Italy Fun Facts

·  Almost 20% of Italy's population is over 65 yrs old.
·  Its longest border is with Switzerland.
·  The average Italian family has 1.27 children.
·  Everybody 18 and over can vote, however you have to be at least 25 to vote in Senate elections.
·  The average Italian makes $26,700 a year, however those in the more prosperous north make almost $40,000
·  The thermometer is an Italian invention.
·  The average life expectancy at birth for an Italian is 79.54 years.
·  The piano hails from Italy.
·  The average Italian consumes half a pound of bread a day.
·  Today's modern Italian language originated in the region of Tuscany.
·  Enrico Fermi, inventor of the nuclear reactor, was an Italian.
·  With almost 40 million visitors, Italy is the fourth most visited country in the world.
·  Cologne came out of Italy.
·  The ice cream cone is an Italian invention.
·  Eyeglasses are an Italian invention.
·  The average Italian is 41 years old.
·  The average Italian consumes 26 gallons of wine a year.
·  Italy has more hotel rooms than any other nation in Europe.
·  Over 40% of Italy's labor force is unionized.
·  The telephone was created by an Italian (Meucci)
·  Since the end of WWII, Italy has seen almost 60 governments come and go.
·  The area around Venice is the wealthiest region in Europe.
·  Over 75% of Italy is mountainous or hilly.
·  The typewriter is an Italian invention.
·  Italians used to be known for having large families, however Italy is now known for having Europe's lowest birthrate.
·  Italian families save more money than the Japanese and Germans, and three times more than Americans do.
·  The average Italian consumes 25 kilograms of pasta a year.
·  Italy imports over 75% of its energy.
·  The service sector accounts for almost 70% of the Italian economy.
·  Agriculture used to make up over a third of Italy's economy. It now makes up less than three percent.
·  Italy did not become a united country until 1861
·  An engineering marvel of the ancient world, Cloacus Maxima, is the sewer of Rome.
·  Italy's current constitution took effect January 1, 1948
·  The colors of the Italian flag represent three virtues: hope (green), faith (white), and charity (red).
·  St. Francis of Assissi and Saint Caterina of Siena are the patron saints of Italy.
·  98% of Italians are Roman Catholic.
·  Italy has over 3,000 museums.