Countries

Italy

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

Map

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