Italian, a vibrant Romance language, extends far beyond the borders of Italy. With over 60 million native speakers and 20 million non-native speakers worldwide, it’s a language of global significance.
Europe:
- Official Languages: Italy, San Marino, Switzerland (Ticino canton and parts of Graubünden), and Vatican City.
- Minority Languages: Croatia (Istria), Slovenia (Koper, Izola, Piran, Ankaran), Malta, Albania, and Monaco.
Africa:
- Historical Influence: Somalia, Libya, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. Italian is used in commerce and diplomacy.
While Italian’s primary stronghold remains in Europe, its historical and cultural influence has left a lasting mark on various regions worldwide. This linguistic legacy continues to connect people across continents.
