Italy came into existence as a state in 1861 and has approximate 58 million inhabitants. The Italian peninsula played a central role in the Antiquity as the base of the Roman Empire, one of the most expansive empires in human history.

Italy is also the location of the Papal States, and for this reason the country has had enormous influence on politics, religion, art, and culture. The Renaissance also had its beginnings in Italian culture.

Today Italy is a republic, and throughout the twentieth century - after the fall of Mussolini’s dictatorial rule - the country has had a long row of changing governments. Keynotes about Italy may focus on this.

Keynotes on the topic of Italy will typically zoom in on Italian history, culture, or the country’s standing in the current global political climate.