#25 in world Europe UN member

Italy

Rome Europe Southern Europe

Italy is a major Mediterranean power recognized for its profound cultural legacy and high standard of living. Current estimates place the population at approximately 58.9 million, with a projected GDP per capita of $40,947.

Where is Italy?

Italy

Continent
Europe
Country
Italy
Coordinates
42.83°, 12.83°

Population Details

Population
59M
Area
301,336 km²
Density per km²
195 / km²
Growth rate
-0.05%
Annual growth
-31.5K people
Daily growth
-86.22 people
World population share
0.73%

Population Trend

Historical series from 1960 to 2026

Start 50M Latest 59M

Population & Social Snapshot

Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Italy

Age Distribution

0-14 years 7M
15-64 years 37M
65+ years 15M

Urbanization

69.6% Urban
41M
Urban 41M
Rural 18M

Health & Education Benchmarks

Life Expectancy at Birth +14%
84.0 years
World avg: 74.0 years
Fertility Rate -50%
1.18 births per woman
World avg: 2.35 births per woman
Infant Mortality Rate -88%
2.3 per 1,000 live births
World avg: 18.6 per 1,000 live births
Literacy Rate (Adults) +18%
99.3 % of adults
World avg: 83.9 % of adults
Internet Users +23%
89.2 % of population
World avg: 72.5 % of population

Demographics

Quick Facts

Capital
Rome
Region
Europe
Area
301,336 km²
Languages
Italian, Catalan
Currency
euro (€)
Timezones
UTC+01:00
UN Member
Yes

Economy

The Italian economy is the 8th largest in the world and the 4th largest in Europe. Recent data shows a GDP per capita of $40,385 and an annual GDP growth rate of 0.69%, supported by a robust manufacturing sector that excels in luxury goods, automotive engineering, and high-quality exports. The latest figures show an unemployment rate of 6.391%, which ranks 71st globally for the lowest unemployment. This diversified economy relies heavily on its industrial northern provinces and a large service sector that includes a globally dominant tourism industry.

Society

Italy maintains some of the highest health standards in the world, with a life expectancy at birth of 83.95 years, which the latest ranking places at 11th globally. The nation boasts a high adult literacy rate of 99.35%, ranking 23rd in the world, reflecting a long-standing commitment to comprehensive public education. Digital connectivity is widespread, with 89.22% of the population identified as internet users, placing the country at a global rank of 67th. These social indicators underscore a highly developed society, even as the nation navigates a fertility rate of 1.18 births per woman.

Climate & Environment

Italy features a varied climate influenced by its rugged geography, ranging from the alpine conditions in the north, where Mont Blanc rises to 4748 m (15,577 ft), to the Mediterranean warmth of the southern coast. The central regions experience a temperate climate with hot summers and mild winters, providing ideal conditions for its extensive agricultural landscapes and vineyards.

Government & Politics

Government Type
parliamentary republic
Independence
1861-03-17 (null)

Italy is a parliamentary republic characterized by a clear separation of powers. The President of the Republic serves as the head of state, performing ceremonial duties and ensuring adherence to the constitution, while the President of the Council of Ministers acts as the head of government, wielding executive power. The legislative branch is bicameral, consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic, both of which possess equal powers in a system known as perfect bicameralism. This structure was established to prevent the concentration of power following the transition from a monarchy. The judiciary operates independently, with a Constitutional Court tasked with reviewing the legality of laws. Political life is often marked by multi-party coalitions, which encourage broad representation across the political spectrum. Local governance is divided into 20 regions, five of which hold special autonomous status to accommodate linguistic or historical differences, such as the German-speaking clusters in the north.

History

The history of Italy is defined by its role as a cradle of Western civilization. Following the rise and eventual decline of the Roman Empire, the peninsula was divided for centuries into various city-states, duchies, and foreign-controlled territories. This fragmentation fostered the Renaissance, a period of unprecedented cultural and intellectual growth centered in cities like Florence and Venice. The modern state emerged during the 19th-century Risorgimento, a movement for national unification that culminated in the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy on 17 March 1861. Initially a constitutional monarchy, the nation underwent significant political shifts during the 20th century, including the rise of Fascism and involvement in both World Wars. Following a popular referendum in June 1946, the monarchy was abolished in favor of a republic. In the post-war era, Italy experienced a period of rapid economic industrialization and became a founding member of the European Union and NATO. Today, it stands as a global cultural powerhouse and a key geopolitical actor in Europe. The country's demographic profile has shifted significantly, with an official 2024 population of 58952704 and a life expectancy of approximately 83.95 years, which ranks 11th globally, reflecting the high quality of life achieved over decades of modern development.

