Italy is a country in south-central Europe, located on a peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea . The Alps are situated at its northern border, separating Italy from France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia . The Apennine Range runs down the length of the country . The country is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, specifically the Adriatic Sea to the northeast, the Ionian Sea to the southeast, the Tyrrhenian Sea to the southwest, and the Ligurian Sea to the northwest.

The capital of Italy is Rome.

Italy boasts a rich cultural heritage with many famous landmarks. The country is home to a wealth of monuments, churches, and palaces that testify to its cultural past . Ancient Roman towns such as Pompeii and Herculaneum near Naples, as well as the remains in Rome itself, are notable examples of Italy’s cultural heritage . Italy was at the forefront of artistic and intellectual developments during the Renaissance and is home to many historic city centers . Rome, one of the world’s oldest great cities, attracts visitors to its monuments and art .

Italian cuisine is celebrated for its regional diversity and high-quality ingredients . Northern Italy commonly uses rice and butter, while Southern Italy prefers pasta and olive oil .

Pasta is a central element, with countless variations of dried noodles . Spaghetti, a thin, cylindrical pasta, is among the most popular . Classic sauces include tomato, pesto (basil, parmesan, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil), and meat-based Bolognese .

Pizza, with its simple bread dough topped with olive oil, oregano, tomato, mozzarella, and other ingredients, is another well-known dish . The Margherita pizza, with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, represents the colors of the Italian flag .

Other popular dishes include risotto, gnocchi, lasagna, tortellini, and a wide array of appetizers called antipasti . Coffee, especially espresso, and desserts like tiramisu are integral to Italian culinary culture .

The Roman Empire's historical significance lies in its military prowess, political and social institutions, and contributions to Western civilization . Originating from a small town in central Italy, Rome expanded to encompass a vast territory, including England, continental Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa .

The Empire's influence is evident in law, architecture, art, language, poetry, rhetoric, politics, and philosophy . Latin, the language of the Romans, evolved into the Romance languages, and their alphabet and calendar are still in use today . Roman engineering achievements, such as roads, aqueducts, and city planning, were unparalleled . The Roman Empire's success stemmed from incorporating conquered peoples into its social and political system, granting citizenship to those who adopted Roman ways . This integration fostered cohesion and facilitated the spread of Roman culture throughout Italy.

The Renaissance in Italy (circa 1340-1550) sparked a transformative period of art and culture, driven by renewed interest in nature, classical learning, and individualism . This era, marked by an "efflorescence of all the arts and intellectual life," saw artists, sculptors, and architects create works that celebrated human dignity, using observation and mathematical principles .

Italian city-states, propelled by economic wealth and rivalry, became centers of artistic innovation, influencing town planning and secularizing the arts . The rediscovery of classical texts and the invention of the printing press further revolutionized learning and education . Though initially focused on Italy, the Renaissance's impact soon spread across Europe, influencing art, science, and thought, and marking a shift from medieval to modern perspectives .

Italian culture and language are important today because Italy was at the forefront of the artistic and intellectual developments of the Renaissance . Italian is spoken by approximately 66,000,000 people, the vast majority of whom live in Italy . Italy is a world leader in high fashion, with Milan being a haven for models, designers, and photographers . Italian cuisine, with dishes like pasta and pizza, is a popular cultural export . Despite regional identities, the increasing influence of mass media and a shared school curriculum are integrating Italy more closely into the European Union.