2. Italy is situated on the southern border of Europe 116,000 square miles Geographic size: 116,000 square miles Much of Italy is covered with mountains

3. Temperatures can reach below the freezing point during winters, with snow in the northern areas Has a warmer, more moderate climate

8. Italians tend to be warm and enthusiastic when meeting people, even for the first time, yet decency and formality is appreciated. When giving a hand shake, Italians look directly in the eyes in the eyes It is considered rude to call someone by their first name until they specifically say so

10. Money Since February 28, 2002, the official currency of Italy is the Euro (€) or l'euro in Italian. Clothing Italians are very stylish they are obsessed with fashion and accessories. Name brands and designer clothing are extremely important, and everyday clothing is overlooked.

11. Northen Italy more butter and creams polenta, mascarpone, grana padano, and parmigiano cheeses, risotto, lasagna and fresh egg pasta Southern Italy more tomato and olive oil mozzarella, caciocavallo, and pecorino cheeses, olive oil, and dried pasta

13. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMp31nTSzLg&f eature=related

14. Dante whose real name was Durante degli Alighieri is one of the most highly regarded poets of his time. He lived from 1265 to 1321. Of course everybody has heard of Christopher Columbus. The sailor who’s discovery of America in 1492 led to the colonization of the region.

15. Leonardo da Vinci. He was a lot more than just an artist, he was a musician, architect, anatomist, engineer, inventor, geometer and sculptor. Michelangelo. He is regarded as one of the greatest painters and poets of his era. Galileo the incredible scientist Puccini the operatic composer

16. Karina Brente 2 AK