The formation of the modern Italian state began in 1861 with the unification of most of the peninsula under the House of Savoy (Piedmont-Sardinia) into the Kingdom of Italy. Italy incorporated Venetia and the former Papal States (including Rome) by 1871 following the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71).
Italian is the official language of Italy, and 93% of population are native Italian speakers. Around 50% of population speak a regional dialect as mother tongue. Many dialects are mutually unintelligible and thus considered by linguists as separate languages, but are not officially recognised.
There is no specific national fruit of Italy. Every region has different fruits. Als, the choice of fruits depends on season. However, few of the fruits have gained wide popularity throughout the country, including Apples, Trentino Alto Adige, Grapes, and Berries.
The bull was a symbol of the southern Italic tribes and was often depicted goring the Roman wolf as a defiant symbol of free Italy during the Social War. Greek historian Dionysius of Halicarnassus states this account together with the legend that Italy was named after Italus, mentioned also by Aristotle and Thucydides.
Rome was founded as a Kingdom in 753 BC and became a Republic in 509 BC, when the monarchy was overthrown in favor of a government of the Senate and the People. The Roman Republic then unified Italy at the expense of the Etruscans, Celts, and Greeks of the peninsula.
GOVERNMENT & ECONOMYSince World War II, Italy has enjoyed an economic transformation. Industry grew, and by the mid-1960s, Italy had become one of the world's leading economies. Its main exports are clothing, shoes, food, and wine.
In that role, the officeholder represents national unity and guarantees that Italian politics comply with the Constitution of Italy. The president's term of office lasts for seven years. The current holder is former Constitutional Judge Sergio Mattarella, who was elected on 31 January 2015.
Motto: "L'Italia e' una Repubblica democratica, fondata sul lavoro." "Italy is a democratic Republic, founded on labor."
The 16 Most Iconic Foods to Eat in Italy
- Pizza. Though a slab of flat bread served with oil and spices was around long before the unification Italy, there's perhaps no dish that is as common or as representative of the country as the humble pizza.
- Bottarga. Smoked eggs from the rat of the sea.
- Lasagna.
- Fiorentina Steak.
- Ribollita.
- Polenta.
- Ossobuco.
- Risotto.
Italy is well known for its art, ancient architecture, beautiful scenery, music, balmy weather……and its food.
People mainly visit Italy for its rich culture, cuisine, history, fashion and art, its beautiful coastline and beaches, its mountains, and priceless ancient monuments. Italy also contains more World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world (55).
Religion in Italy
- Christianity (83.3%)
- Unaffiliated (12.4%)
- Islam (3.7%)
- Buddhism (0.2%)
- Hinduism (0.1%)
- Other religions (0.3%)
Italy certainly does have much to offer: spectacular cities, ancient ruins, wonderful museums, soaring mountains, great beaches, and beautiful natural scenery. One of the great joys of traveling through Italy is discovering firsthand that it is, indeed, a dream destination.
The Italian culture is commonly associated with art, music and food. It is the homeland of the Roman Empire, the Roman Catholic Church and the main center of the Renaissance, which flourished through Europe for centuries.
Italian design is known as having plenty of simple shapes that meshes with many of different styles and homes. Italian design history is a long and illustrious one. The simplicity of things allows for a lot of personal touches to be made around it.
