Geopolitical Borders:
Italy is comprised of 20 unique
regions (further divided into provinces), each with
its own cuisine, climate, customs and traditions.
National
Holiday: Republic Day, June 2 (1946)
Languages Spoken:
Italian (official)
German (parts of Trentino-Alto Adige region)
French (small French-speaking minority in Valle
d'Aosta region)
Slovene (Slovene-speaking minority in the Trieste-Gorizia
area)
Executive Branch:
Chief of state: President Giorgio Napolitano (since May 15, 2006)
Head of government: Prime Minister Romano Prodi (since May 9, 2006)
Cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime
minister and approved by the president
Elections: president elected by an electoral college
consisting of both houses of Parliament and 58 regional
representatives for a seven-year term; prime minister
appointed by the president and confirmed by Parliament
Border Countries:
Austria
France
Holy See (Vatican City)
San Marino
Slovenia
Switzerland
Principal Industries:
tourism
machinery
iron and steel
chemicals
food processing
textiles
motor vehicles
clothing, footwear
ceramics
Some information courtesy of the
CIA World Fact Book 2001.
