Starting Population     5,192                   % of Worldwide          16.8%                   

                                                Population                                      

Starting Income         154,433                 % of Worldwide          24.1%                   

                                                Income                                          

Starting GDP            1,841,403               % of Worldwide GDP      29.8%                   

Starting Surplus        2,446                   % of Worldwide          7.5%
                    

                                                Surplus                                         

Comments: Italy is a Kingdom within the Holy Roman Empire, constituting the northern half of the great peninsula of that name. In ancient times the home of the Etruscans and Celts, the area was incorporated into the Roman world in the centuries before Christ, becoming one of the richest parts of the Empire. After the fall of Rome it was overrun by numerous bands of barbarians, most of whom formed kingdoms of greater or lesser duration.

In the late 8th century, Charlemagne extended his power over the area, creating the present kingdom, which has been a part of the Holy Roman Empire ever since, albeit that the authority of the Emperors has worn quite thin, particularly after their great struggle with the Popes over the last two centuries.