Italy, country of south-central Europe, occupying a peninsula that extends deep into the Mediterranean Sea. It became a unified nation in 1861 and is known today as a founding member of the European Union and a global center of art, culture, and history. The name “Italy” is believed to have originated from the ancient name “Italia,” which was used by the Greeks to describe the southern part of the peninsula. Over time, the term came to represent the entire region. Italy’s rich heritage is visible in its ancient ruins, Renaissance architecture, and centuries-old traditions. The country played a central role in the rise and spread of Western civilization, particularly through the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. The capital is Rome.