about 196 people per square kilometre.