World Geography November 23, 2010

In the center of the country you will find the Apennine Mountains, with no peak higher than 10,000 ft above sea level. Experiences much seismic (volcanoes and earthquakes) activity Flat area in the country lies along the narrow coastal plains

The Alps in the North block winds from reaching southern Italy and cooling it down, leaving this climate: Hot and dry in summer Mild and wet in winter Despite lack of flat land and the dry climate Italy has relied heavily on agriculture As late as 1960 more than 1/3 the population lived and worked on farms Today only 10%

Population: 58 million Living in mountains is hard… so population is concentrated in flat areas Early 1900s many Italians were forced to migrate because farmland was scarce

Growth of industry, steel mills, and smaller factories Major player in development of European Union, which offers it greater economic opportunities (reach a larger and richer market) Many poor workers would work for low prices, meaning lower priced goods and industry soared

Regions of Italy

As late as 1861 northern states became united with the rest of Italy Many differences among the various regions

“European Italy” Po River Valley, plain between Alps and Apennines Most productive agricultural area (wheat, rice) Center of commercial industry Ski resorts in the Alps Venice faces flooding and pollution and sinking ground (subsidence), but is still a popular tourist destination!

Rome and surrounding regions Capital because… Central location Former capital of Roman Empire (historical symbol) Vatican City: area within the city of Rome (less than one square mile) World HQs of the Roman Catholic Church Florence is a cultural center in the region (Michaelangelo, Renaissance)

Mezzogiorno (MET soh ZHOR noh), meaning “midday”… intense noon sun! Includes islands of Sicily and Sardinia Poor roads – new highways! Industries after WW2, but have suffered lately Many migrate to Naples, but this port city suffers from some of the worst poverty in Europe (too many people, too few jobs)