Italy

Italy

area:	301,270sq km (116,320sq mi)
population:	58,082,500
capital (population):	Rome (2,649,500)
government:	Multiparty republic
ethnic groups:	Italian 94%, German, French, Greek, Albanian, Slovenian, Ladino
languages:	Italian 94% (official), Sardinian 3%
religions:	Christianity (Roman Catholic) 83%
currency:	Euro = 100 cents

Republic in s Europe. Italy is bordered in the n by the Alps, which include it's highest peak, Gran Paradiso, at 4061m (13,323ft). In the ne lies Italy's largest lake, Lake Garda, framed by the Dolomites. The Alps drop down to a vast, fertile plain, drained by Italy's largest river, the Po. This is Italy's richest industrial and agricultural region. The Apennines form Central Italy's backbone. Either side of the range are narrow coastal lowlands. On the Tyrrhenian side lies Italy's capital, Rome. Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island.

Climate

Italy has a Mediterranean climate, except for Sicily, which is subtropical. Alpine winters are long and the frequent snow is ideal for winter sports.

History and Politics

By tradition Romulus and Remus founded ancient Rome in 753 bc. The Etruscans were overthrown by the Romans, who established a republic (509 bc). Rome gained a Mediterranean empire from the Punic Wars. Pompey was defeated by Julius Caesar, whose assassination led to the formation (27 bc) of the Roman Empire under Augustus. Diocletian divided the Empire into Eastern (Byzantine Empire) and Western sections. The papacy ensured the continuation of Rome's influence. Pepin III (the Short) expelled the Lombards, and enabled the creation of the Papal States. His son Charlemagne was crowned emperor of the West (800).

In 962, Otto IV conquered Italy and established the Holy Roman Empire. Central and n Italy were controlled by powerful city-states, while the s established a feudal system under the Hohenstaufen and Angevin dynasties. The 13th-century battle between imperial and papal power divided the cities and nobles into the Guelph and Ghibelline factions. The Renaissance profoundly affected western civilization. Italian art and architecture was an informing force across Europe.

In the 16th century, Spain gained Sicily, Naples and Milan. The French Revolutionary Wars failed to bring reunification. Nationalist groups, such as the Risorgimento, emerged. Mazzini's republicans were defeated by monarchists led by Garibaldi and the Kingdom of Italy was unified under Victor Emmanuel II (1861). The papacy refused to concede the loss of Rome, and Vatican City was set up as a sovereign state (1929). The late 19th century was marked by industrialization and empire-building. Victor Emmanuel III's reign (1900–46) saw Italy enter World War I on the Allied side (1915). Italian discontent at the post-war settlement culminated in D'Annunzio's seizure of Trieste, and the emergence of fascism. In 1922, Benito Mussolini assumed dictatorial powers. Aggressive foreign policy included the seizure of Ethiopia and Albania. In 1936, Mussolini entered an alliance with Hitler. During World War II, Italy fought on the Axis side, but after losing its North African empire, Mussolini was dismissed and Italy surrendered (1943). Germany invaded and Italy declared war. Rome fell to the Allies in 1944.

The Christian Democrat Party emerged as the dominant post-war political force, with Alcide De Gasperi as prime minister (1945–53). In 1948 Italy became a republic and was a founder member of NATO (1949) and the European Economic Community (1958). Italy has been riven by political instability (50 governments since 1947), endemic corruption (often linked to the Mafia), social unrest and the wealth gap between n and s. In 1993, popular discontent with the political structure led to the adoption of a ‘first-past-the-post’ system and the emergence of the Northern League and anti-corruption parties. The left-wing Olive Tree alliance won elections in 1996, and Romano Prodi became prime minister. In 1998, the Communist Refoundation (RC) withdrew its support for Prodi and Massimo D'Alema, leader of the Party of the Democratic Left (PDS), became prime minister. In 1999, Italy joined the euro. In 2000, D'Alema resigned and Giuliano Amato succeeded him. Silvio Berlusconi won elections in 2001. His Forza Italia party formed a coalition with the National Alliance and the Northern League.

Economy

Italy's main industrial region is the nw triangle of Milan, Turin, and Genoa (2000 GDP per capita, US$22,100). It is the world's eighth-largest car and steel producer. Machinery and transport equipment account for 37% of exports. Agricultural production is important. Italy is the world's largest wine producer. Tourism is a vital economic sector (1998, 35 million visitors).

Political map

Physical map

Websites

http://www.arcaini.com/ITALY/ItalyHistory/ItalyHistory.html