This handy guide explores a range of fun and interesting facts about Italy for kids. You’ll also find some helpful teaching resources that will help your children appreciate Italy in a new way!
As one of the world’s most influential and beautiful countries, we are learning these ten amazing facts about Italy that will significantly benefit your kids. From the Renaissance to the Roman Coliseum, our selection of points will give students something to learn about in all subjects.
However, it’s not just people in school who’ll enjoy these fabulous Italy facts. Finding topical information about a country or place is always fun. It can help you appreciate different cultures and ways of life and give you a reason to travel to the nation in question!
- It was established in 1861.
In truth, there are so many amazing facts about Italy’s history that they could make up its list. The country was united into one state in 1861, with the current Republic of Italy only being established in 1946. However, dating back centuries, Italy has seen the Romans and essential elements of the Renaissance spring from its lands. More recently, both World Wars saw parts of Italy be fought over.
- There are some fantastic Italian food and drinks.
Italy’s culinary delights have been admired the world over. From widely shared dishes like pizza and pasta to cappuccino and focaccia bread, virtually every part of the world has adopted something of the traditional Italian menu. The national dish of Italy is Ragu all Bolognese, which is noodles with a bolognese sauce and meat.
- People speak Italian.
The official language of Italy is Italian, which is spoken throughout the vast significance of the country. However, 34 minority languages are also spoken, including German, Sardinian, Slovene, and Albanian.
- The weather changes throughout the year.
In the Mediterranean climate, Italy has a warm environment during the Summer months, with typically cool and wet winters. Due to its altitude and latitude, some Northern parts of Italy experience much colder temperatures than their Southern counterparts throughout the Winter.
- The capital city is Rome.
The capital city of Italy is Rome, which is also the biggest city in the country by population and size. It has many world-famous landmarks that have historical and cultural value. These include the Roman Colosseum, the Pantheon, and St. Peter’s Basilica. It is due in large part to these attractions that Rome is visited by millions of tourists every year.
- The significant of people living there are Roman Catholic.
Italy is predominantly a Roman Catholic country, with 80% of the population thought to identify themselves in this way. Vatican City, the traditional home of the Pope and Catholicism, is in Vatican City at the center of Rome.
- There are active volcanoes in Italy!
It is one of the only countries in Europe with active volcanoes. In total, there are three active volcanoes within Italy’s borders. They are Mt. Etna, Stromboli and Vesuvius. The latter famously erupted in 79 A.D., flattening the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.
- The most popular sport is football.
The most popular sport in Italy is football, or as the Italians call it, ‘Calcio.’ Italy has won the World Cup four times, with the most recent win coming in 2006. Other popular sports in Italy include motorsport, cycling, and rugby union.
- Some notable figures were Italian.
Famous people from Italy include polymath Leonardo Da Vinci, astronomer Galileo Galilei, and Christopher Columbus. More recently, notable figures include Gianni Versace, Gianluigi Buffon, and Luciano Pavarotti.
- The population is the sixth-highest in Europe.
Italy’s population is just over 60 million, just behind the UK, which has about 66 million people, but above Spain, which has approximately 46 million inhabitants. In the years following the Second World War, the population multiplied in Italy due to less emigration and better living standards.
