ITALY Erasmus+

POLITICAL SYSTEM Italy has a parliamentary government that is perfectly bicameral. The two houses, the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic, have the same powers. Matteo Renzi - 56th Prime Minister of Italy

Rome is the capital of Italy and today it is one of the most important tourist destinations of the world.

Geography

Italy is located in the southern Europe and comprises the boot-shaped Italian Peninsula and a number of islands including the two largest ones: Sicily and Sardinia. Mont Blanc is the highest point in the Alps and The Po is Italy's longest river.

Italian Culture

Italian culture is one of the world's oldest cultures. Italy is considered as the central place of the western culture and the starting point of the worldwide phenomena such as the Roman Empire, the Roman Catholic Church, the Renaissance and the Risorgimento. During its history, Italy gave birth to an enormous number of notable people.

Traditions of Italy

Traditions of Italy are some sets of traditions, beliefs, values and customs that form the culture of Italian people. - Visiting friends and relatives is very popular among the Italians, because family is very important for Italians. -Italians love music. Music is part of their lives. -The majority of Italians are Roman Catholics. When they immigrated, they brought their religious traditions to Canada with them.

Italian cuisine

Italian cuisine has its origins in Etruscan, ancient Greek, and ancient Roman cuisines. Significant changes occurred with the discovery of the New World and the introduction of potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers and maize, now central to the cuisine but not introduced in quantity until the 18th century. Italian cuisine is noted for its regional diversity, abundance of difference in taste, and it is probably the most popular in the world. Coffee, especially espresso, has become important in Italian cuisine.

Religion

The main religion in the country is Roman Catholicism. In Rome there are: the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope.

Facts about Italy

Rome is almost 3,000 years old. The Italian wolf is Italy’s unofficial national animal and plays a large role in the legend of the founding of Rome. There are two independent states within Italy: the Republic of San Marino (25 square miles) and the Vatican City (just acres). Italy’s birthrate is the second lowest in the Western world. Soccer is Italy’s most popular sport.

Useful phrases Good morning - Buongiorno Goodbye - Arrivederci How are you? - Come stai? Where are you from? - Di dove sei? What is your name? - Come ti chiami? I'm sorry - Scusi