italy

• country in western europe, italian republic
the italian republic is a country in southern europe. it includes the islands of sicily, sardinia, and elba. mussolini, the leader of the fascist party, came to power in 1922. italy was allied with germany in the second world war, until it was invaded by the allies in 1943. the modern state was founded in 1946. italy is a member of the council of europe, the european union, and nato. oscar luigi scalfaro, of the christian democrats (dc), became president in 1992. following widespread corruption scandals and a reform of the electoral system, in 1994 a newly formed right-wing coalition, the national alliance won elections. the coalition consisted of silvio berlusconi's forza italia, the federalist northern league, and a neo-fascist party, the italian social movement. silvio berlusconi became prime minister. textiles and clothing, metals, cars, fruit, and wine are important exports. tourism is an important industry.