Everything you need to know about Italy: news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
Italy: Roman Country with Rich Past
In the 3 rd century the Roman Civilisation had laid everlasting cultural, social and political foundation of Italy. Italy became a nation in 1861 when the regional states of the peninsula, along with Sardinia and Sicily, were united under King Victor Emmanuel II. In 1920 Benito Mussolini established his fascist dictatorship and allied with Germany in the Second World War that ended in a humiliating defeat for the Axis powers. A democratic republic replaced the monarchy in 1946 and economic revival followed. Italy was a charter member of NATO and the European Economic Community (EEC). It has been at the forefront of European economic and political unification, joining the Economic and Monetary Union in 1999.
Italy Profile: Overview of Facts and Figures
Geographical Information on Italy :
Italy is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily and Sardinia. Italy shares its northern Alpine boundary with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. The independent states of San Marino and the Vatican City are enclaves within the Italian Peninsula.
The climate of Italy is highly diverse ranging from Mediterranean type along the sea to continental climate in the northern regions with snow covered Alps.
Italy Culture, Cuisine and Tradition:
Italian culture has contributed significantly to the advancement of world culture since ages. Italy has produced some fine gems who have contributed in all cultural spheres of literature, music, architecture and sculptures.
The Italian cuisine comprises of food that are naturally derived and high on nutritious value. Italian dishes are full of green vegetables and pulses. Even in non-vegetarian dishes the green vegetables are primarily used. Cheese, fish, meat and desserts are all part of a meal. Pasta, pizza, noodles, spaghettis are all part of Italian cuisine . These foods are served both, in dry form as well as gravy.
Tourist Attractions of Italy:
Tourist attractions in Italy are diverse and endless, attracting millions of visitors every year from all over the world. The diversity of Italy lies in its scenic natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, fascinating art and architecture, or modern cities and beautiful countryside. The most popular tourist attractions in Italy are its amazing architectural masterpieces, museums and art galleries that have excellent collections of art and artifacts.
The Duomo of Milan is the largest and most intricate gothic structure in Italy and the second largest Catholic cathedral in the world. Vatican City, an independent state situated in the center of Rome, also has several world-famous tourist attractions, including the famous St Peter's Basilica , the Sistine Chapel and the world-renowned Vatican Museum.
Venice is another most popular tourist destination in Italy, known for its beautiful canals and gondolas. The Grand Canal Venice of Venice is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy. Florence, the capital of beautiful Tuscany region of Italy, is the artistic capital of the country. The Uffizi Gallery in Florence is one of the finest museums in the world, displaying wonderful collections of paintings, including masterpieces by renowned artists such as Giotto, Filippo Lippi, Botticelli, Fra Angelico, Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo.
Major Sight-seeing Places in Italy include:
Rome, May 3 (IANS) When pleasure motivates eating, rather than hunger, it activates chemical signals which can cause overeating and fuel obesity, says a new study.
London, May 3 (IANS) Real Madrid won the Spanish soccer league title for the 32nd time, their first time in four years. It was also coach Jose Mourinho's first here and seventh in four different countries.
Rome, May 3 (IANS/AKI) Scientists have discovered the world's oldest blood cells in the remains of a 5,300-year-old iceman found in Italy.
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Monza (Italy), May 2 (IANS) Honda World Superbike Team's Jonathan Rea is geared up to make a podium finish for the first time in Monza during the weekend race.
Mugello (Italy), May 2 (IANS) Fernando Alonso brought joy to the Ferrari fans gathered at the Mugello Circuit here by setting the fastest time on a rain-affected opening day of the Formula One mid-season testing. Force India's reserve driver Jules Bianchi was eighth fastest.
London, May 2 (ANI): A model who enjoyed kinky phone sex with Man City striker Mario Balotelli, is set to reveal how she and other girls who aim at becoming WAGs target the rich.
London, May 2 (ANI): Scientists have discovered the oldest known blood cells in the wounds of Otzi, the stone age "Iceman" whose body was found on an Alpine mountainside after being preserved in ice 5,300 years ago.
Thiruvananthapuram, May 1 (ANI): Italy on Tuesday said that the compromise reached between it and the families of the two fishermen killed earlier this year by two Italian marines on board an Italian ship Enrica Lexie, was "a gesture of goodwill" and was not to be "misread as a settlement of claim".
