Interesting Facts You Never Knew about Italy

When speaking English, the Italian accent is so strong that it is the most recognisable in the world. Truly cultural, Italy has over 3,000 museums. Italy is the third oldest country in the world, after Japan and Germany. Contrary to popular belief, Italian women have an average of 1.3 children and is 31 years old when she gives birth. The colours of the Italian flag represent three virtues: hope (green), faith (white) and charity (red). Ice cream cones are an Italian invention – no surprise really! Tourism provides nearly 63% of Italy’s GDP. Italy is the world’s seventh largest industrial economy. Eyeglasses are an Italian invention as is the thermometer and the typewriter. The average Italian is 41.5 years old. Italy is said to have more masterpieces per square kilometre than any other country in the world. Because the Italian peninsula is on a fault line, Italy has the most volcanos in Europe. Italy is the world’s largest kiwi fruit-producing country. Soccer was introduced to Italian in the late 1800s by the British although it was not until the 1930s under Mussolini that the sport took off on an international level. Italy's contribution to science includes the barometer, electric battery, nitroglycerin and wireless telegraphy. Italy holds the record for the country with the most elevators. The University of Rome is one of the world's oldest universities and was founded by the Catholic Church in AD1303. The family famously stands at the heart of Italian society with many single children living at home until their 30s, even if they are working. Almost 20% of Italy's population is over 65 years old. Shakespeare had a penchant for Italy, setting some of his most famous plays in the country including Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice, Othello, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and The Winter's Tale. The average Italian consumes 1kg of bread a day and almost 100 litres of wine each year. Less than a third of Italy's land is arable and suitable for farming, with 75% of the landscape mountainous or hilly. The area surrounding Venice is one of the wealthiest regions in Europe.