Basic info about Italy and Rome

Country:   Italy    Rome is the capital city.

• Countries that Border it:  Austria, France, Holy See, San Marino, Slovenia, and Switzerland 
• Population of Rome: 4.3 million     
• Population of Italy:  60 million
• Italy is approximately the same in size to the US state of New Mexico.
• Industry:

1. Tourism: It is a major source of foreign exchange. The larger cities, such as Venice and Rome, have many tourist attractions that attract millions of tourists to the country each year.
2. Manufacturing: The main products manufactured in this country include machinery, steel, iron, chemicals, vehicles, ceramics, footwear and clothing. There is a current trend for privatization, although many of the most important manufacturing industries are state-owned.
3. Service:  Over half of the Italian workforce is employed in the service sector. This is a sector that is continually growing in Italy. Services include retail, hospitality, communications, media, recreation, health and education.
4. Shipping:  Leading exports include food, tobacco, beverages, vehicles, textiles, clothing, engineering products and machinery. The largest imports are chemicals, metals, transportation equipment, raw materials and petroleum.
5. Minerals:  Italy is dependent on oil. The main minerals produced include petroleum, zinc, mercury, lignite, marble, asbestos, barite, pumice and potash. Hydroelectricity and methane are also produced in Italy.
6. Agriculture:  2% of the gross domestic product. The major farm products include vegetables, fruit, potatoes, grapes, olive oil, olives, livestock, sugar beets, and soybeans. Fishing and wine production are also part of this sector.