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 steadfast and active transatlantic partner, and the United States and Italy have sought to foster democratic ideals and international cooperation, especially in areas of strife and civil conflict. The U.S.-Italy partnership is one of our strongest, as Italy is a leader in peacekeeping and military operations around the world. Italy has also worked closely with the United States and others in combating drug trafficking, human trafficking, and terrorism. Over the past few years, Italy has been an early and active partner in the fights against ISIS, Coronavirus, and Ebola.
U.S. Assistance to Italy
In early 2020, when Italy became the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in Europe, the United States authorized up to $100 million in Department of State Economic Support Funds (ESF) and Department of Defense Overseas Humanitarian, Disaster, and Civic Aid (ODHACA) to assist the Italian government and civil society in bringing the outbreak under control. The assistance was directed at procuring medical equipment and supplies, funding NGOs (including faith-based organizations) assisting the healthcare sector and serving vulnerable populations, assisting private companies in the medical equipment/supplies manufacturing sector, and fostering joint research.
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 goods and services in 2019 valued at $103.112 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’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-7, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Italy also is an observer to the Organization of American States.
Bilateral Representation
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:
CIA World Factbook Italy Page
U.S. Embassy
History of U.S. Relations With Italy
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Library of Congress Country Studies
Travel Information