More information about Italy is available on the Italy Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-ITALY RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Italy in 1861 following the unification of most of the peninsula into one state. In 1941, Italy - with the other World War II Axis powers Germany and Japan - declared war on the United States. U.S. relations with Italy were reestablished in 1944. Today, the United States and Italy enjoy warm and friendly relations. Italy is a strong and active transatlantic partner. The two countries have sought to foster democratic ideals and international cooperation, especially in areas of strife and civil conflict.
The United States and Italy are North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies and cooperate in the United Nations, in various regional organizations, and bilaterally for peace, prosperity, and security. Italy has worked closely with the United States and others on such issues as NATO and UN operations; assistance to Russia and the New Independent States; Lebanon; Libya; Syria; Afghanistan; the Middle East peace process; Somalia and Mozambique peacekeeping; and combating drug trafficking, trafficking in women and children, and counterterrorism. Under bilateral agreements flowing from NATO membership, Italy hosts U.S. military forces at Vicenza and Livorno (army); Aviano (air force); and Sigonella, Gaeta, and Naples - home port for the U.S. Navy Sixth Fleet. Italy hosts the NATO Defense College in Rome.
U.S. Assistance to Italy
The United States provides no development assistance to Italy.
Bilateral Economic Relations
The United States and Italy cooperate closely on major economic issues, including within the G-8. The United States is one of Italy's most important trade partners. As a member of the European Union (EU), Italy is bound by EU treaties and laws, including those directly governing or indirectly impacting business investments. Under both the EU treaty’s Right of Establishment, and the Friendship, Commerce and Navigation Treaty with the United States, Italy is generally obliged to provide national treatment to U.S. investors established in Italy or in another EU member state. The two countries have enacted an income tax agreement to prevent double taxation.
Italy's Membership in International Organizations
Italy and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, G-20, G-8, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Italy also is an observer to the Organization of American States.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Italy is David Thorne; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Italy maintains an embassy in the United States at 3000 Whitehaven Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-612-4400).
More information about Italy is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Italy Country Page
U.S. Embassy to Italy
CIA World Factbook Italy Page
History of U.S. Relations With Italy
Investment Climate Statement for Italy
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics: Italy
Export.gov U.S. Commercial Service in Italy
Travel and Business Information
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports - Drug & Chemical Control
Narcotics Control Reports - Money Laundering & Financial Crimes
