![Italy [Shutterstock]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Italy-2109x1406.jpg)
International Travel Information
What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc.
International Travel Information: Learn MoreHighlights
July 16, 2019
U.S. Relationship
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.
Bilateral Economic Relations
The United States and Italy cooperate closely on major economic issues, including within the G-7. The United States is one of Italy's most important trade partners, with two-way trade in 2018 which was $77.875 billion. 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 Flag: three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red; design inspired by the French flag brought to Italy by Napoleon in 1797; colors are those of Milan (red and white) combined with the green uniform color of the Milanese civic guard. Note: similar to the flag of Mexico, which is longer, uses darker shades of red and green, and has its coat of arms centered on the white band; Ireland, which is longer and is green (hoist side), white, and orange; also similar to the flag of the Cote d'Ivoire, which has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green. [CIA World Fact Book]](https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/it-lgflag.gif){kind=small}