Fun Facts about Italy

Spanning over an area of 187,175.64 sq miles, Italy is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful country of the continent of Europe. On one hand are the interesting facts about Italy, which speak volumes about its cultural heritage, and on the other exists some lesser known fun facts ranging from the invention of pizza to the tradition of Sunday Passeggiata. Before we move on with the fun facts, let's have a brief look at some important facts about this country.

Important Facts about Italy

A look at the history of Italy reveals just why it is regarded as the cradle of Etruscan and Roman civilizations. Other than the great historical past, this nation also boasts about an interesting present. Given below are some general facts about Italy, which will introduce you to this beautiful European nation.

• Italian Unification, i.e. the agglomeration of different states of Italian peninsula into a single state of Italy, took place on 17th March, 1861.
• Italy was one of the founding members of the European Union, along with Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, France and West Germany.
• The total area of Italy is 187,175.64 sq. miles, of which 182,695.55 sq. miles is land, while the remaining spreads over the water.
• According to the 2001 Census, the population of Italy is 56,995,744, while the density of population is 517.4 people per sq mile.
• San Marino and the Vatican City are two independent states within the Italian Peninsula. Similarly, the Campione d'Italia is an Italian enclave in Switzerland.

Fun Facts about Italy

While everybody knows that pasta is the national cuisine of Italy, not many are aware of its connection with the pizza. This may comes as a surprise for many, but pizza was invented in Naples - the capital of Campania region, way back in 1860s.

• There goes a popular belief that if you throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, your chances of visiting Rome again increase.
• The belief is so popular that as many as 3,000 Euro are thrown in the Trevi Fountain every day.
• The word 'pizza' is one of the very few words which is understood almost all over the world.
• Interestingly, around 20 percent of the total population of Italy is over 65 years of age.
• When it comes to the ideal family size, Italy is put forth as one of the best example with an average family consisting of 1.27 children.
• In the town of Ivrea, located in northwestern Italy, days of Lent are celebrated by throwing oranges at each other.
• Since the end of World War II, Italy has seen as many as 60 governments come and go.
• The University of Bologna, which was founded in 1088, is the oldest continuously operated university in the world.
• Italy boasts of being a nation with the highest number of UNESCO recognized world heritage sites.
• The name "Caput Mundi" by which Rome is popularly referred to, is Latin for the Capital of the World.
• The Venice Film Festival, which was started way back in 1932, is the oldest film festival in the world.
• The emblem of Rome with a she-wolf suckling the two pups is believed to represent the story of Romulus and Remus - the founders of Rome, who were believed to be raised by a she-wolf in a cave.
• Other than the Italian pizza, this nation also boasts of various other inventions including thermometer, piano, eyeglasses, espresso machine, typewriter, cologne, etc.

At times, even the most random facts speak a lot for the country, and what better example but these facts about Italy. The next time you sit down to plan your Italy vacation, you shouldn't miss out on places like the Trevi Fountain or those numerous heritage sites.