Italy

Environment Migration Economy Regions

Physical: Apennine Mountains Narrow coastal plains Seismic activity –Mt. Etna, Vesuvius Alps

Climate Alps block moisture from the North Atlantic leading to Mediterranean climate However, as late as 1960 more than 1/3 of the population worked in agriculture Today, 10 % work in agriculture

Migration 58 million people – mostly concentrated on the coastal plains and valleys Early 1900’s - push factors to migration: lack of farmland, unemployment –Migration to other parts of Italy –Migration to other countries

Economy Modern economy shifting toward manufacturing & steel industry 1950’s – poor agricultural country worked to help form the EU….Italian workers were willing to work for low wages so Italian goods could be sold at lower prices and Industry boomed. Creativity in Industry – ex: high fashion clothing

Brief History Roman Empire Small political units, many independent kingdoms / states Roman Catholic church gained control 1861 states in the north formed “Italy”. Within 10 years the entire peninsula united. Late 1800’s Italy joined with Germany and Austria- Hungary to form Triple alliance. Italy bailed from the alliance after watching for a year. WWII – Italy started on Germany’s side, and only switched sides after the tide changed…..

Northern Italy European Italy Po River Industry – 2/3 of Italy’s factory roducts Milan, Turin Hydroelectricity Genoa (port) Ski resorts in Alps

Venice Built on islands Subsidence – the ground is sinking! Tourism Canals

Central Italy Rome –Center of Roman Empire –Center of Catholic Church Vatican City Bologna – Agriculture Florence – Arts and Culture Renaissance

Vatican City Less than 1 square mile Has own prison, stamps, newspaper, army, library and radio station….. Stay tuned for “Vatican City” faces magazine!

Southern Italy Mezzogiorno – means “Midday” Includes Sicily and Sardinia Poor soil, outdated farming techniques Some industry located here after WWII, but have not done well in recent decades. Many citizens have migrated to northern Italy, or Naples.

Naples Overcrowded – too many people, not enough jobs Mt. Vesuvius……

San Marino Only 24 square miles Claims to be the oldest state in Europe Fun Fact: Although once at the heart of San Marino's army, the Crossbow Corps is now a ceremonial force of approximately 80 volunteers. The Crossbow Corps since 1295 has provided demonstrations of crossbow shooting at festivals. Its uniform is medieval in design, and although a statutory military unit, it has no actual military function today.

Stay tuned for….. In the Shadow of Vesuvius When Darkness came rolling over the land…….

The Coliseum When I was there, the tour guide told us…

The End