Country Profile: Italy

Italy, located in Southern Europe, is a picturesque peninsula extending into the Mediterranean Sea, characterized by its rich history and diverse geography. With a population of approximately 61 million, Italy boasts a high-income economy primarily driven by tourism, manufacturing, and services. The Italian Republic operates as a parliamentary democracy, having transitioned to a democratic republic in 1946 after a history marked by monarchy and dictatorship. Despite its prosperity, Italy faces challenges such as economic disparities and high unemployment rates among youth and women.

Geography

Italy's geographical layout consists predominantly of rugged mountains and valleys, extending into the Mediterranean with an extensive coastline of 7,600 km. The peninsula encompasses a total area of 301,340 sq km, including the islands of Sardinia and Sicily. Its climate varies, predominantly Mediterranean, with alpine conditions in the north and hot, dry areas in the south. Notable natural hazards include earthquakes and volcanic activity, particularly near Mount Etna and Vesuvius.

301,340 sq km: Total area of Italy.
7,600 km: Length of Italy's coastline.
4,748 m: Highest point is Mont Blanc.
32.7%: Percentage of land covered by forests (2022).
44%: Land used for agriculture (2022).
1,836.4 km: Total land boundaries with neighboring countries.

People and Society

Italy has an estimated population of 60,964,931 as of 2024, with a median age of 48.4 years. The Italian people predominantly identify as ethnically Italian, with minor communities of other ethnicities. Italian is the official language, and the country practices predominantly Roman Catholicism, though there are also significant Muslim and unaffiliated populations. Urbanization is high, with about 72% of the population living in cities, including major metropolitan areas like Rome and Milan.

60,964,931: Total population (2024 est.).
72%: Percentage of urban population (2023).
83 years: Average life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
6 deaths/100,000: Maternal mortality ratio (2023 est.).
1.26: Total fertility rate (children born per woman, 2024 est.).
3.1 deaths/1,000: Infant mortality rate (2024 est.).
99%: Literacy rate (2019 est.).

Economy

Italy's economy is classified as a high-income, core economy within the EU, characterized by robust service, manufacturing, and tourism sectors. As of 2024, the GDP is estimated at $3.133 trillion (PPP), demonstrating modest growth due to net exports and EU investments. The country faces challenges such as high public debt and regional economic disparities, particularly between the north and south.

$3.133 trillion: Real GDP (PPP, 2024 est.).
6.8%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
65.6%: Contribution of services to GDP (2024 est.).
2%: Percentage contribution of agriculture to GDP (2024 est.).
21.7%: Industry's share in GDP (2024 est.).
20.1%: Population living below the poverty line (2021 est.).
24.8%: Tax revenue as a percentage of GDP (2023 est.).

Government

Italy operates as a parliamentary republic with a bicameral legislature consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The government is characterized by a complex legal system, with a constitution enacted in 1948. The President, currently Sergio Mattarella, serves as the head of state, while the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, heads the government. Italy is a member of several international organizations, reflecting its active role in global diplomacy.

Sergio Mattarella: Current president (since 2015).
Giorgia Meloni: Current prime minister (since 2022).
15: Number of administrative regions in Italy.
400: Seats in the Chamber of Deputies.
205: Seats in the Senate (200 elected, 5 appointed).
18 years: Minimum voting age.
60: Total UNESCO World Heritage Sites (cultural and natural).

Military and Security

The Italian Armed Forces consist of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Carabinieri, with about 170,000 active personnel. Italy allocates 1.5% of its GDP to military expenditures, focusing on international missions and NATO commitments. The country also engages in various peacekeeping efforts and hosts multiple US military bases.

1.5%: Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024).
170,000: Total active military personnel.
108,000: Personnel in the Carabinieri.
120: Italian troops deployed in Djibouti.
11,500: Total Italian forces committed to UN missions.
4: Nuclear reactors permanently shut down (2025).

Energy

Italy's energy sector features a mix of sources, with fossil fuels accounting for 56% of electricity generation capacity. The country emphasizes renewable energy with 12% of capacity from solar and 9.1% from wind. Italy has made strides in electrification, achieving 100% access for its population.

100%: Electricity access for the population (2022).
290.664 billion kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023).
128.692 million kW: Installed electricity generating capacity (2023).
12.424 million metric tons: Coal consumption (2023).
61.906 billion cubic meters: Natural gas consumption (2023).
307.442 million metric tonnes: Carbon dioxide emissions (2023).

Communications

Italy boasts a well-developed communications infrastructure, with a mobile cellular subscription rate of 133 per 100 inhabitants. The country has a high internet penetration rate at 87% of the population, complemented by numerous media outlets and broadcast services.

78.5 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023).
20.1 million: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023).
87%: Percentage of internet users (2023).
20.107 million: Fixed line telephone subscriptions (2023).
34: Fixed line subscriptions per 100 inhabitants (2023).

Transportation

Italy's transportation network includes a robust railway system, extensive roadways, and numerous airports. The country is home to 655 airports and has a significant merchant marine fleet. The railways cover approximately 18,475 km, contributing to efficient domestic and international travel.

655: Total number of airports (2025).
18,475 km: Length of railways (2020).
1,276: Total merchant marine vessels (2023).
123: Total number of ports (2024).
163: Heliports (2025).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	60,964,931	(2024 est.)
Area	301,340 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$3.133 trillion	(2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	6.8%	(2024 est.)
Electricity Access	100%	Total population electrified (2022)
Life Expectancy at Birth	83 years	(2024 est.)
Total Fertility Rate	1.26 children/woman	(2024 est.)
Urbanization	72%	Population living in urban areas (2023)
Literacy Rate	99%	(2019 est.)
Military Expenditure	1.5%	As a percentage of GDP (2024)