Italy is a parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - appointed by the president and a head of state - the president. The Parliament is composed of two houses: the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic. The country is subdivided into 20 regions. 5 of these have a special autonomous status, enabling them to pass legislation on some local matters.
Trade and economy
The most important sectors of Italy's economy in 2018 were wholesale and retail trade, transport, accommodation and food services (21.4 percent), industry (19.4 percent) and public administration, defence, education, human health and social work activities (16.6 percent).
Intra-EU trade accounts for 56 percent of Italy's exports (Germany 13 percent, France 10 percent and Spain 5 percent), while outside the EU 9 percent go to the United States and 5 percent to Switzerland.
In terms of imports, 59 percent come from EU Member States (Germany 17 percent, France 9 percent and the Netherlands and Spain 5 percent), while outside the EU 7 percent come from China and 4 percent from the United States.