The Italy is a highly developed country located in Europe. Its history is characterized by the union of diverse peoples who inhabited the region in the Italian peninsula through the formation of a state, which has become a country of great economic power. Italy is a parliamentary republic that has a well-equipped goods and services, infrastructure and a highly diversified economy.
Italian geography is characterized by its mountainous relief, Mediterranean climate and extensive coastline. Italian landscapes attract many tourists from various countries around the globe. In addition, the country’s culture, its artistic manifestations and its historical contributions are highly valued by humanity. The Italian population is recognized for its hospitality and the use of a cuisine that is very rich in natural products.
Geography of Italy
The seas that bathe Italy are the Adriatic, the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian. The Italian relief consists of mountainous formations, especially the Alps and the Apennines. In the Central Alps is Monte Rosa, the highest point in the country. Italy has active volcanoes, such as Vesuvius and Etna, located in the south.
The country’s climate is predominantly Mediterranean, especially in southern Italy, in regions close to the ocean. There is also the occurrence of the Continental climate, in the central portion, and the Alpine climate, in the high altitude areas in the north of the country. Italy’s vegetation is composed of Mediterranean-type plant formations in the center-south of the country, and temperate forests and high-altitude vegetation in the northern region. The main Italian river is the Po.
History of Italy
At the beginning of the Italian peninsula settlement process, there were several civilizations who started the construction of small towns and villages, which later, through the leadership of the town of Rome, were brought together under one empire: Roman.
The Roman civilization was one of the most powerful in history and had a large area of influence which brought together regions of Europe, North Africa and Orient and East. However, several political and military disputes weakened the empire and culminated in its decay and dissolution. The ancient Roman settlements became, for the most part, kingdoms.
From the 16th century onwards, several kingdoms from Roman civilization were transformed into city-states. They have been consolidated as a center of trade and also of artistic practices worldwide, historical period that became known as renaissance. The main city-states were Milan, Florence and Venice.
The economic growth and the growing political importance of these cities generated a scenario of geopolitical dispute with European countries. City-states suffered several invasions from countries like France, Spain and Austria. The military vulnerability, as well as the desire to unite the diverse populations in a State, resulted in the unification of the cities, forming in 1861 Italy.
The Italian Unification resulted in the creation of a country with a prominent geopolitical position in the world. Commercial activities and industrialization contributed to Italy’s economic and social development. Throughout more recent history, the country has actively participated in various historical, political and military events.
In World War I (1914-1918), Italy fought alongside the victors, called the Allies. In the Second World War (1939-1945), with the rise of fascism, the country allied with the Nazis, suffering a major defeat in the conflict and with enormous human, territorial and economic losses.
Demographics of Italy
The population of Italy is approximately 60 million inhabitants. The country is the fifth most populous in Europe, and its population is concentrated in the northern portion, where the main economic centers of the country are located. The biggest cities in Italy are Rome, Milan, Naples and Turin.
The Italian population is quite homogeneous, both in terms of race and in terms of language and culture. Italians enjoy a high quality of life, with good social indicators and a high rate of life expectancy. The population is quite aged, and Italy has one of the lowest fertility rates in the world.
Economy of Italy
Italy is one of the world’s leading economies. Italians are part of important world economic bodies, such as the G8, in addition to the European economic bloc, the European Union. The Italian economy is characterized as high-income, highly diversified and with high wealth generation through the offer of goods and services. In recent decades, the country has been facing some economic difficulties, due to the global economic environment, but also internal difficulties, such as political and social instability.
The economy Italian is characterized by the use of high technology and high value-added production. In agriculture, foods such as wheat, sugar beet and temperate climate fruits are grown. The production of grapes and olive trees, for the production of wines and oils, is extensive in the country. In cattle raising, sheep, pigs and chickens predominate. Italy has few mineral resources, and the field of extractivism is incipient in the country.
In terms of industry, Italy is a highly industrialized country that produces high-tech goods. We highlight the manufacture of machinery in general, automobiles and textile articles. The high luxury goods production market is also very important for the sector.
Italy Infrastructure
Italy is a highly developed country that has an excellent infrastructure of networks and services for its population. The country has an extensive network of highways, railways, ports and airports, which link the Italian territory to other European countries and facilitate local exports.
For energy, Italy, because of scarce resources of Ural, is highly dependent on imported energy resources. The main energy generating plants in the country are thermoelectric, hydroelectric and nuclear. As for public services, Italy offers education and health in a universal and free way for all its population.
Culture of Italy
Italy has an ancient culture, very diversified and widely valued on a global level. The country is recognized for its architecture, plastic arts and artistic manifestations, such as theater and dance.
The fashion production in the country is very strong and is world renowned for lots of famous brands of clothing and jewelry.
Italians are a very festive people, and the country has several festivities, such as carnival. The cuisine consists of seafood, olive oil, wine and pasta dishes.
The most popular sport in Italy is football, with the Italian national team being four-time World Cup Soccer champions.