1. Teage Kolar World Cultures Graduation Project

2.  The color white on the flag represents peace and honesty. Green represents hope, joy, and love. Red represents hardiness, bravery, and strength.

3.  Italy is in the continent Europe. It is the boot shaped country in the southern part. Italy’s capital city is Rome.

4.  Italy’s population today is estimated to be around 61,016,804. It is ranked 23 rd among the other countries.

5.  The life expectancy of a male born in Italy is 77.39 years. The life expectancy for a female is 83.46 years. Among the other countries Italy is ranked 22 nd for life expectancy.

6.  About 80% of people in Italy identify themselves as part of the Catholic religion, although regular church attendees represent only between 30- 40% of the population of Italy. Nearly one fifth of the population of Italy profess to be either Atheists or Agnostics. Italians generally believe in a life after death in which the good are rewarded and the evil punished. Heaven and hell are realities for most Italians.

7.  Italian is the language spoken by the majority of the people in Italy. Here are some basic phrases:  Hello - Saluto  How are you? -come và? Or come stai?  Please - per favore  Thank you - grazie  What’s up? - che c'è di nuovo?

8.  Ferragosto - Next to Christmas, Easter, and New Years, Ferragosto is one of the most celebrated holidays in Italy. On August 15 th it celebrates the rise of Mary up to heaven to join her son Jesus, taking her place by his side to look after those of us remaining here on Earth. It is a day of great festivities and celebrations on the street. Also prayers are sent by the people to Virgin Mary for thanks and support.

9.  Foccacia  Ingredients:  Dough Topping: 3 tbsp Pure Olive Oil 45 mL 2 cups sliced onions 500 mL 1/2 tsp salt 2 mL  Dough should be smooth and elastic. Divide in two and form each half into a smooth ball. 1 Coat bottom and sides of two 9-in round cake pans with 1/2 tbsp olive oil each. 2 Place a ball of dough in each pan and press to edges. Cover both pans and place in a warm, draft-free place for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size. Make little puncture holes with fork. 3 Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in skillet. Add onions and cook 4 minutes, or until very soft and lightly browned. Set aside. 5 Brush each pan of dough with 1 tbsp of olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt. Divide and spread onion mixture evenly over both pans of dough. Bake at 450°F for 20-30 minutes, or until lightly browned. Makes two 10 inch round pizzas.

10.  In Rome you can visit the Colosseum. The elliptical building is amazing, measuring 188m by 156m and reaching a height of more than 160 feet. The Colosseum could accommodate some 55,000 spectators who could enter the building through no less than 80 entrances. Emperors used the Colosseum to entertain the public with free games.  On a daily basis there are many museums, spectacular buildings, and tours for entertainment in Italy.