Thiruvananthapuram, May 1 (ANI): Italy on Tuesday said that the compromise reached between it and the families of the two fishermen killed earlier this year by two Italian marines on board an Italian ship Enrica Lexie, was "a gesture of goodwill" and was not to be "misread as a settlement of claim".
New Delhi, May 1 (IANS) The Supreme Court Tuesday said that if the Italian government can't ensure the presence of its four marines presently aboard M.V. Enrica Lexie as and when required by either by police or the trial court to tender evidence, then it would be difficult for the vessel to sail out of a Kerala port.
New York, May 1 (ANI): Peter Sarsgaard and Maggie Gyllenhaal have welcomed their second child, daughter Gloria Ray.
New Delhi, April 30 (IANS) Rising disposable incomes, exposure to unique art forms and greater social interaction are opening urban Indian homes to niche British interior accessory art like Amanda Brisbane sculptures, Wedgewood cutlery and Moorcroft objects'd art.
Monza (Italy), April 29 (IANS) Mahindra Racing's young Indian rider Sarath Kumar scripted history at the CIV-Italian Championship in Monza where he finished third, his first podium finish here Sunday.
Havana, April 28 (IANS/EFE) Just over 48 percent of foreign tourists who visited Cuba in the first quarter of 2012 came from Canada, according to figures released Friday by the National Statistics Office, or ONE.
London, Apr 27 (ANI): The son of an Italian wine grower has been given a 7,700-pound grant to study English country pubs.
London, Apr 27 (ANI): Mario Balotelli's secret sister Abigail Barwuah is apparently bemused by Man City star's bad-boy reputation.
London, Apr 26 (ANI): Brazilian soccer star Kaka became the first athlete to amass 10 million followers on Twitter.
Rome, April 26 (IANS) Marco Borriello came off the bench to strike nine minutes from time and handed Italian Serie A leaders Juventus a 1-0 victory at Cesena. AC Milan kept their title hopes alive with a 1-0 win over Genoa.
Melbourne, Apr 26 (ANI): The hallowed turf of the Sydney Cricket Ground, which has hosted many famous and infamous tests, now has a more challenging task at hand - feeding sheep that will produce wool to make the Australian cricket team's new uniforms.
Washington, April 25(ANI): Those who have a positive family history of liver cancer are more likely to develop hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), a new study has suggested.
London, April 25 (IANS) A mosquito from Asia that spreads tropical diseases, including dengue fever, may soon hit the shores of Britain because of climate change, experts have said.
Rome, April 25 (IANS/AKI) Salaries in Italy have touched their lowest in real terms in almost 17 years, according to fresh data.
New Delhi, April 25 (IANS) Defence Minister A.K. Antony Wednesday called for a fresh report from the Indian embassy in Rome on alleged malpractice in the Indian procurement of 12 helicopters for VVIP transport worth Rs.3,546 crore ($788 million).
New Delhi, April 25 (ANI): Defence Minister A.K. Antony today directed his ministry officials to get a fresh report from the Indian Embassy in Rome following a media report alleging malpractices in the procurement of 12 helicopters for the VVIP Communication Squadrons of the Indian Air Force from Ms. Agusta Westland.
Rome, April 24 (IANS/AKI) A 43-year-old mobster, considered one of the most dangerous criminals in Italy, was arrested Tuesday after more than two years on the run.
London, Apr 24(ANI): McLaren ace driver Lewis Hamilton has demanded an investigation following the blunders during the Bahrain Grand Prix, and believes his team has to go back to the drawing board to re-ignite their championship credentials this season.
London, April 24 (IANS) Russian shooter Leybo beat Italy's Francesco D'Aniello and Daniele Di Spigno to win the men's double trap gold at the World Cup and test event for the Olympic Games here.
London, Apr 24(ANI): McLaren ace driver Lewis Hamilton has demanded an investigation following the blunders during the Bahrain Grand Prix, and believes his team has to go back to the drawing board to re-ignite their championship credentials this season.
