Italy: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Italy 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Italy: 41
  • Happiness Score Italy:6.324

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Italy. IT.

    Italy is a country located in Southern Europe known for its rich history, art, and cuisine.

  • Italy is a parliamentary republic with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government.
  • The country is famous for its ancient architecture, Renaissance art, and iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
  • Italy has the third-largest economy in the Eurozone and is known for its contributions to fashion, design, and luxury goods.

    • Italy – A Comprehensive Overview

    Early History:

    The Italian peninsula was home to several ancient civilizations, including the Etruscans, Greeks, and Romans. The Roman Empire, which arose in the 8th century BCE, became one of the most influential civilizations in the world, leaving a lasting legacy in areas such as law, architecture, and language.

    Kingdoms and Empires:

    After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century CE, Italy experienced a series of invasions and was ruled by various kingdoms and empires, including the Ostrogoths, Lombards, and Franks. The Holy Roman Empire, which lasted from the 9th to the 19th century, also held significant influence over parts of Italy.

    Colonial Period:

    While Italy itself was not a colonial power, many parts of the country were ruled by foreign powers throughout history. The Republic of Venice, for instance, controlled territories in the Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea, while the Kingdom of Naples was ruled by the Spanish and later the Austrians.

    Independence and Modern Era:

    The unification of Italy was a long process that began in the early 19th century with the Risorgimento movement. After a series of wars and revolutions, the Kingdom of Italy was established in 1861, with Rome becoming the capital in 1870. Italy played a significant role in World War I and World War II, initially as part of the Allied Powers and later switching sides to join the Axis Powers. After the end of World War II, Italy became a republic and experienced economic growth and social transformation known as the “Italian Economic Miracle.”

    Current Political Situation:

    Italy is a parliamentary republic with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The current president is Sergio Mattarella, and the current prime minister is Giorgia Meloni, who leads a right-wing coalition government. Recent years have seen political instability and frequent changes in government.

    International Relations:

    Italy is a founding member of the European Union and NATO. It has strong ties with other European nations and maintains generally positive relations with the United States. Italy has faced tensions with neighboring countries over issues such as immigration and economic policies.

    Human Development and Economy:

    Italy has a diversified economy with a strong emphasis on services, manufacturing, and tourism. Major industries include fashion, luxury goods, automotive, and food and wine production. Despite economic challenges in recent years, Italy has a high standard of living and ranks highly on the Human Development Index.

    Cultural Highlights:

    Italy is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including art, architecture, literature, and cuisine. It is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the historic centers of Rome, Florence, and Venice. Italian culture has had a significant impact on Western civilization, with contributions in areas like Renaissance art, opera, and fashion.

    Challenges and Opportunities:

    Italy faces challenges such as economic stagnation, high public debt, an aging population, and political instability. However, opportunities exist in sectors like renewable energy, technology, and innovation, as well as leveraging Italy’s strong cultural and tourism appeal.

    Travel Tips for Italy

    Best times to visit: April-June and September-October for mild weather and fewer crowds. July-August is peak season with higher prices and larger crowds. Avoid the winter months if you want to explore outdoor attractions.

    Cultural etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, be mindful of public displays of affection, and use formal greetings (“Buongiorno” for good morning and “Buonasera” for good evening). Learn a few Italian phrases to show respect.

    Safety precautions: Exercise caution against petty crime in crowded tourist areas, especially in Rome and Naples. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and keep valuables secure. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

    Must-see landmarks: The Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the canals of Venice, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, and the Amalfi Coast.

Main facts

Location

Italy is a peninsula in Southern Europe, extending into the central Mediterranean Sea. It shares land borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia to the north. The country is situated in Southern Europe and consists of the Italian mainland, the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, and several smaller islands.

Map References

Italy is located in Southern Europe.

Area – Comparative

Italy has an area of approximately 301,340 square kilometers (116,350 square miles), making it slightly larger than the state of Arizona in the United States.

Land Boundaries and Border Countries

Italy shares land borders with the following countries, with a total border length of approximately 1,932 kilometers (1,200 miles):

The border with Switzerland is the longest.

Coastline

Italy has a total coastline of 7,600 kilometers (4,720 miles). It is a peninsula surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the Adriatic Sea, the Ionian Sea, and the Ligurian Sea.

Maritime Claims

Italy claims the following maritime zones:

  • Territorial sea: 12 nautical miles
  • Exclusive economic zone: 200 nautical miles
  • Continental shelf: 200 nautical miles or to the edge of the continental margin

Climate

Italy has a predominantly Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters in most regions. However, the climate can vary significantly across the country, with Alpine conditions in the northern mountains and hot, dry summers in the south.

Terrain

Italy’s terrain is mostly rugged and mountainous, with some plains and coastal lowlands. The Apennine Mountains form the backbone of the Italian peninsula, while the Alps stretch across the northern border with France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia.

Elevation Extremes

The highest point in Italy is Mont Blanc (Monte Bianco) at 4,808 meters (15,771 feet), located in the Alps on the border with France. The lowest point is the Mediterranean Sea at 0 meters.

Natural Resources

Italy’s major natural resources include coal, mercury, zinc, potash, marble, barite, asbestos, pumice, fluorspar, feldspar, pyrite (sulfur), natural gas and crude oil reserves, fish, and arable land.

