Member of the G8, Italy can be considered as one of the richest economies in the world in per capita terms.
The Italian economy plays an important role on the international trade front, making it the third country for the export of goods.
Strongly oriented towards the service sector, the Italian economy is also dotted with a productive fabric made up of small and medium-sized enterprises.
After joining the Euro in 1999, Italy experienced lower inflation and interest rates in the 2000s than in previous decades. However, the problems with tax evasion, public debt and the widespread infiltration of organized crime have hindered, and continue to hinder the further development of the national economy.
| Full Name: | Italian Republic |
| Form of Government: | Parliamentary Republic |
| President of the Republic: | Giorgio Napolitano |
| President of the Council: | Mario Monti |
| Adoption of the Euro since: | 1 January 1999 |
