Italy

Italy

Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a country located in Southern Europe. It shares borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia, and is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, with its famous boot-shaped peninsula and numerous islands, including Sicily and Sardinia. Italy is renowned for its rich history, art, architecture, cuisine, and cultural heritage.

The country covers an area of approximately 301,340 square kilometres and has a population of around 59.5 million people. Italy is a major European country with a strong influence in politics, culture, and the economy.

Key Country Information

  • Capital City: Rome

  • Head of State (President): Sergio Mattarella

  • Head of Government (Prime Minister): Giorgia Meloni

  • Official Language: Italian

  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

  • International Dialing Code: +39

Population and Economy

As of 2024, Italy has an estimated population of 59.5 million. The Italian economy is diverse, with major sectors including manufacturing, automotive, fashion, tourism, agriculture, and services.

Italy is also a global cultural hub, attracting millions of tourists each year. Its economy benefits from strong industrial production in the north and a growing service and tourism sector in the south.

European Union and Schengen Status

Italy is fully integrated into European institutions:

  • EU Member State since: 1958 (founding member of the European Economic Community)

  • Euro Area Member since: 1999 (cash introduced in 2002)

  • Schengen Area Member since: 1995

Italy uses the euro as its official currency and participates in the Schengen Area, allowing passport-free travel to most European countries.

Living and Working in Italy

Italy is an attractive destination for foreign workers due to:

  • Strong demand in tourism, healthcare, engineering, and manufacturing

  • High cultural and historical appeal

  • EU labor protections and employment rights

  • Opportunities for seasonal and long-term employment

EU/EEA citizens can live and work in Italy without a permit. Non-EU citizens generally require a residence and work permit, which is tied to a specific employer or job type.

Summary

Italy is a Southern European country with a rich cultural heritage, strong economy, and full EU, Eurozone, and Schengen integration. Its tourism, industrial, and service sectors, along with its high quality of life, m