Information about Italy and its history
People of Italy
Most Italians are native-born. Italian includes German-Italians, French-Italians, Slovene-Italians in the north, Albanian-Italians and Greek-Italians in the south. This is predominately a Roman Catholic population, with some Protestant, Jewish and Muslim immigrant communities.
Arts, Culture and Music of Italy
From ancient to modern times, Italy has played a central role in world culture. Italians have contributed some of the world's most admired sculptures, architectural
masterpieces, paintings, literature, and music. Italians consider themselves the descendants of the ancient Romans and are very proud of their cultural heritage.
Michelangelo's Pieta, St.Peter's Basilica, Vatican, Rome
Economy of Italy
From an agricultural country before World War II, Italy has changed base to industry. It ranks as the world's fifth-largest industrial economy and belongs to the Group of Eight (G-8) industrialized nations; it is a member of the European Union and the OECD. Its major industries are precision machinery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electric goods, and fashion, clothing and motor vehicles. The most famous of which being Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari.