Some interesting facts about Italy:

1. Italians used to have large families, however Italy is now known for having Europe's lowest birthrate.
2. The average Italian family has 1.27 children.
3. Almost 20% of the population is over 65 years old.
4. The average Italian consumes 25 kilograms (56 pounds) of pasta a year.
5. Italy's contributions to science include the typewriter, the thermometer, the electric battery, nitroglycerin, eyeglasses and wireless telegraphy.
6. Not less important… the ice cream cone is also an Italian invention.
7. Leonardo da Vinci (1452- 1519) was one of the greatest inventors of history. His designs include (only to mention a few) parachutes, tanks, planes, water drills, swing bridges, bicycles and contact lenses.
8. The Italian flag is inspired by the French flag introduced during Napoleon's invasion of the peninsula.
9. Italy is the fourth most visited country in the world.
10. Italy has more hotel rooms than any other nation in Europe.
11. The average Italian consumes about 100 liters (26 gallons) of wine a year! ...now that explains a lot about Italian driving.
    
12. Italy is the world's fifth largest industrial economy.
13. The area around Venice is the wealthiest region in Europe.
14. Barely a third of Italy's land is suitable for farming.
15. Italy has a resident foreign population of 1.27 million.
16. 98% of Italians are Roman Catholic.
17. The colors of the Italian flag represent three virtues: hope (green), faith (white), and charity (red).