Italy lies in Southern Europe and has a long Mediterranean coastline. Italy has two bigger islands Sicily and Sardegna and many smaller islands such as Capri, Ischia and Elba.

One of the six founding countries of the European Union it borders six countries: France, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Vatican City and San Marino.

Its capital, Rome, is home to the Vatican as well as landmark art and ancient ruins. Other major cities include Florence, with Renaissance masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s “David” and Brunelleschi’s Duomo; Venice, the city of canals; and Milan, Italy’s fashion capital.