Friday, 10 June 2011

Italy Facts and History

Italy, one of the most beautiful countries of Europe, has a rich past, both culturally and socially. Surrounded by several countries, its geography gives it an interesting position in the European continent, both culturally and economically. Italy has seen everything; from being a cradle of the European Renaissance (that began in Tuscany, central Italy) to the dictatorship of Benito Mussolini, and at present, emerging as a key economic player in Europe. Compilation of Italy facts and history will give you an overview of interesting information about this country as well as some lesser known fun facts about Italy.

Important Historical Facts About Italy
If you dwell deeper into the history of Italy, you'll become aware of a basic fact that it has been the origin of Etruscan and Roman civilizations. The mighty Roman empire that is hailed to be one of the most royal and prosperous empires in human history, finds its roots in Italy. Some general Italy facts and history have been mentioned further.

    * Italy, sprawling over an area of 116,400 square miles (including Sicily and Sardinia), is only slightly bigger than the US state of Arizona!
    * It is one of the most populous country in Europe and ranks at 23rd position in the list of world's most populous countries (April 2010 data).
    * On March 17, 1861, all states in the Italian peninsula were combined to make a single state of Italy.
    * Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) at 4,810m is the highest mountain in Italy.
    * Vesuvius near Naples and Etna on Sicily are the two world famous volcanoes that are found in Italy. Facts about Mount Vesuvius are fascinating to read!
    * Italy shares borders with various other European countries like France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.
    * San Marino and Vatican city are two most important independent states in Italy. Rome is one of the most famous place in Italy and also in the entire world. Do give a visit it to it, if you ever get a chance to go to Europe!
    * Sicily (9,926 sq mi; 25,708 sq km) is the largest city in Italy.
    * Italy follows a system of Republic government.
    * Italy suffered great turmoil during Ancient Roman rule and later in World War II, when Benito Mussolini as a dictator, failed miserably.
    * The capital city of Italy is Rome.
    * Italy is one of founding members of European Union. Other countries that form the group along with Italy are Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, France and West Germany.

Interesting Italy Facts and History
Some of the most interesting facts about Italy stem from its amazing culture and culmination of different ethnic tribes that inhabit this country. Added to these facts about Italy are the popularity of Italian and Roman architecture and Rome as the birthplace of Roman Catholic church. If you look at the significance of Renaissance that swept the world in the 15th – 16th century, you will find that Italy played a major role in shaping several arts and cultures of the world. From the genius Leonardo da Vinci to the greatest painter ever, Michelangelo, Italy has given the world some of the best artists ever. Here are some more Italy facts and history for kids.

    * One of the Italy facts about food is that Italian cuisine is popular worldwide. The origin of Italian Pizza that is a major fast food all across the globe, had its origin in Italy.
    * If you ever visit Italy, don't forget to see the gigantic Roman Coliseum. One of the most interesting Roman Coliseum facts is that this single piece of Roman architecture still stands as an example of the glory of Roman empire.
    * Sistine Chapel from Michelangelo and residence area of Pope, the head of Roman Catholic Church in Vatican city speak volumes about the deep rooted culture of Italian arts and architecture.
    * One of the Vatican city facts is that it's the smallest country in the world area-wise but in terms of cultural richness, it's deep and magnificent.
    * In sports, soccer is a religion in Italy. The popularity of soccer in Italy can be understood from the fact that Italy has won the world cup soccer four times viz., 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006! Italy has also held the Olympics thrice!

This was brief information about Italy facts and history. The more you explore Italy, the more vast it becomes! Italy's contribution to world is enriching in terms of culture, architecture, fashion and technology (all major race cars are manufactured in Italy!).

No comments:

Post a Comment