France and Italy are two developed countries in Europe. Both these countries rank among the most popular travel destinations in the world. The following is a comparison between these two countries. Let’s read.
France and Italy – country comparison | France vs Italy
Which country has a larger area, France or Italy?
France is a larger country as compared with Italy. France covers an area of 551,500 square kilometers (220,668 square miles) while Italy covers an area of 301,320 square kilometers (116,340 square miles). Moreover, France is the largest country in western Europe.
- Area of France – 551,500 square kilometers (220,668 square miles)
- Area of Italy – 301,320 square kilometers (116,340 square miles)
Which country is more populous, France or Italy?
France has a higher population compared with Italy.
- Population of France – around 68 million (2022)
- Population of Italy – around 59 million (2022)
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Both France and Italy have large numbers of heritage sites inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list. There are 52 UNESCO World Heritage sites in France (as of 2023). Italy is the country with the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, 59.
Highest mountain peak
Mont Blanc (4,807.81 meters/15,773.7 ft) located on the France-Italy border is the highest mountain in the Alps, Western Europe, France, and Italy.
Population density
- France – 123 people per square kilometer (2022) (a bit high)
- Italy – 196 people per square kilometer (2022) (on the higher side)
Capital city
- France – Paris
- Italy – Rome
Both the capital cities are among the most visited cities in the world.
Top 3 largest cities by population
France
- Paris
- Marseille
- Lyon
Italy
- Rome
- Milan
- Naples
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International land borders
France has land borders with Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Monaco, and Andorra (not considering overseas territories).
Italy has land borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Vatican City, and San Marino.
Border length
The land border between France and Italy is 515 kilometers (320 miles) long.
(Also read: 5 reasons to visit France | Why do so many people visit France?)
Most spoken language
- France – French
- Italy – Italian
Most Popular sport
Football is by far the most popular sport in both France and Italy.
In which country the life expectancy is higher, France or Italy?
The life expectancy is a bit higher in Italy as compared with France.
Busiest Airport
- France – Charles de Gaulle Airport, Roissy-en-France
- Italy – Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, Fiumicino
France and Italy comparison table
| France | Italy | |
| Area | 551,500 square kilometers (220,668 square miles) | 301,320 square kilometers (116,340 square miles) |
| Currency | Euro | Euro |
| Capital city | Paris | Rome |
| Largest city | Paris | Rome |
| Most spoken language | French | Italian |
| Most popular sport | Football | Football |
| Population | ~68 million (2022) | ~59 million (2022) |
| Popular landmarks | The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Palace of Versailles, French Alps, etc | Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Roman Forum, Pantheon, etc |
| Busiest Airport | Charles de Gaulle Airport (serves Paris metropolitan area) | Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (serves Rome metropolitan area) |
| Type of government | Unitary semi-presidential republic | Unitary parliamentary republic |
| Life expectancy at birth (2021/UN) | 82.5 | 84 |
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