Notable Facts

  • Italy contains the highest point in the European Union, Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) de Courmayeur, which reaches 4748 m (15577 ft) above sea level.
  • The country features 7600 km (4722 mi) of coastline and is the only nation in mainland Europe to have active volcanoes, including Mount Etna and Mount Vesuvius.
  • Italy possesses more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other country, showcasing a historical legacy spanning from Roman antiquity through the Renaissance.
  • The nation is home to a 99.35% literacy rate and ranks 5th in Europe by total population, despite a current annual growth rate of -0.05%.
  • Italy entirely surrounds two independent microstates: the Most Serene Republic of San Marino and Vatican City, the latter being the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church.

Geography

Highest Point
Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) de Courmayeur (4,748 m)
Lowest Point
Mediterranean Sea (0 m)
Coastline
7,600 km

Explore weather and climate data for cities in Italy

Monthly averages for Rome

January
Fair
Temp
14°C / 6°C
Feels Like
11°C / 3°C
Rain
10days (71 mm) Wet
Sun
6.8h Fair
Humidity
79% Humid
February
Fair
Temp
16°C / 6°C
Feels Like
14°C / 4°C
Rain
7days (56 mm) Good
Sun
8.4h Good
Humidity
76% Humid
March
Good
Temp
17°C / 8°C
Feels Like
15°C / 6°C
Rain
11days (80 mm) Wet
Sun
9.6h Good
Humidity
73% Muggy
April
Good
Temp
20°C / 10°C
Feels Like
19°C / 8°C
Rain
9days (54 mm) Wet
Sun
11.4h Excellent
Humidity
71% Muggy
May best
Excellent
Temp
25°C / 15°C
Feels Like
26°C / 14°C
Rain
11days (70 mm) Wet
Sun
12.5h Excellent
Humidity
70% Muggy
June best
Excellent
Temp
30°C / 19°C
Feels Like
33°C / 20°C
Rain
5days (33 mm) Good
Sun
13.6h Excellent
Humidity
63% Muggy
July
Good
Temp
34°C / 22°C
Feels Like
36°C / 24°C
Rain
2days (10 mm) Excellent
Sun
13.9h Excellent
Humidity
58% Moderate
August
Good
Temp
33°C / 22°C
Feels Like
36°C / 24°C
Rain
6days (40 mm) Good
Sun
12.8h Excellent
Humidity
61% Muggy
September best
Excellent
Temp
28°C / 18°C
Feels Like
30°C / 19°C
Rain
9days (97 mm) Wet
Sun
10.8h Excellent
Humidity
70% Muggy
October best
Excellent
Temp
23°C / 14°C
Feels Like
23°C / 14°C
Rain
10days (95 mm) Wet
Sun
9h Good
Humidity
76% Humid
November
Good
Temp
18°C / 10°C
Feels Like
18°C / 8°C
Rain
11days (102 mm) Wet
Sun
7.5h Good
Humidity
79% Humid
December
Fair
Temp
15°C / 7°C
Feels Like
13°C / 5°C
Rain
11days (110 mm) Wet
Sun
6.5h Fair
Humidity
81% Humid
Month Temp Feels Like Rain Sun Humidity Status Details
January 14°C / 6°C 11°C / 3°C 10days (71 mm) Wet 6.8h Fair 79% Humid Fair View Details
February 16°C / 6°C 14°C / 4°C 7days (56 mm) Good 8.4h Good 76% Humid Fair View Details
March 17°C / 8°C 15°C / 6°C 11days (80 mm) Wet 9.6h Good 73% Muggy Good View Details
April 20°C / 10°C 19°C / 8°C 9days (54 mm) Wet 11.4h Excellent 71% Muggy Good View Details
May best 25°C / 15°C 26°C / 14°C 11days (70 mm) Wet 12.5h Excellent 70% Muggy Excellent View Details
June best 30°C / 19°C 33°C / 20°C 5days (33 mm) Good 13.6h Excellent 63% Muggy Excellent View Details
July 34°C / 22°C 36°C / 24°C 2days (10 mm) Excellent 13.9h Excellent 58% Moderate Good View Details
August 33°C / 22°C 36°C / 24°C 6days (40 mm) Good 12.8h Excellent 61% Muggy Good View Details
September best 28°C / 18°C 30°C / 19°C 9days (97 mm) Wet 10.8h Excellent 70% Muggy Excellent View Details
October best 23°C / 14°C 23°C / 14°C 10days (95 mm) Wet 9h Good 76% Humid Excellent View Details
November 18°C / 10°C 18°C / 8°C 11days (102 mm) Wet 7.5h Good 79% Humid Good View Details
December 15°C / 7°C 13°C / 5°C 11days (110 mm) Wet 6.5h Fair 81% Humid Fair View Details

