The Italian Republic is spread over 301.323 Km2. Located in the southern part of Europe, Italy enjoys a strategic position, linking Asia and Africa. Italy, affectionately known by many as “Belpaese,” is characterized by a variety of outstanding geographical landmarks. Italy is partly covered by mountains (the Appennini chain, which encompasses a large area, and the Italian Alps that are 1200 Km long, with many summits over 4.000 meters high). Italy is also partly covered by a plain (Padana Plain) and characterized by a considerable volcanic presence: Etna (the highest volcano in Europe), Vesuvio and Stromboli. The Italian coast is incredible, displaying stunning landscapes of rare beauty, surely among the world’s most famous natural wonders.

Historically Italy has not only played a determining role in the development of the Mediterranean area, but has also founded a whole new way in which the West views the world and itself, giving birth to an essential cultural movement in Europe in the XV-XVI centuries: the “Rinascimento,” or Renaissance.

During that period, Italy and Europe, with the discovery of America, opened themselves to the “new world”. In doing so, they boosted their economies thanks to the intensification of international commercial trades.

This international trade has developed for centuries, thereby building a solid foundation in international commerce and positioning the nation as an elite competitor with first-class products.

Today Italy is also renowned in the world thanks to its brands, frequently ranked first in all the productive sectors.

The secondary Italian sector is dominated by a considerable number of small and medium enterprises, which guarantee the highest quality implied by the “made in Italy” brand.