Significance
As the capital of Italy, Rome is the center of Italian politics, media, and economics. Located inside of Rome's city limits is Vatican City, a sovereign city-state run by the Catholic Church.
Geography
Rome is found on the Tiber River in the central-western region of Lazio, Italy. It is located just 17 miles from the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Size
With a population of slightly less than three million, Rome is Italy's most populated city. Rome is approximately 500 square miles in size, making it roughly the size of Los Angeles.
History
Rome's history spans more than 2,500 years and contains unique architecture, ruins and other clear remnants of past civilizations, making it widely regarded one of the world's most beautiful ancient cities. The heart of the vast Roman Empire, Rome has been a center for numerous cultural, political and historical events including the Renaissance and the rise of Fascism.
Fun Fact
There are more than 900 churches in Rome. While not all of the churches in Rome are part of the Roman Catholic church, more than 98 percent of the population is identified as Roman Catholic.
Article Written By Ayisatu J. Taylor
Ayisatu J. Taylor is a graduate of Smith College and has been writing for 5 years. She lives in the Washington Metropolitan area and plans to attend graduate school to study public health. Ms. Taylor is an avid traveler with a passion for good music, good movies, good food, and good friends.
