Italy did not exist as a country unti...

Italy did not exist as a country until the country's unification in 1861. Due to this comparatively late unification and the historical autonomy of the regions that comprise the Italian Peninsula many traditions and customs that are now recognized as distinctly Italian can be identified by their regions of origin. Despite the political and social isolation of these regions Italy's contributions to the cultural and historical heritage of Europe remain immense. Italy's global and international impact in politics history, art , culture , philosophy,literature, archaeology, science, opera, cuisine, architecture, fashion, education, religion, cinema,entertainment and music remain vast up to this day. Elements which are famous of the Italian culture are its opera and music its iconic gastronomy and food which is commonly regarded amongst the most popular in the world  such as pasta pizza lasagna focaccia espresso and Italian.Italy is home to the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites 44 to date. From the precepts of theRoman Catholic Church the spirit of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment are events which greatly shaped Italy's architecture culture and art. The type of government is a republic. Italy also has the world's 8th highest quality of life index. Location  Southern Europe, bordering Austria 430 km France 488 km Holy See Vatican City 3.2 km San Marino 39 km Slovenia 232 km Switzerland 740 km Capital   Rome Climate  predominantly Mediterranean Alpine in far north hot dry in south Population  58,057,477 July 2004 est.Ethnic Make-up Italian includes small clusters of German French and Slovene-Italians in the north and Albanian Italians and Greek-Italians in the south Religions  predominately Roman Catholic with mature Protestant and Jewish communities and a growing Muslim immigrant community Government  republic Italian Style Appearances matter in Italy. The way you dress can indicate your social status your family's background and your education level. First impressions are lasting impressions in Italy. The concept of 'bella figura' or good image is important to Italians. They unconsciously assess another person's age and social standing in the first few seconds of meeting them often before any words are exchanged. Clothes are important to Italians.