Fun Facts- Italy

1. There is a free wine fountain in Italy.

A free wine fountain sounds like something out of a dream, but it's a reality in Caldari di Ortona, Italy.

2. Italy is the world's fifth most visited country.

In 2018, Italy received over 62 million international visitors, making it the world's fifth most visited country.

3. Italy is home to three of Europe's active volcanoes.

?We already knew Italy was a hotspot for volcanic activity, but did you know it was also a hotspot for earthquakes? All three active volcanoes in Europe, including Etna, Vesuvius, and Stromboli.

4. In Naples, Italians invented pizza.

In 1860, the first modern pizza with a tomato base was created in Naples' Campania region. It has since become one of the world's most popular foods. Despite the fact that the humble pizza has undergone many changes over the years, the world's most delicious pizza can still be found in Naples today. Good appetite!

5. Italy has the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world.

One of the most fascinating fun facts about Italy is that it is rich in historical treasures. Italy has 55 UNESCO World Heritage sites as of 2019.

6. Pasta has been consumed by Italians since the fourth century B.C.

Pasta is an important part of Italian culture, with Italy producing many of the world's best pasta dishes. And they've had time to hone their skills. Pasta dishes may have originated in Italy as early as the 4th century B.C., according to evidence discovered in a pre-Roman Italian tomb that depicted pasta-making equipment.

7. In Italy, there are over 1500 lakes.

Italy's lakes are breathtaking, and there are over 1,500 of them spread across the country. You can spend hours admiring the beauty of Italy's lakes, which are surrounded by snowy Alps and golden beaches.

8. Each year, the Italians consume 14 billion espressos.

Did you know they consume 14 billion espressos per year? That's impressive for a country with a population of slightly more than 60 million people.

9. The world's smallest country can be found within Italy.

One of the tiniest fun facts about Italy is that it contains another country! The Vatican City, at 44 hectares, is roughly one-eighth the size of New York's Central Park. As a result, it is the world's smallest country.

10. Hills and mountains cover one-fifth of Italy.

With around 25% of all land in Italy being hilly or mountainous, you can climb to the top of the world in Italy. The country also has some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world.

11. Italy is the world's largest producer of wine.

This interesting fact about Italy may entice wine enthusiasts to visit. In 2018, the country produced 54,800 hectolitres of wine, narrowly beating out France's 49,000 hectolitres. Italy is also one of the world's largest wine exporters.

12. Italy has Europe's oldest population and the lowest birth rate.

Italy has one of the world's oldest populations, with 23% of the population over 65 years old and a median age of around 45 years. The country also has one of the lowest birth rates in the Western world.

13. Every day, tourists toss €3,000 into the Trevi Fountain.

Thousands of tourists visit the beautiful Fontana di Trevi to throw coins for good luck - a whopping €3,000 in change each day. A total of €1.4 million (US$1.5 million) was thrown into the fountain in 2016. The funds were raised and donated to charity, including the subsidisation of a supermarket in Rome for those in need.

14. Rome is over 2,000 years old, but Italy is one of the youngest countries in Europe.

Italy is only about 200 years old, but Rome, its capital city, is centuries old. The city was founded in 753 BC and has a 28-century history. The city was named after the Roman Empire, which ruled over much of Europe and North Africa from 27 BC until 395 AD.

After that, the region was divided into separate states, which did not reunite until 1861. That is when the Kingdom of Italy as we know it today was established.

15. The Italians have over 2,500 different kinds of cheese.

One of the most delectable facts about Italy is that it has the most cheese varieties in the world. With over 2,500 traditional cheeses, it is one of Italy's greatest gifts to the world. Parmigiano, mozzarella, ricotta, provolone, and gorgonzola are among the most popular.