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Italy has played an
important part in Europe since the early Roman empire.
Population:
58 million
Geographic size: 116,000 square miles
Capital: Rome
Major cities and population: Rome, Milan, Naples,
Genoa, Venice |
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| Italy is a peninsula in the
Mediterranean Sea. Its most prominent feature is its
boot-like shape kicking the island of Sicily.
Much of
Italy is covered by mountains. The Dolomite mountains
which extend across northern Italy are part of the Alps
mountain range. The Apennine mountains cut down the
center of Italy, stretching from north to south, dividing
the east and west coasts. |
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| The Po Valley, just south of
the Dolomite mountains, is the basin of the Po River. It
is fertile farm land.
Italy includes two large islands:
Sicily and Sardinia. Sicily is the largest island in the
Mediterranean, with active volcanoes and earthquakes.
Sardinia is basically mountains rising out of the ocean.
Italy also has two independent countries within its
borders. Vatican City is the center for the Roman
Catholic Church, and is the world's smallest country. San
Marino, on the north east coast of Italy, is an
independent republic. |
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| Italy has many
internationally known tourist areas. The Leaning Tower of
Pisa is easily identified. The marble tower was built
over 800 years ago, but on soft ground. Shortly after it
was built, it began to tilt. It now leans by over 16
feet.
Italy is also home to many ancient ruins from the
ancient roman empire. |
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| Venice is also a very
popular tourist area. It is best known as the city built
on water. It is famous for its canals and gondolas used
as transportation around the city. |
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| Northern Italy
has a wide range of industries. It is best known for its
fashionable designs in clothes, shoes and furniture.
Other manufacturing includes automobiles, computers and
electronic equipment.
Northern Italy's Po Valley
provides good farm land for rice, wheat and other grains.
Southern Italy grows fruits, olives and tomatoes, where
irrigation is possible. Many areas of Italy also grow
grapes. Italy is one of the largest wine producers in the
world.
Northern Italy also has many popular tourist areas,
such as Rome, Venice and Florence. |
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| Italy played a major role in the development
of Europe. In ancient times, the Roman Empire ruled
most of western Europe from its base in the city of Rome.
Ruins from the ancient roman empire
bring many tourists to Rome and other parts of Italy each
year. |
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| Over 70% of Italy's
population live in cities and towns. The rest live in
rural areas.
Most people live in northern Italy,
particularly on the west coast around Rome and Naples,
and in the Po Valley. Southern Italy is more rural, even
thought the hot, dry climate is not very productive for
farming. |
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| In northern
Italy, temperatures can reach below the freezing during
the winters, with snow in the northern most areas.
Southern Italy has a warmer, more moderate climate. |
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