Italy |
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At a glance
Italy has been a member of the euro area since 1 January 1999. Euro banknotes and coins were introduced on 1 January 2002. Until that date the euro was the official currency but only existed as 'book money'. The euro replaced the Italian lira (ITL) at a conversion rate of EUR 1 = ITL 1 936.27.
Italy is represented by Enrico Letta, Prime Minister, at Euro Summit meetings and by its Minister for Finance, Fabrizio Saccomanni, at Eurogroup meetings.
- Adoption of the euro: 01/01/1999
- Former currency: Italian lira (EUR 1 = ITL 1 936.27 )
- GDP per capita (current prices): €26 000 (2011 - Eurostat)
- Number of votes at the Council of the EU: 29
- Member of the Schengen area: Yes
- Official languages: Italian (it)
Government
The Italian Republic is made up of regions, provinces and municipalities. Five regions have a special status with greater autonomy (Sicily, Sardinia, Trentino-Alto-Adige, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Val d'Aosta).
The Parliament is bicameral and is composed of the Chamber of Deputies (Camera dei Deputati) and the Senate (Senato della Repubblica).
The Chamber of Deputies has 630 members, elected for five years.
The Senate has 315 senators, elected for five years at provincial level, with a few life senators who are appointed by the head of state or who are former Presidents of the Republic.
The President of the Republic is the head of state, elected by indirect universal suffrage for 7 years. The President's role is essentially honorary and representative. Executive power is exercised by the President of the Council of Ministers.
Other facts:
- Political system: republic
- Voting age: 18 (25 for elections to the Senate), voting not compulsory
- National Day: 2 June (anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic – 1946)
Institutions
Contacts
Permanent Representation to the EU
Rue du Marteau/Hamerstraat 7-15
1000 Bruxelles/Brussel
BELGIUM
Tel. +32 22200411
E-mail: rpue@rpue.esteri.it
Website
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Key facts and figures
- Member of the euro area: since 1 January 1999
- EU accession: 25 March 1957 (EU founding state)
- Capital: Rome
- Population: 60 850 782 (2012 - Eurostat)
- Area: 301 336 km2
Representatives
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Euro Summit
Enrico Letta |
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Eurogroup
Fabrizio Saccomanni |