Italy or the Italian Republic is a state occupying the Italian peninsula and the Po Plain. To these there are added two large islands, Sicily and Sardinia, but also smaller islands. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and is bordered by France (North West), Austria and Switzerland (north) and Slovenia (northeast). The country is 301,309 km and the population is around 58.13 million inhabitants. The state type: parliamentary republic. The capital is Rome.
The natural environment is predominantly Mediterranean, but is a more mountain and hill country, the maximum altitude exceeding 4000 meters in the Alps (north). The climate is Mediterranean in the peninsular and insular region, temperate in the north and alpine in the Alps. Italy is also one of the founding members of the European Union, having also an essential role in the European economy. For example, in 1957, in Rome, the Treaties of EU constitution were signed.
The most developed region is represented by the Po Plain, open to the Adriatic Sea, which concentrates a large part of the industry. Although it has limited natural resources, the Italian Republic has a highly developed economy. The industry is concentrated mainly in the north, in Turin, Genoa, being, as well as other developed countries, very diversified (hydropower, petrochemistry, metallurgy, machine building). Production of machines includes brands both for people with limitied financial resources (Fiat) and for those who afford the luxury to buy Lamborghini, Maserati and Ferrari.
If France is considered the leader on the wine market, Italy is known as the leader in the production of grapes (ranked on the first place in the world). Moreover, agriculture includes apples, pears, olives, especially in southern regions. Shipments are modernized (6500 km of freeways). It should be noted that the Renaissance, the cultural movement, has its origins in Italy, contributing to the development of all forms of art (painting, sculpture, music, architecture).
With over 50 million tourists a year, Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world after France, Spain, USA and China. However, tourism began to know the only significant development only since the seventeenth century, along with the Grand Tour. Many intellectuals, artists, especially British, came to Italy in order to study. Another attraction in those days was the different culture, about which many tourists had read in the book of Catholic priest Richard Lassels, "Journey in Italy". The rich touristic heritage and the great landscapes are the perfect combination for tourists from all around the world. These two, combined with quality services, have helped in creating a tourism empire.
Of most European countries, Romania seems to have most links with Italy. Not similarities, because it would be a too drasticexpression for the Italian Republic. But it is known that the Roman Empire included Dacia. For example, an affinity with Italy, in terms of the Romanian history, is that of similar construction. Trajan's Column in Rome preserve at a small-scale the history of Dacia. In fact, Slavs and Hungarians call the population of Romania and of Italy with the same name. Although Romania share the history of Italy, the current situation separates these two countries greatly. The Italians, realizing that they have limited natural resources, are increasingly concerned about environmental conservation, especially of forest areas, while the Romanians are not even aware of the conservation issues, but on the contrary. However, for Romania, Italy represents a country of reference through culture, language and history. Another example of stridence between the two countries is that of Sarmizegetusa that, although it has strong ties with some parts of the history of Italy, is not promoted to the extent that Italy would have done it.
Rome, one of the most visited cities in the world (about 10 million tourists per year) houses and is concerned with promoting the Colosseum – the building, actually a huge ruin, is the most important monument of the Roman Empire. Other tourist attractions in Rome are: Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain. Another city visited by over one million tourists every year is Milan. Tourists can visit here the San Siro Stadium, Sforzesco Castle, La Scala (Teatro alla Scala). The largest island in Italy is Sicily, this being at the same time, one of the attractions of the country. Sicilian cuisine should not be overlooked either. In fact, the whole Italian cuisine should not be overlooked , as it is one of the most popular around the world. Pizza (Neapolitan cuisine), pasta (recently voted as the world's most tasty dish), all these, and not only, lead tourists to visit Italy and taste these foods in the mother-country.