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From its early days, Italy has played a significant role in the history of western civilisation. Today its influence in Europe and abroad remains strong, as it boasts the fifth-largest economy in the world.
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The Dark Ages constituted a very bleak period for Italy, with rule changing frequently during invasions by Lombards, Franks, Germans, Normans and Saracens. The Renaissance period that followed, however, was characterised by a revival of attention and interest in the fields of art and learning.
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Due in large part to the actions of the fascist government of Benito Mussolini and the part Italy played in support of the Nazi movement in WWII, the country paid a steep price for its position. The Mussolini government became a regime that declared any opposition to it illegal, silenced the press and disbanded trade unions.
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Italy is a country blessed with a rich cultural heritage and known throughout the world for the achievements of it giants in art and music, for its cuisine that has such mass appeal, and its vibrant, passionate and spontaneous people.
