What Is the Capital of Italy?

Rome is the largest city in Italy and a popular tourist destination.
Rome is the largest city in Italy and a popular tourist destination.

Rome is the largest and the capital of Italy, as well as the capital of the Lazio region. The city has a population of about 2.9 million and its metropolitan area has population of 4.3 million, making it the fourth most populous city in the European Union (EU). The city is located on the shore of the Tiber River in Lazio administrative region. The Vatican is an independent state located entirely within the city of Rome, and remains the only country within a city. Rome is a global city and a popular tourist destination. In fact, it is the third most visited city in the EU and 14th in the world. Rome is a city rich in history, and can be considered as a center of western civilization and democracy. The city has also biblical and archaeological significance.

Demographics

The city of Rome has a population of 2.9 million, while its metropolitan area has a population of 4.3 million. Approximately 91% of the population is Italian, and roughly half of the non-Italian population are immigrants from European countries especially Romania, Poland, Ukraine, and Albania. Non-European immigration is predominantly from the Philippines, China and Bangladesh. Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Rome, as well as the rest of Italy. The city has been an important center of Roman Catholicism for centuries and is home to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican City. The metropolitan area is home to about 900 churches.

Climate

Rome experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by dry summers and cool but humid winters. The average temperature during the day is about 20 °C and temperatures cool down to 10 °C at night. January is the coldest month, with temperatures dropping to about 12 °C, while July and August are the warmest, with temperatures reaching about 30 °C. Snowfall is not common, but light snow can be experienced during the winter. However, the city experiences heavy snowfall approximately once every 5 years.

Economy

As the capital of Italy, Rome is home to various government institutions including the presidency, legislature, judiciary, and diplomatic representatives. Although the largest city in Italy, Rome is not considered an alpha city, and ranks below Milan in the Globalization and World Cities Research Network ranking. The city accounts for 6.7% of Italy's GDP and experiences a growth rate of 4.4% annually. The city's economy is dominated by the service industry, technological companies, construction and commercial development, research, and tourism. Rome is also home to the head offices of major Italian companies and several multinationals.

Tourism

Rome is a popular tourist attraction. In fact, it is the third most visited city in the European Union, after Paris and London, and receives about 10 million visitors annually. The city is home to several archaeological and historical monuments that detail the history of both Italy and and Europe. Approximately four million tourists visit the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums each year.

Share

More in World Facts