Hello ladies and gents this is the Viking telling you that today we are talking about
Fun facts about Italy and history
1. Italy is one of Western Europe's youngest countries
Italy has one of Europe's longest histories, yet it's only been a country since 1861. In Roman times Italy was a single entity. It then divided into a collection of sovereign states and remained that way until 1861.
This long history of individuality is why the country today has such a wide range of cultural variations.
2. Rome is over 2,000 years old
Rome was founded in 753 BC and the Roman Empire was born in 27 BC. The Empire ruled Europe and parts of North Africa right up until 395 AD. After the fall of the Empire, Italy divided into separate states until 1861. Italy's national day is called Festa della Repubblica and it's celebrated each year on 2 June.
3. The country was under a dictatorship for 20 years
Benito Mussolini established a dictatorship in Italy in 1925 and ruled the country until 1945.
Known as Il Duce at the height of his powers, Mussolini wasn't always a fascist. In fact he began his political life as a radical socialist, and served as Italian PM until 1922.
During WWII, he aligned Italy with Germany and, in 1945, was executed by partisan troops.
4. Italy's last king ruled for just 36 days
Italy was a dictatorship until 1945, although it also had a royal family until 1946.
After WWII the country voted to become a republic and King Umberto II only ruled from 9 May to 12 June 1946.
He ended his days exiled in Portugal. In a nod to his unusually short reign, he's known in Italy as, "the May King".
5. Italy's flag is green, white and red
Italy's flag represents hope, faith and charity. Green is hope, white denotes faith and red is the colour of charity. Inspired by the French flag, it's often called Il Tricolore.
Tricolore Day in Italy is 7 January. And it's celebrated on Reggio Emilia, at the very spot where the flag was first adopted in 1797.
And as always have a chilled day from the Viking
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