The Italian Republic, a 700 mile long peninsula exceeding into the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, has an area of 116,304 sq. mi. (301,308 sq. km.) and a population of 57.46 million. Capital: Rome. The economy centers about agriculture, manufactory, forestry and fishing. Machinery, textiles, clothing and motor vehicles are exported. ,From the fall of Rome until modern times, ?Italy? was little more than a geographical expression. Although nominally included in the Empire of Charlemagne and the Holy Roman Empire, it was in reality divided into a number of independent states and kingdoms presided over by wealthy families, soldiers of fortune or hereditary rulers. The 19th century unification movement fostered by Mazzini, Garibaldi and Cavor attained fruition in 1860-1870 with the creation of the Kingdom of Italy and the installation of Victor Emanuele, King of Italy. Benito Mussolini came to power during the post World War I period of economic and political unrest, installed a Fascist dictatorship with a figurehead king as titular Head of State.,, ,Mussolini entered Italy into the German-Japanese anti-Comintern pact (Tri-Partite Pact) and withdrew from the League of Nations. The war did not go well for Italy and Germany was forced to assist Italy in its failed invasion of Greece. The Allied invasion of Sicily on July 10, 1943 was bombing Rome brought the Fascist council to a no vote of confidence on July 24, 1943. Mussolini was arrested but soon escaped and set up a government in Salo. Rome fell to the Allied forces in June 1944 and the country was allowed the status of co-belligerent against Germany. The Germans held northern Ital for another year. Mussolini was eventually captured and exceeded by partisans. Following the defeat of the Axis powers the Italian monarchy was dissolved by plebiscite, and the Italian Republic proclaimed on June 10, 1946.,, Rulers:,,, ,Umberto I, 1878-1900,, ,Vittorio Emanuele III, 1900-1946,, Monetary System:,,, ,1 Lira = 100 Centesimi, to 2001,, ,1 Euro = 100 Cents, 2001-,,