New Delhi, April 23 (IANS) The Supreme Court Monday issued notice to the central and Kerala governments on a petition by the Italian government seeking the custody of its two marines currently in judicial custody for killing two Indian fishermen after mistaking them for pirates.
London, April 23 (IANS) Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic won their reverse singles matches to take Serbia into the Fed Cup final for the first time, beating Russia 3-2.
Mumbai, April 23 (IANS) India's wind turbine manufacturing major Suzlon Energy Monday said its group subsidiary REpower Systems has bagged cumulative orders worth $387 million across Europe over a two-month period, excluding orders announced separately.
Paris, April 22 (IANS) Here are key facts on France, where voting in the first round of the 2012 French presidential election took place Sunday.
Washington, April 22 (ANI): The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned that thousands of web users worldwide could lose Internet access after a hackers 'adverting scam infected computers.
London, April 21 (IANS) Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi who is accused of having sex with 33 prostitutes has said he will hold his bunga bunga parties again if he could.
London, Apr 21 (ANI): Unlike most politicians, who try to appear contrite after losing office due to a sex scandal, Silvio Berlusconi said of his infamous 'bunga bunga' parties on Friday that he "would host them again".
The tussle between centre and state government begins in the connection of fisherman killing row when Centre moved to Supreme Court zeroing the Kerala government for confining the vessel Enrica Lexie, from which the Italian security guard, had allegedly fired to shot dead to two Indian fishermen in the Indian Ocean mistakenly assessing them Caribbean pirates............
London, Apr 21(ANI): Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has said he is disappointed with the standard of refereeing in the Premier League, and believes rules aren't the same there for everyone.
New Delhi, April 20 (IANS) Italy Friday moved the Supreme Court to secure custody of its two Marines arrested in Kerala for allegedly killing two Indian fishermen. The Marines were posted on cargo ship M.V. Enrica Lexie when they killed the two fishermen, mistaking them to be pirates.
Miami, April 20 (IANS/EFE) A Jewish family who this week recovered a 16th century painting stolen by the Nazis during World War II announced Thursday that they are putting the piece up for sale.
Mumbai, April 19 (IANS) German luxury car manufacturer AUDI Thursday said that it will acquire Ducati Motor from Investindustrial group as the supervisory boards of Audi and Volkswagen have approved the measure.
One can expect a good news on the front of treatment of malaria as a possible new optical imaging system may make the diagnosis of malaria a lot easier, speedier and precise, a new study has suggested.
Washington, Apr 19 (ANI): A potential new optical imaging system may make the diagnosis of malaria much easier, faster and more accurate, a new study has revealed.
Rome, April 19 (IANS) Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti has said the country's economy will contract by 1.2 percent this year before returning to modest growth in 2013.
Washington, Apr 19(ANI): Pakistan Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has expressed optimism regarding trade with India and added that he saw popular support for reviving ties with the neighbouring country and benefiting from its "dynamic" economy.
London, Apr 18(ANI): Ex-Faroe Islands goalkeeper Poul Dam had swapped shirts with heart victims Fabrice Muamba and tragic Piermario Morosini in the only two internationals he played in.
Washington, Apr 18 (ANI): The International Monetary Fund has warned that the European debt crisis might flare up again at any time and send the global economy back into deep recession.
London, April 16 (IANS) In a bid to help childless women become mothers, a 42-year-old Dutch man launched a free "baby making" service nine years ago. The man has sex with 15 women every month, and has fathered 82 children so far.
New Delhi, April 16 (IANS) A plate of food and wine on the table is no longer mere gastronomy. It is high art of flavour, colour, textures, concepts, cultures, science and politics - everything that contemporary art has been experimenting with for the last decade.
Rome, April 15 (IANS) All Italian football matches scheduled for the weekend were suspended after Livorno midfielder Piermario Morosini died of a heart attack during a Serie B match.
Taking a leapfrog from Europe to India, a Netherland based wrist watch mobile phone making company on Friday has put its first step in India by opening its three outlets in capital and capital region and launching its some models to attract customers........
Bhubaneswar, April 12 (IANS) Maoists Thursday released Italian tour operator Bosusco Paolo after keeping him in captivity for nearly a month, while the fate of another hostage, Odisha's ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) legislator Jhina Hikaka, continued to remain uncertain.
