Italy
Italy, is a boot shaped country in
south-south eastern Europe. Italy, also known
as the Italian Republic, is one
of the seven most industrialized countries in
the world. This lineup
includes: United States, Russia, Germany, England, Japan,
China and
Italy. Italy is about the size of North Carolina and it has a
population of
around thirty-seven million people as of 1991. An interesting fact
about the
population of Italy is that it is neither growing nor shrinking.
During
the last decade, Italy's population hasn't exceeded a .9% increase
or
decrease in population. Of the 37 million inhabitants of Italy, many work
as
farmers, and factory workers. Climate The climate of Italy is mild. Along
the
coastal areas, there is a long hot summer, with a short mild, and windy
winter.
Italy much of the time is cold and wet especially in the winter.
The yearly
average temperature is 40 degrees. Main Industries/Resources Italy
is a highly
productive and industrialized country. Some main industries are
as follows:
food, mining, and manufacturing. Starting with food, is probley
Italy's most
recognizable industry. Italians are known for producing a fine,
fresh meal, with
much care taken to top quality ingredients. Italians grow
the world's best olive
trees. That is why much of the world's olive oil is
exported from Italy. Half of
Italy's farmland is occupied by grapes. Much
of the world's finest vine comes
from the vineyards of Italy. Since Italy is
on the coast of the Mediterranean
Sea,very good fishing results.
Tomatoes, soybean, and other vegetables are also
grown in Italy. Italy is
also a successful mining nation. Mining includes:
stone, marble, sulfur,
mercury, natural gas, and limestone. Italy has a large
abundance of limestone
and marble, as most structures remain from Rome's glory
years. These
resources are non-renewable, since they cannot be replenished.
Others,
mentioned before such as tomatoes, olive and grapes are renewable
resources
of Italy. Another important industry of Italy is manufacturing.
Italy
produces a wide abundance of chemicals, textiles and machines. Italy is
the
world's top developer in clothing. Top designers such as Armani, and
Valentino
are among the most prestigious names in the clothing industry. The
world's best
cars are produced in Italy. Ferrari, which is based in Marenello
Italy is the
world's best automaker. Also included in Italy's manufacturing
system is Fiat,
Lamborghini and Maserati. Italy is also Europe's largest
tire maker. Pirelli
Tyre Co. makes the finest tires in the world. Italy
is also one of the world's
largest railroad car and track manufacturer. Italy
exports 36% more goods than
what is imported in to the country. Interesting
Points Some interesting facts on
Italy is that it is 116,300 square
miles. That makes it a fairy large country
for Europe. The average length of
life in Italy is seventy-three for men, and
seventy-nine for women. Italy was
once under the dictatorship of Benito
Mussolini, the Italian dictator
with ties to Adolf Hitler. The crime rate is
fairly low in Italy, but an
organized crime group called the "Mafia"
has led an underground life of
crime. Some Italian Mafia "bosses"
conduct business in America. In Italian
lifestyles, and they also have a
different way of eating. If you are invited
to eat at somebody's house, you must
finish the meal. Otherwise you are
considered rude. Economic System I feel Italy
has a moderate command economy
because while the government does have much
control over what can be traded,
the citizens have an abundance of ways to
produce their own goods. This
allows for a lot of small business entrepreneurs,
and keeps the economy not
so controlled by government.
Bibliography
Social Structure in
Italy: Crisis of a System, Acquaviva, Santino, and
Santuccio, Mario,
(1976) -World in View, Italy, Barbara Walsh Angelillo 1991
Steck-Vaughn
Co.