Major Bodies of Water

The major bodies of water in Italy include:

Natural Hazards

Italy is prone to several natural hazards, including:

  • Earthquakes in the northern regions due to the country’s location near the boundary between the Eurasian and African tectonic plates
  • Volcanic activity, particularly in the southern regions around Mount Vesuvius and Mount Etna
  • Floods, landslides, and avalanches in mountainous areas

Geography – Notes

Italy has a rich and diverse geography, with a unique blend of natural and cultural landscapes. The country is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the historic centers of Rome, Florence, and Venice, as well as iconic landmarks such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Amalfi Coast. Italy’s geography has played a significant role in shaping its history, culture, and economy, from the ancient Roman Empire to the modern-day tourism industry.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 31.80%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 320,411. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 43.20%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  41.8719412.56738.
  • Capital: The capital of Italy is  Rome
  • Major Cities:
    • Rome – Population: 2,873,494
    • Milan – Population: 1,351,562
    • Naples – Population: 962,003
    • Turin – Population: 885,265
    • Palermo – Population: 676,118
    • Genoa – Population: 583,601
  • Population: 60,297,396
  • Area(Km2): 301340
  • Population Density( P/Km²):206. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:39
  • Official Language(s):Italy is Italian (100%).
  • Currency: EUR

Main Economic Indicators

Italy has a diversified economy driven primarily by the service sector. Manufacturing and exports of high-quality consumer goods remain important contributors. Major economic challenges include low productivity growth, high public debt, an aging population, and regional disparities. Notable policies aim at reducing debt, reforming labor markets, and fostering innovation.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

3.7% (2022 estimate), 1.9% (2021) – Source: IMF

Credit Ratings

Fitch: BBB (Stable)
Moody’s: Baa3 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: BBB (Stable)

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 2.1%
Industry: 23.9%
Services: 73.9% (2017 estimate)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Fruits, vegetables, grapes, olives, wheat, sugar beets, soybeans, dairy products
Industrial Products: Motor vehicles, machinery, chemicals, tourism, food and beverage processing, textiles, clothing

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 25.7 million (2021 estimate, ranked 23rd globally)

Current Account Balance

$10.8 billion (2021 estimate, ranked 26th globally)

Exports and Imports

Exports: $628.6 billion (2021 estimate)
Key Export Partners: Germany, France, US, Spain, UK
Main Exports: Machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, furniture, food

Imports: $580.7 billion (2021 estimate)
Key Import Partners: Germany, France, China, Netherlands, Spain
Main Imports: Machinery, vehicles, chemicals, metals, energy

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

$227.1 billion (31 December 2021 estimate)

  • GDP (Current US$):$2,001,244,392,042. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 24.30%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 59.10%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.61. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 9.89%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

National Identity

Noun: Italians

Adjective: Italian

Ethnic Groups

Major Ethnic Groups:

  • Italian (including Sicilian, Sardinian, and others) – 92.4%
  • Romanian – 2.2%
  • Moroccan – 1.1%
  • Albanian – 0.8%
  • Other – 3.5%

Religions

Religious Affiliations:

  • Christianity (primarily Roman Catholic) – 83.3%
  • Islam – 3.7%
  • Other religions – 1.4%
  • No religion/Atheist – 11.6%

Age Structure

Population Distribution:

  • 0-14 years – 13.4%
  • 15-64 years – 63.8%
  • 65 years and over – 22.8%

Dependency Ratios

Dependency Ratios:

  • Total dependency ratio – 57.2%
  • Youth dependency ratio – 21.1%
  • Elderly dependency ratio – 36.1%

Median Age

Median Age:

  • Total population – 47.3 years
  • Males – 45.8 years
  • Females – 48.9 years

Lifestyle Indicators

Relevant Lifestyle Statistics:

  • Obesity rate (adults) – 19.9%
  • Alcohol consumption (liters per capita) – 7.5
  • Tobacco use (adults) – 24.2%
  • Life expectancy at birth – 83.5 years
  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 82.9. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 99%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:7.3. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:12. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 1.29. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 85.3%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 42,651,966. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):22.80%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The Italian Armed Forces consist of the following branches: Italian Army (Esercito Italiano), Italian Navy (Marina Militare), Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare), and Carabinieri (military police). Key special units include the Reggimento Corsa Tricolori (elite military acrobatic unit), Gruppo di Intervento Speciale (elite counterterrorism unit), and Comando Forze Speciali (special operations command).

The Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza (financial police) are paramilitary forces responsible for maintaining internal security and law enforcement.

Military Expenditures

Italy’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

2022: 1.54%
2021: 1.57%
2020: 1.65%
2019: 1.42%
2018: 1.22%

Italy has the 12th highest military expenditure globally as of 2022.

Personnel Strengths

Total active-duty military personnel: 165,000

  • Italian Army: 92,000
  • Italian Navy: 29,000
  • Italian Air Force: 44,000

Other security services: Carabinieri (115,000), Guardia di Finanza (68,000)

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Key military hardware includes:

  • Tanks: Ariete, Centauro
  • Combat Aircraft: F-35A/B, Eurofighter Typhoon, Tornado
  • Naval Assets: Aircraft carriers, frigates, submarines

Future acquisitions and development programs include the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and CAMM-ER air defense system.

Military Service Age and Obligation

Italy has voluntary military service with an enlistment age of 18-24 years. There is no mandatory military service.

Military Deployments

Major overseas deployments include:

  • NATO Enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia (approx. 250 personnel)
  • UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (approx. 1,000 personnel)
  • Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan (approx. 900 personnel)

Strategic Military Notes

Italy’s defense strategy focuses on NATO collective defense, crisis management operations, and international security cooperation. As a founding NATO member, Italy plays a key role in the alliance’s initiatives and deployments.

The Italian military actively contributes to international peacekeeping missions under the United Nations and other multilateral frameworks, with a focus on Mediterranean security and Middle Eastern operations.

  • Armed Forces Size: 165000. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 3.98
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 49.60%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

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