Italy

Italy is a country in southern Europe shaped like a high-heeled boot. It is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. Italy gave the world pizza, pasta, and gelato. The ancient Romans once ruled a huge empire from here.

Land and People

About 59 million people live in Italy. The capital is Rome. Italy has the Alps in the north, rolling hills in the middle, and warm beaches in the south. The country includes the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.

Culture and Fun Facts

Italians take food very seriously. Pizza was invented in Naples and pasta comes in hundreds of shapes. The Colosseum in Rome is where gladiators once fought. Italy is also home to Venice, a city built on water where people ride boats instead of cars.

Fun Facts

• Italy has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country.
• Venice has no roads, only canals, and people travel by boat.
• Italians eat about 60 pounds of pasta per person every year.

Did You Know?

The city of Venice is built on over 100 small islands connected by about 400 bridges. Instead of streets, there are canals. People ride in boats called gondolas to get around. The whole city floats on water!