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Italy known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Italy's cities have spectacular churches and large central plazas. Their museums contain some of the world's best-known art. The countryside has warm, sandy beaches; high, glacier-topped mountain peaks; and rolling hills covered with green fields and vineyards.

Italy is described lovingly as an open-air art gallery - every town and village seems to have a beautiful little church to wander round or a historic square where you can sit and enjoy a cappuccino. You will stumble over theatres and other buildings dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times.

You'll never forget Michelangelo's David, the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, the Giotto frescoes in Assisi or Padua, practically everything in the Uffizi in Florence, let alone the Renaissance masterpieces hidden in churches across the country.

Italy is justly famed for its beautiful countryside. Green and rolling hills with emerald cypress firs and silver-grey olive groves, on every other hilltop the towers of medieval villages piercing the skies, the mysterious stone 'trulli' houses of Puglia, cobbled streets to wander round and trattorias in which to savour some of the best cuisine in the world.

The mountains offer crisp, clean vistas across unspoilt landscapes studded with wild flowers and ancient woods, and the beautiful waters of the tranquil Lake District.

Whatever your holiday interest - relaxing on a beach, walking in fantastic countryside, an active break skiing or indulging in watersports, or enjoying art and architecture, there's a place for you in Italy.

Italy's landscape is dominated by two mountain ranges - the Alps and the Apennines. The Alps tower across the northernmost part of Italy, while the Apennines form a backbone that runs nearly the length of the peninsula.

Italy includes two large islands, Sicily and Sardinia. Two independent countries actually lie within Italy's borders: the tiny Republic of San Marino, in north-central Italy, and Vatican City, which is located completely within the city of Rome.

Italy boasts several world-famous cities. Rome, the capital and largest city of Italy, was the center of the Roman Empire 2,000 years ago. Florence was the home of many artists of the Renaissance, a period of great achievements in the arts. Venice, with its intricate canal system, attracts tourists from all over the world.

Italy is a land celebrated for the arts, and not the least among the arts that have attained their highest expression in Italy is the art of hospitality. The Italian welcome is as warm and traditional as a glass of fine wine. This comparison is apt, for travelers in ancient times gave the country its first name: Land of Wines. Italians are such good hosts because they get so much practice welcoming visitors from all over the world.

Italy is one of the most popular vacation countries in Europe, all seasons being good for a visit. In summer, Italy is an international playground, with visitors from all continents mingling with vacationing Italians at the famous resorts. Spring comes early to Italy and autumn lingers - and so will the wise traveler who wants to enjoy at a more leisurely pace the art centers, the large cities and the holiday resorts such as those in the Lombardian lake region where spring and fall are ideal seasons.

Italian Alps are unequaled for scenery and skiing. In northern Italy are some of the world's most renowned winter sports resorts, easily reached from such centers as Torino, chief city of the westernmost Piemonte region; from Milano, hub of the central mountain and lake district; and from Venezia, leading city of the eastern region. Skiing is also a summer sport in the Torino Alps and the lofty mountains surrounding the Valle d’Aosta.

Italians are strongly attached to their towns, neighborhoods, and families. Many who leave their home in search of greater opportunities hope to return eventually to their old communities.

Full country name: Italian Republic
Area: 301,250 sq km (117,487 sq mi)
Population: 57.6 million
Capital city: Rome (pop 3.6 million)
People: Italian
Languages: Italian and numerous dialects, German, French, English.
Religions: 85% Roman Catholic, 5% Jewish and Protestant
Government: Republic
Prime Minister: Silvio Berlusconi
GDP: US$1.18 trillion
GDP per head: US$20,800
Annual growth: 1.5%
Inflation: 1.8%
Major industries: tourism, engineering, textiles, chemicals, food processing, motor vehicles, clothing & footwear
Major trading partners: EU (esp. Germany, France, UK, Spain, Netherlands), USA