History

Two thousand years ago, Rome was the capitol of an empire that ruled most of the world. When the Roman Empire fell, Italy was divided into many small states. After being unified in 1870, Italy is still standing today. Italy's geography is related to that of a boot. Italy is bordered on the north by Switzerland, France, Slovenia, and Austria.

"Italy." Britannica Elementary Encyclopedia. 2007. Encyclopædia Britannica Online School Edition. 15  Feb.  2007  <http://www.school.eb.com/all/elementary/article?articleId=345713>.