Unknown(Mondadori Publishers), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Mina

Published: 31 December 2025

Mina is one of the most successful Italian singers of all time. Born Mina Mazzini in Lombardy in 1940, she dominated the Italian music scene for fifteen years during the 1960s and 70s, appearing on countless television variety shows while producing 79 albums and 71 singles. In her career, she has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making her the best selling Italian female artist.

Initially her style of singing and animated movements led to her nicknames 'Queen of Screamers' and 'Tiger of Cremona'. However, her powerful soprano voice, with a three octave range, had a flexibility that enabled her to cover swing, rock & roll, pop, blues, R&B, Latin American and soul genres.

In 1960, she took part in the San Remo Music Festival, performing two songs. One of which, "Il cielo in una stanza" was very successful for her. This marked the start of a softer, more refined and sensual approach.

In 1963, conservative moral attitudes let to her being banned from television and radio appearances following her pregnancy and public affair with a married actor, Corrado Pani. However, the ban was eventually lifted and her 'Bad Girl' image did not seem to restrict her successful career.

Although she gave up public appearances in 1978, she has continued to release albums since.

www.minamanzini.it

Mina on YouTube

Italy — national feature image — Italy at a glance — then the bigger picture: what shaped the state, how it works, what it produces, and where it stands.

Italy — global snapshot

Stable reference signals for quick orientation.

Area

301,340 km²

Covers a long peninsula extending into the Mediterranean, plus two major islands — Sicily and Sardinia — and numerous smaller island groups. The geography includes alpine regions, fertile plains, volcanic zones, and extensive coastline, shaping settlement, climate, and transport patterns.

Population

~59 million

One of the largest populations in the European Union, with density concentrated in urban and northern regions. Long-term demographic trends include low birth rates, population ageing, and increasing reliance on inward migration for workforce balance.

Coastline

~7,600 km

A predominantly maritime nation bordered by the Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, Ionian, and Ligurian seas. The extended coastline supports ports, tourism, fisheries, naval infrastructure, and a long-standing seafaring and trading tradition.

UNESCO sites

The highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally, spanning ancient cities, archaeological landscapes, historic centres, and cultural routes. This reflects Italy’s layered civilisations and the density of preserved cultural assets across its territory.

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Member of the Eurozone, with monetary policy set at European Central Bank level. Use of the euro facilitates trade, investment, and financial integration across the EU single market.

Time

CET / CEST

Operates on Central European Time, with daylight saving applied seasonally. The time zone aligns Italy with major European capitals, supporting coordination in business, transport, and broadcasting.

Tourism

~50–65M

Among the world’s most visited countries, attracting visitors for heritage cities, landscapes, cuisine, and lifestyle. Tourism is economically significant but regionally uneven, with strong seasonal concentration in major destinations.

Global role

A founding member of the European Union and a permanent participant in G7 coordination. Italy’s influence is exercised through diplomacy, industrial capability, cultural reach, and multilateral institutions.

Governance