Italy

Country Description

When you walk the streets of Rome, you’ll understand why it used to be considered the capital of the world, and you’ll probably think that it might still be. No matter where you go in the city, you’ll find something new and exciting to do. Or, a lot of the time, something old and exciting to do. Walk through the Coliseum and imagine what it was like to be a spectator—or a gladiator. Spend time gazing up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, or walk the Ponte Vechhio in Florence, retracing the steps of Dante. Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain and make a wish. Take a day or two and visit Milan to see the home of some of the greatest fashion houses in the world. No matter where you go in Italy, you can be sure of three things: there will probably be something from the past for you to learn about, there will be something new going on to fire your imagination, and you’ll probably be a short walk from one of the greatest meals of your life.

The Italian economy is one of the largest in the European Union, and one of the largest in the world in terms of gross domestic product. Italy is one of the strongest economies in Europe strong and is justly known for its fashion industry, and is home to some of the titans in the field, including Armani, Versace, and Dolce and Gabbana.