Italy is a unitary parliamentary republic in Europe located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Italy borders France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, San Marino and the Vatican. Italy covers an area of 301,338 km² (116,347 mi²), and is influenced by a temperate and Mediterranean climate. Judging from its shape, the map of Italy is shaped like a boot or in Italy it is often called lo Stivale.

With a population of 61 million people, Italy is the European Union member country with the third largest population after Germany and France.