Doctors: 1 per 176 people

Major causes of death: Cancers, heart, cerebrovascular, and respiratory diseases

Italy's health care system was rated by WHO in 2000 as the second most efficient in the world.

The state-run national health system was created in 1978, with authority based in the regions, and standards of care vary across the country. The system was further decentralized in 1999 in an effort to iron out irregularities. Charges are levied for some dental and prescription costs; patients also have to pay a daily hospital charge and a yearly health fee. AIDS patients are exempt.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004