The gorgeous Italy, or Repubblica Italiana, is renowned for its rich history, culture, pristine scenery, and beauty people! Even the country’s nickname “Bel Paese” translates to “the beautiful one”. Italy commands a long Mediterranean coastline, and its unique and distinct Italian taste has left a powerful mark on Western culture, cuisine, entertainment, and art. Its capital, the Holy City of Rome, is home to the Vatican. It is also known as land of art and ancient ruins. Other must see destinations include Florence, with its Renaissance treasures. The most notable attractions include Michelangelo’s “David”, the iconic Trevi fountain, the legendary coliseum, Venice; the sinking city of canals, and last but definitely not the least; Milan, Italy’s fashion capital.

Italy is more than just gorgeous landscapes, great food, and art that could make the angels sigh. In fact, there are so many things you need to know about it! To start you off right, we have 10 facts just for you!

Fact 1: Italy ranks 5^th among the most populated countries in all of Europe, having over 61 million inhabitants! Not surprising, Italy also has the 8^th largest economy in the world. Italy is also home to 50 world heritage sites!

Fact 2: Mafias in Italy account to 7% of the country’s entire Gross Domestic Product, while one-third of Italians have never used to internet! Needless to say, don’t get too upset when you want to upload a picture of your flat lay in that rustic restaurant and they don’t have the restaurant’s name online. Or have a social media account. Or wifi.

Fact 3: Italy is the largest producer of wine in the whole world, having the best soil, vineyards, and the widest variety of flavors to boast. Beat that, Germany and your beer!

Fact 4: A third of Italy’s single men between the ages of 30 to 35 still live with their parents, while 51% of Italians can’t afford a vacation.

Fact 5: On the streets of Italy you’ll find that the Italian traffic police have two (yes, TWO) Lamborghini Gallado in their service! And if you take a plunge into their waters, you just might stumble upon a 2.5 meter tall bronze statue of Jesus Christ!

Fact 6: There is a haunted island in Italy called Poveglia that has a reputation for being everything out of a horror movie, but worse. In fact, it’s gotten so bad that public access is strictly prohibited!

Fact 7: Italy gets its name from the word Italia; which means “calf land”. Southern Italian tribes had the bull as their symbol for strength and prosperity. Italy, including Sicily and Sardinia, covers roughly 116,400 square miles, making it bigger than the state of Arizona.

Fact 8: Italy’s capital is Rome, which is known as the Eternal City or Holy City. Almost 3,000 years old, it has been the prestigious capital since 1871 and is home to the Dome of Saint Peter’s, the Sistine Chapel, the Coliseum, and the iconic Trevi fountain.

Fact 9: A Ferrari for your last name in Italy would be just as common if you had Smith as a last name back in America! More often than not, those who were situated in northern Italy had their surnames end in “I”, while those in the south ended theirs with an “o”. The most common Italian last name is Russo.

Fact 10: There is no Italian sausage by the name of Pepperoni. Pepperoni in Italy means little or baby tomatoes! Tomatoes didn’t originate from Italy either. It was introduced to Italy by the Americans back in 1520!