Italy, called officially, Republic of Italy, It is and European country, member of
the European Union.
Their land consists principally of the Italian peninsula and two big islands in the Mediterranean Sea: Sicily and Sardinia. In the north of Italy there is the Alps, and some countries like France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. Inside Italy there are also 2 independent states: city of Vatican, and San Marino. Italy is part of the G8, also called group of the 8 nations more industrialized in the world. Italy is situated in the heart of the ancient Roman Empire, and it is full of treasures that rebuild the history of the foundation of western civilization. Italy has been the home of important European cultures like, Etruscans, and Romans. Also has been the cradle of renaissance movement that began in the Tuscany region (Florence), and rapidly spread out in Europe. The capital city of Italy, Rome, has been for centuries the political and cultural center of the western civilization, and it is also the holy city of the Catholic Church, because this microstate is located inside of this city. Politics of Italy is based in a parliamentary republican system, with a representative democracy. The Prime minister is the chief of the government. In addition, it is a multiparty system. The Italian relief is always an artistic journey. Italy keeps so many artistic treasures located in the whole country that we can say that it is like an outdoor gallery. There is no other country that has this characteristic; Italian art, and their treasures are priceless. According to UNESCO, more than a half of the historicartistic patrimony of the world, its found in this country, and we can find in every place an invaluable testimony of history. Museums, cathedrals, churches, parish churches, monasteries and convents, villas, palaces, castles, archeological enclaves, they all makes Italy, an endless journey of culture and beauty. The Italian weather is very changeable, all depends on where you are, whether in the north or in the south, coast or the mountain. In general Italy has a pleasurable temperature though, because it is protected by the Alps in the north. The summer is too hot, and the winter too cold, especially in the mountains. These temperatures are perfect for vacation in any season of the year, because if you enjoy the suns heat, or if you, on the other hand, prefer skiing and play with snow, you can find many places to take a sun bath, or to practice winter sports, like sky and snowboard.