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History
Italy got its name from Romans that called it “Italia,” (“land of oxen,”
or “grazing land”). Many empires, governments and world leaders have
called it home. Most notably, the Roman Empire spanned 600 years from 200
BC to the 400s AD. But Italy was splintered into dozens of city-states
during Medieval and Renaissance times. It was largely conquered by
Napoleon in the 1800s. In the 1930s, Benito Mussolini became dictator in
Italy and ruled until 1943. In 1946, the Italian people voted to abolish
monarchial rule and set up a republican form of government. Today, Italy
is one of Europe’s wealthiest countries, even though most of its southern
provinces remain poor.
People/Culture
Italians enjoy eating, drinking, singing, and the arts. Florence, one of
Italy’s largest cities, was home to many Renaissance artists and is still
recognized as a hub of artistic culture. Venice, with hundreds of canals
and beautiful architecture, attracts thousands of tourists every year. The
Vatican City, located in Rome and the center of the Roman Catholic Church,
is separate from the rest of the country, but remains an influential
force.
Religion
About three quarters of Italians claim to be Roman Catholic, but only
about 12 percent are faithful churchgoers. Today, 500,000 Muslims, 300,000
evangelicals, 150,000 Jews, and many members of cults and other religious
groups live in Italy. During the 20th century, Pentecostal churches
suffered severe persecution, especially under Mussolini. Pentecostal
believers were officially outlawed. But persecution only strengthened the
church. Every pastor that was exiled to another town started another
church there!
The Movement Today
The Assemblies of God reports the following statistics from Italy: 1,200
churches, 160,000 believers, 500 ministers, two Bible schools and seven
extension programs with about 1,300 students enrolled.
Additional Facts About Italy:
Capital: Rome
Area: 116,320 square miles
Population: 57,092,000
Government: Parliamentary Democracy
Official Language: Italian
Currency: Euro
Agriculture: Grapes, wheat, beef cattle, hogs, olives, corn, oranges, and
tomatoes
Industry: Clothing and shoes, food and beverages, vehicles, petroleum
products, machinery, and chemicals
Mining: Natural gas, granite, and marble
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