History
Italy got its name from Romans that called it “Italia,” (“land
of oxen,” or “grazing land”). Many empires, governments
and world leaders have called it home. Most notably, the Roman Empire spanned
600 years from 200 BC to the 400s AD. But Italy was splintered into dozens
of city-states during Medieval and Renaissance times. It was largely conquered
by Napoleon in the 1800s. In the 1930s, Benito Mussolini became dictator
in Italy and ruled until 1943. In 1946, the Italian people voted to abolish
monarchial rule and set up a republican form of government. Today, Italy
is one of Europe’s wealthiest countries, even though most of its southern
provinces remain poor.
People/Culture
Italians enjoy eating, drinking, singing, and the arts. Florence, one of Italy’s largest cities, was home to many Renaissance artists and is still recognized as a hub of artistic culture. Venice, with hundreds of
canals and beautiful architecture, attracts thousands of tourists every
year. The Vatican City, located in Rome and the center of the Roman Catholic
Church, is separate from the rest of the country, but remains an influential
force. Religion
About three quarters of Italians claim to be Roman Catholic, but only about
12 percent are faithful churchgoers. Today, 500,000 Muslims, 300,000 evangelicals,
150,000 Jews, and many members of cults and other religious groups live
in Italy. During the 20th century, Pentecostal churches suffered severe
persecution, especially under Mussolini. Pentecostal believers were officially
outlawed. But persecution only strengthened the church. Every pastor that
was exiled to another town started another church there!
The
Movement Today
The Assemblies of God reports the following statistics from Italy: 1,200
churches, 160,000 believers, 500 ministers, two Bible schools and seven
extension programs with about 1,300 students enrolled.
Additional
Facts About Italy
Capital:
Rome
Area:
116,320 square miles
Population:
57,092,000
Government: Parliamentary Democracy
Official Language: Italian
Currency: Euro
Agriculture:
Grapes, wheat, beef cattle, hogs, olives, corn, oranges, and
tomatoes
Industry: Clothing and shoes, food and beverages, vehicles, petroleum products,
machinery, and chemicals
Mining: Natural gas, granite, and marble |
