Italy

Italy is a country located in Southern Europe, known for its distinctive boot-shaped peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia to the north and has numerous islands, the largest of which is Sicily. Italy is renowned for its rich history, art, architecture, and cultural heritage, featuring significant contributions to Western civilization. Major cities include Rome, the capital, which is home to ancient landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Vatican City, as well as Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, and Venice, famous for its canals. The country is also celebrated for its diverse regional cuisines, fashion, and contributions to music and literature. Italy has a population of approximately 60 million people and is a member of the European Union. Its official language is Italian.