Information: A country.

Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a country in Europe. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Italy shares borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, San Marino, and Vatican City.

The Renaissance began in Italy and spread to the rest of Europe, bringing a renewed interest in humanism, science, exploration and art. Italy is considered to be one of the world's most culturally and economically developed countries.

In 1913, male universal suffrage was adopted. As Northern Italy quickly industrialised, the South and rural areas of the North remained underdeveloped and overpopulated, forcing millions of people to migrate abroad, while the Italian Socialist Party constantly increased in strength, challenging the traditional liberal and conservative establishment.

In 1935, Mussolini invaded Ethiopia, resulting in an international alienation and leading to Italy's withdrawal from the League of Nations; Italy allied with Nazi Germany and the Empire of Japan and strongly supported Francisco Franco in the Spanish civil war. In 1939, Italy annexed Albania, a de facto protectorate for decades. Italy entered World War II on June 10, 1940. Hostilities ended on April 25, 1945, when the German forces in Italy surrendered. Italy became a republic after a referendum held on June 2, 1946, a day celebrated since as Republic Day.

National Dance: Tatantella

Location: Europe

Regions: Tyrol, Napoli, Sicily

Language: Italian

Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic Christian.