Temperature

42°C 36°C 30°C 24°C 18°C 12°C 6°C 0°C -6°C JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
HighLow

Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 14°C / 6°C . Feb: 16°C / 6°C . Mar: 17°C / 8°C . Apr: 20°C / 10°C . May: 25°C / 15°C . Jun: 30°C / 19°C . Jul: 34°C / 22°C . Aug: 33°C / 22°C . Sep: 28°C / 18°C . Oct: 23°C / 14°C . Nov: 18°C / 10°C . Dec: 15°C / 7°C .

Rainfall

0 mm 20 mm 40 mm 60 mm 80 mm 100 mm JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Rainfall

Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 71 mm. Feb: 56 mm. Mar: 80 mm. Apr: 54 mm. May: 70 mm. Jun: 33 mm. Jul: 10 mm. Aug: 40 mm. Sep: 97 mm. Oct: 95 mm. Nov: 102 mm. Dec: 110 mm.

Frequently Asked Questions

The population of Italy is approximately 59M (2024).

The capital of Italy is Rome.

Italy's GDP per capita is $40.9K (2024).

Life expectancy in Italy is 83.95 years (2024).

Italy covers 301,336 km² (116,346 sq mi).

Italy is densely populated, with 195 people per km² — above the global average of 60.

Italy's population is roughly stable, changing by less than 0.1% per year.

Yes — based on GDP per capita, Italy falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $40.9K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Italy reports a very low intentional homicide rate of 0.6 per 100,000 people — among the safest in the world by this measure.

Italy has 2 official languages: Italian, Catalan.

Italy uses the euro (€) as its sole official currency.

The best months to visit Italy are May, June, September, October, based on climate data for the capital.

Recent estimates show that Italy has a population of approximately 58.9 million. The latest ranking places the country 25th in the world for total population and 5th within Europe. While it remains the most populous country in the Southern Europe subregion, recent data indicates a slight annual population growth decline of -0.05%.

Italy holds the 8th largest economy globally and the 4th largest in Europe. Current estimates show a total GDP of approximately $2.38 trillion with a GDP per capita of $40,385. The economy is currently growing at an annual rate of 0.69%, driven by high-end manufacturing, automotive exports, and a world-leading tourism sector.

Italy has an adult literacy rate of 99.35%, which the latest ranking places at 23rd in the world. This high level of education is the result of a strong national emphasis on public schooling and higher education. The country has a long historical tradition of academic excellence, being home to some of the world's oldest universities.

The unemployment rate in Italy is currently 6.391%, according to the latest available data. This figure ranks Italy 71st globally for the lowest unemployment. While the labor market has stabilized recently, there are notable differences in employment levels between the highly industrialized northern regions and the service-oriented southern provinces.

Recent data indicates that 89.22% of the Italian population are internet users, which ranks the country 67th globally for digital connectivity. The nation has invested significantly in high-speed broadband infrastructure to support its urban centers. This high level of connectivity facilitates a thriving digital economy and widespread use of online public services.

Italy currently ranks 25th in the world for total population out of 215 countries and territories. In regional terms, it is the 5th most populous country in Europe and holds the 1st position in Southern Europe, outranking neighbors such as Spain, Greece, and Portugal.

Recent data indicates that Italy's population is decreasing at an annual rate of approximately 0.05%. This decline is primarily due to a natural decrease where the number of deaths, approximately 1,777 per day, significantly exceeds the number of births, which is about 1,018 per day.

The latest official data shows a fertility rate of 1.18 births per woman in Italy. This is one of the lowest rates in the world, ranking Italy 198th out of 215 countries. This figure is significantly below the 2.1 births per woman required for a stable population.

The estimated 2026 population density of Italy is 199.1 people per km² (515.7 per sq mi). This places Italy as the 66th most densely populated country globally and the 12th in Europe. Density is highest in metropolitan areas like Milan, Rome, and Naples.

Urban centers house approximately 69.6% of the total population in Italy. While this is a high percentage, Italy remains slightly less urbanized than some of its Northern European neighbors. The urban population continues to grow as young people move to cities for employment and educational opportunities.

Estimates show that Italy experiences approximately 1,018 births and 1,777 deaths each day. When factoring in migration, the net population change is a decrease of approximately 86 people daily. This ongoing trend highlights the demographic challenges facing the nation as its population continues to age and shrink.

All Indicators

Explore Italy's data across 50+ indicators

Last updated: