For more information see the Italy profile.

Italy covers a boot-shaped peninsula and two large Mediterranean islands in southern Europe. Northern Italy is highly industrialized and wealthy, while southern Italy is agricultural and relatively poor. Grapes are the major agricultural product, and clothing is the leading industrial product. A booming tourism business is a major source of income.

Italy was the home of the ancient Roman Empire. After centuries of disunity, Italy united as a single state in 1870. A republican form of government was established in 1946, but the years since have seen a succession of over 50 governments. In the 1990's completely inept and corrupt government provoked widespread popular outrage.

Italy is mostly Roman Catholic. The center of Catholicism, the Vatican City, is located within Rome. Most Italians seldom attend church, and there are few evangelicals.