The Italian Republic is a country in southern Europe, largely located on the Italian Peninsula. The two largest islands of the Mediterranean are Sicily and Sardinia and Italy. In the north of the Alps there is a land border with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. Area is 301.252 km2. Its capital is Rome.
The country is engaged a little in agriculture. Main agricultural products; sugar beet, wheat, rice, vegetables, grapes and olives. Those who live in mountainous regions provide their livelihood from the forest. In the inhabitants of the large valleys grow grain, grapes and fruit. There are corn fields and mulberry on the high terrace in the Po Plain. Wheat is also grown. Italy grows wheat and corn in general. It is the biggest rice producer in Europe. It is the first in the world in olive oil production. In spite of all these, Italy in terms of nutrients meets its own needs. In Italy, livestock is considered to be developed according to soil width. In the country cattle, goats, sheep are fed. Cattle are fed in the high parts of the mountains. The dairy industry is highly developed. World famous cheese is obtained. The country's animal protein and fat needs are met. The main industries of the country are weaving (especially silk), chemical, machinery, motor vehicles, oil processing and food. The Fiat car industry has a worldwide reputation in the motor vehicle industry. It employs a large work force. The food industry is well developed in pasta and canned food. In the Italian industry, raw materials and energy resources are generally weak. This deficit is closed with imports. In recent years, the distribution of natural gas to industrial zones and the establishment of hydroelectric power plants in the Alps has largely closed the energy deficit. Raw materials such as cotton, crude oil, wool, ferrous metals constitute nearly 50% of imports. 40-42% of the exports are composed of machinery, leveled petro-chemical products, cotton woven fabrics and automobiles. The Italian sea fleet is one of the largest fleets in the world. There is a close link between Italian trade and maritime transport. Italy closes the deficit in the balance of payments through the tourism sector. Tourism sector is very developed. Italy, with its many tourist attractions, is rich in history and culture.