Bhubaneswar, Apr 12 (ANI): Italian national Paolo Bosusco, who was released by the Maoists on Thursday after being in their captivity for almost 29 days, thanked the people of Odisha for their kindness, saying his love for the Oriya people will never finish.
New York, April 12 (IANS) US stocks rebounded Wednesday, snapping a five-day losing streak, after aluminum producer Alcoa reported better-than-expected earnings.
Rome, April 11 (IANS) Gambling is the third biggest business in Italy, where nearly one million people are addicted, according to a study.
New York, April 11 (IANS) US stocks continued the downward trend Tuesday as concerns over European debt problems resurfaced amid rising borrowing costs in Spain and Italy.
Wellington, Apr 10 (ANI): Cameron Diaz is turning 40 in August and says that she can't wait for the landmark age she "dreamed" about.
Imola (Italy), April 9 (IANS) Mahindra Racing's Riccardo Moretti and Sarath Kumar finished first and seventh in the second race of the Italian Championships 125cc category.
Kolkata, April 8 (IANS) Italian lovers can now gift roses from West Bengal to their sweethearts, with the state government planning to tap the European nation's market for exporting the flower, said an official here Sunday.
Bhubaneswar, Apr.7 (ANI): Within hours of Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announcing the names of six Maoists to be released by his government, the rebels who have abducted Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Jhina Hikaka, released a fresh audio tape on Saturday demanding the release of five more Naxals from jail.
Bhubaneswar, Apr.7 (ANI): The Orissa Government on Saturday announced the names of the jailed Maoists to be freed in exchange for the kidnapped Italian hostage.
London, April 6 (IANS) A list of Leonardo da Vinci's "things to do", including reminders for works like "observe a brain", is all set to be publicly displayed at Buckingham Palace from May 4.
Washington, April 6 (ANI): Many female kidney failure patients on dialysis may experience sexual problems, warn researchers.
Malaga (Spain), April 6 (IANS/EFE) Spain's economy and competitiveness minister on Thursday blamed a sharp rise in the country's debt-risk premium to market volatility triggered by "doubts about growth in Europe".
Madrid, April 5 (IANS) Real Madrid qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions League with a 5-2 win over Cypriot side APOEL Nicosia while Chelsea edged past Portuguese club Benfica and will face defending champions Barcelona in the last four.
Rome, April 4 (IANS/AKI) Italy's war on tax cheats moved to the sea where police ran checks on the owners of almost 1,000 yachts docked or sailing off of the country's heel.
Rome, April 3 (IANS/AKI) Italian unemployment in February rose to 9.3 percent, the highest level since 2003 as the eurozone's third richest country struggles to pull itself out of recession.
Washington, April 3 (IANS) Women conceiving at older ages, thanks to the availability of fertility treatments, has spurred the birth of twins.
Thiruvananthapuram, April 2 (IANS) A court in Kerala Monday extended till April 16 the judicial custody of two Italian Marines arrested for allegedly shooting dead two Indian fishermen in February.
London, Apr 2 (ANI): Costa Concordia, the luxury cruise ship that ran aground off the Italian coast in January 2012, will be refloated in what is to be the biggest operation of its kind.
London, Apr 2 (ANI): Former Italy international Giorgio Chinaglia has died of complications from a heart attack at the age of 65.
Dortmund (Germany), April 1 (IANS) India finished 27th in the men's and women's category at the World Team Table Tennis Championships here.
Rome, March 30 (IANS/AKI) Assets worth $1.1 billion euros (about $1.4 billion) belonging to Libya's Gaddafi family were seized by the Italian police.
Madrid, March 29 (IANS) Spain will play international friendlies against Serbia, South Korea and China ahead of the Euro 2012 Football championships in June-July.
New Delhi, March 28 (IANS) Over 500 global defence firms from 32 countries will be displaying their land and naval warfare systems at Asia's largest military exhibition being hosted by India from Thursday to showcase its prowess as a weapons producer and emergence as an attractive investment destination in the sector.
Rome, March 27 (IANS/AKI) Italy's consumer confidence rose in March, defying tax hikes and other reforms that are expected to cut into paychecks in the euro zone's third-biggest economy.
