The world's best skiers and skaters are heading to Turin, Italy for the 2006 Winter Olympics. Find out more about the host country right here.

Italy - Where Is It?

Italy is located in southern Europe and extends as a "boot-shaped" peninsula into the Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Africa. The country also includes the large islands of Sardinia and Sicily. Italy is slightly larger than the state of Arizona and borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.

Italy - A Brief History

Italy has a long and rich history going back thousands of years. Italy was part of the Roman Empire that spread across most of Europe until the 5th century. After the fall of Rome, Italy went through various civil wars for the next several hundred years before being united under King Victor Emmanuel II in 1861. In the 1920s, the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini rose to power and joined an alliance with Nazi Germany during World War II. Following the War, Italy became a democratic republic in 1946.

Italy - 2006 Winter Olympics

The 2006 Winter Olympics were held in Turin, Italy from February 10-26, 2006. Turin is located in the Italian Alps in northwestern Italy. The Italian name for Turin is Torino, so you'll probably hear the city called both names during the course of the Olympic Games. Italy also hosted the Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo in 1956 and the Summer Olympics in Rome in 1960.

Italy - Did U Know?

The Vatican City, which is home to the Pope, is an independent state within Italy.

Italy is famous for its sports cars, including Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

Italy is home to Mount Etna - Europe's tallest and most active volcano. It last erupted in 1999.

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