In spite of having the richest historical heritage in the world, Italy is relatively young as a state, and in some ways is still unconsolidated. It contains great geographical and climatic contrasts, running north-south as it does from the Alps to Sicily. Wherever you choose to go, it is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding countries in Europe for tourists and other visitors.
Like most of the information on these Country Facts pages, the following was taken from the CIA World Factbook: