Italian refers to anything related to Italy, a boot-shaped country in southern Europe known for its rich history, art, and culture. When you describe something as Italian, you might be talking about the people who live in Italy, the language they speak, or things that come from or are characteristic of Italy.

The Italian language evolved from Latin, the language of ancient Rome, and is known for its musical, flowing sound. Italian food has become beloved worldwide: pizza from Naples, pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara, gelato, and countless regional specialties. Italian contributions to art, architecture, and music shaped Western civilization. Renaissance masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were Italian. Italian opera composers like Verdi and Puccini created works still performed today. Italian architects designed magnificent cathedrals and palaces that influenced buildings across Europe and the Americas.

Italy's history stretches back to the Roman Empire, which at its height controlled much of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. After Rome fell, Italy remained divided into separate kingdoms and city-states for over a thousand years. These city-states, like Venice, Florence, and Milan, competed with each other but also created extraordinary art and wealth through trade. Italy finally unified as one nation in 1861.

Today, Italian style and design influence fashion, cars, and architecture around the world.