Seoul, March 26 (IANS) Italy has accepted the jurisdiction of Indian courts in the case of two Italian marines shooting dead two Indian fishermen off the Kerala coast, Indian sources said here Monday.
Seoul, Mar.26 (ANI): The Prime Ministers of India and Italy, Manmohan Singh and Mario Monti, met in Seoul on Monday and reviewed bilateral ties on sidelines of the 2012 Nuclear Security Summit.
Ganjam (Orissa), Mar 25 (ANI): Released Italian hostage Claudio Colangelo on Sunday spoke to mediapersons after the Maoists released him earlier in the day.
Bhubaneswar, March 25 (IANS) Maoists Sunday released one of the two Italian hostages they had abducted March 14. The rebels said they will release the other Italian only after the government fulfills some of their demands.
Bhubaneswar, Mar.25 (ANI): Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday was presiding over an emergency meeting on the ongoing hostage crises in the state.
New Delhi, Mar.24 (ANI): During his three-day visit to South Korean capital Seoul, Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is expected to have a pull aside meeting with his Italian counterpart Mario Monti.
New Delhi, March 24 (IANS) Two festering diplomatic rows will feature in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's talks with his Italian and Norwegian counterparts on the sidelines of an international conference in Seoul but no meetings are planned with US President Barack Obama or Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, official sources said Saturday.
Rome, March 24 (IANS/AKI) A mobster was released from jail in Italy because the prison served too many beans on its menu and he suffered from allergy to the legumes.
Brussels, March 24 (IANS) Nearly 30,000 Afghanis and 15,000 Pakistanis have applied for asylum in the European Union (EU) in 2011, the EU's statistical office said.
Washington, March 23 (IANS) The United States has said it's "working hard" with India to see if it can help reduce its dependence on Iranian crude and find alternative sources of supply, but no decision has been taken on imposing financial sanctions.
London, Mar 21 (ANI): Romania has entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest bridal train after a model wearing a wedding gown floated in a hot air balloon above downtown Bucharest.
London, Mar 21 (ANI): Romania has entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest bridal train after a model wearing a wedding gown floated in a hot air balloon above downtown Bucharest.
Washington, Mar 17 (ANI): Stroke survivors who appreciate music, painting and theatre have a significantly higher quality of life than those who don't, according to a new research.
London, March 17 (ANI): Last September, a preliminary but electrifying result suggested that superluminal neutrinos might travel faster than light, but it seems that these ghostly subatomic particles are slowing fast.
Washington, Mar 17 (ANI): Stroke survivors who appreciate music, painting and theatre have a significantly higher quality of life than those who don't, according to a new research.
London, March 17 (ANI): Last September, a preliminary but electrifying result suggested that superluminal neutrinos might travel faster than light, but it seems that these ghostly subatomic particles are slowing fast.
Washington, March 16(ANI): Words are dying more often in the past 10 to 20 years than they had in all the time measured before while new entries into languages are becoming less common, both perhaps because of digital spell-checking, according to a new study.
Washington, March 16(ANI): Words are dying more often in the past 10 to 20 years than they had in all the time measured before while new entries into languages are becoming less common, both perhaps because of digital spell-checking, according to a new study.
London, Mar 15(ANI): Former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has been marked down by Inter Milan as the right choice to replace current manager Claudio Ranieri, who had managed Chelsea previously.
London, Mar 15(ANI): Former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has been marked down by Inter Milan as the right choice to replace current manager Claudio Ranieri, who had managed Chelsea previously.
Washington, Mar 14 (ANI): Scientists have for the first time identified direct wave motion in one of Jupiter's jet streams.
London, Mar 14 (ANI): Michelle Obama has been appointed to lead the US delegation to the Olympic Games which will be held in London this year.
Piravom (Kerala), Mar 14 (ANI): Defence Minister A.K. Antony has said the Italian marines, who were involved in the killing two Indian fishermen off the coast of Kerala, will be tried under Indian laws.
Washington, Mar 14 (ANI): Scientists have for the first time identified direct wave motion in one of Jupiter's jet streams.
London, Mar 14 (ANI): Michelle Obama has been appointed to lead the US delegation to the Olympic Games which will be held in London this year.
