Located in Southern Europe, a peninsula extending into the central Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia, Italy, including Sardinia and Sicily, has total land area about 294,020 square kilometers, slightly larger than Arizona of the United States.

Based on July 2004 estimate, Italy has 58,057,477 population with majority Italian, including small clusters of German-, French-, and Slovene-Italians in the north and Albanian-Italians and Greek-Italians in the south. Italian is the official language in this nation, but there are German-speaking minority in some parts of Trentino-Alto Adige region, small French-speaking minority in Valle d'Aosta region, and Slovene-speaking minority in the Trieste-Gorizia area.

Italy has a diversified industrial economy with approximately the same total and per capita output as France and the UK. This capitalistic economy remains divided into a developed industrial north, dominated by private companies, and a less developed agricultural south.

Italy is a nation with incredible history and tradition, superb quality and great quantity of artistic treasures, more than 100,000 magnificent monuments and buildings. Ancient ruins, precious art, timeless city, beautiful countryside, Italian cuisine and warm hospitality, attract millions of tourists to come to this amazing country for a unforgettable vacation.

Rome, the capital city of Italy, is one of the world-famous travel destinations. It is the home of many famous landmarks and attractions, including Saint Peter's Square and Basilica, the Colosseum and Forum, Sistine Chapel, Spanish Steps, the Victor Emmanuel Monument, and the spectacular Trevi Fountain.

Venice is a worldwide well-known canal-laced city. Its waterways and narrow streets, romantic atmosphere and supreme beauty, the famous Rialto Bridge, St. Marks's Basilica, Doges Palace and the Bridge of Sighs make Venice a magnificent and unique city of the world.

Florence is one of the world top tourist destinations with renowned museums and magnificent buildings. The Galleria dell'Accademia with Michelangelo's David, the Duomo Cathedral, the Church of Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria are some of the highlights of this famous city.

Milan is Italy's financial and fashion capital. The gothic Duomo, the 19th century Galleria, and "La Scala" opera house are some highlights of Milan's sightseeing attractions.

Pisa, about one hour west of Florence by train, is the home of the World famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.