The boot shaped country By: Matthew Baumer The boot shaped country

Italy’s Geography There is a mountain range in Italy called the Italian Alps and it is along the coast of Italy. Italy is slightly larger than Arizona. Most of Italy is a peninsula. Regional risks include landslides, mudflows, avalanches, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and flooding. There is significant volcanic activity so volcanoes are a threat to the millions of nearby residents living near them. Mountainous and rugged. Some plains and costal lowlands.

Italy’s Climate and natural resources. The climate varies from north to south in Italy. The climate in northern Italy is very harsh. They have very cold winters and very hot, humid summers. The climate in the south isn’t as harsh. They have calmer summers and winters and the temperatures in spring and fall are similar to the other parts of Italy. Natural resources include coal, mercury, zinc, potash, marble, barite, asbestos, pumice, fluorspar, feldspar, pyrite (sulfur), natural gas and crude oil reserves, fish, and arable land.

Italy’s Economics Italy has a fairly high GDP Per Capita ($30,100) so the Italians have a high standard of living and have enough money to go out to eat, afford gas, buy houses, ETC. They are a developed country. Agriculture is only 2% of the jobs, industry is 28.3%, and services are 74.1% of the jobs in Italy. Currently, young Italians are struggling to find jobs.

Italy’s Culture Most people are Roman Catholic. Italy is known for its Iconic foods (such as spaghetti and meatballs). Italy is also known for its amazing architecture. The major sports are football (soccer), cycling, and the Grand Prix. The fashion industry Is a major part of Italy’s culture.

Current Events The pope resigned. He is the first pope in 600 years to resign. The period of time right now is called "sede vacante," and it will remain in place until a new pope is elected. Pope Benedict says he no longer had the strength to go on. He will be giving up his fisherman’s ring. He will also be giving up his security (100-200 Swiss guards).