Hey you! Today we will be learning about a country known for Pizza and Pasta. That’s right; we will be exploring Italy. Excited? Apart from being known for its delicious cuisines, Italy is also is a nation blessed with nature, from sandy beaches to tropical green forests. Furthermore, it is also rich in history and has exotic architecture and art. Here are other interesting facts about this fascinating country.
FAST FACTS
- It is officially known as the Italian Republic.
- There are approximately 61,680,122 living in Italy.
- The capital city is Rome.
- Its form of government is republic.
- The currency used is Euro.
- The official language is Italian.
GEOGRAPHY
- Italy is a country that lies in Southern Europe, bordering countries such as Austria, France and Switzerland. It is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, Tyrrhenian Sea, Mediterranean Sea and other waters.
- The total area of Italy is 324 square miles (301,277 square kilometers)
- Some of the bigger islands in Italy are Sicily and Sardegna. Smaller islands include: Capri, Elba and Ischia.
- Major mountain ranges include: Alps and Apennines
- Major rivers are: Po, Adige, Arno and Tiber.
NATURE
- For about 22 centuries, Italians together with their ancestors have practiced farming, breeding of livestock and the hunting of wild animals which have resulted in the clearance of the forests.
- However, the country’s remote areas such as the lower slopes of Italy’s Alps and the national parks are still covered with the wilderness that is untouched by human beings.
- In most places in Italy, millions of birds stop and rest during the annual migration to Africa.
PEOPLE & CULTURE
- From the rise of the Roman Empire, Italian culture, art and architecture Italy has had a great influence in the world. Some of the famous painters to come from Italy are Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
- The heart of the Catholic Church rests in Italy. It is governed from Vatican City, which is a city-state surrounded by Rome.
- Italians are family oriented. Young people can live with their parents even until the age of 30, even if they have a job. When parents get older and are retired, they often live with their children.
- Some of the most beloved sports in Italy are cycling, skiing, soccer and motor racing.
PLACES TO VISIT
- Florence- has many museums and is the home to the Italian artist
- Pisa- home to the Leaning Tower.
- Venice-has beautiful beaches and islands. It is also known for its carnivals.
- Rome- the perfect place to learn about ancient Romans and history.
- Alps-great for hiking and skiing.
Typical Italian Food
- Pizza, pasta, pesto, calzone, gelato, lasagna, mozzarella.
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