1. By: Emily Frank and Paige Tush

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3.  Geography  Italy is mainly a peninsula with a special boot shape, that extends to the blue waters of the Mediterranean.  Italy is surrounded by seas on all three sides.  Tyrrhenian Sea  Adriatic Sea  Ionian Sea  Ligurian Sea  Two mountain ranges strengthen the northern boundaries against possible foreign invasions.  Apennies  Alps

4.  General Information  Rome is the capital of Italy. Other major cities include Milan, Naples, Turin, and Palermo  Official language is Italian  Government is a republic  Mediterranean climate  Vatican City and San Marino are very small independent states located inside Italy  Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo and Maserati are well known Italian car manufacturers  The most popular sport in Italy is football, the sport we know as soccer

5.  Common Foods Produced  Olives  Grapes  Wheat  Sugar Beets  Hazelnuts

6.  Common Dishes  Pizza  Fettuccine Alfredo  Lasagna

7.  Cooking Methods  Alla Genovese Cooking style of Genoa, Italy. Key ingredients are oil, basil and garlic. Typical applications for the blend of herbs and oil are pesto, breads and pastas.  Al Mattone Uses a brick to apply pressure to an item when it's being grilled or sautéed.  Al Forno This means "in the oven.” Pizzas and pastas are usually made with this cooking style

8.   April 25 - Liberation Day  On April 25, 1945, the Allied troops liberated Italy from the Nazi occupation and Benito Mussolini’s rule.  This holiday remembers Italians who fought against the Nazis and Mussolini’s troops during World War II. The day honors those who served in the Italian Resistance.  Jun 2 - Republic Day  It celebrates the day when Italians voted to abolish the monarchy in 1946 so their country could become a republic.  Each year, a wreath is laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Republic Day. Holidays & Festivals

9.   Aug 15 – Assumption of Mary  This national holiday celebrates the Catholic belief that God took the body of Jesus’ mother Mary into heaven at her death.  Ferragosto is a widely celebrated national holiday in Italy during the summer. It involves processions of people carrying the statue of Jesus’ mother Mary in many towns and cities  Nov 1 - All Saints' Day  Is both a religious and public holiday in Italy on November 1 every year. It collectively celebrates all of the Catholic saints.  Is a day when people visit family and friends and exchange gifts and good will to one another. If Italians have the same name as a saint, it is a special day for them too. Holidays & Festivals

10.   Dec 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception  The day commemorates when Mary, the mother of Jesus, was graced by God to lead a life “free of sin” according to Catholic belief.  Immaculate Conception Day is a day when many Italians attend a church mass to honor Mary  Dec 26 - St. Stephen's Day  St Stephen is believed to be the first Christian martyr. He was stoned to death sometime around the year 33 CE. St Stephen’s feast day was made a public holiday in Italy in 1947.  St Stephen’s feast day is traditionally a day for many Italians to visit the Nativity scenes at the churches. Other events on St Stephen’s Day in different parts of Italy include markets, carnivals and festivals. Holidays & Festivals

11.  Sources Cahill, Matthew. “Top 10 Italian Foods.” Daily Press. Daily Press Media Group. 22 Oct. 2008. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. Chaves, Tricia. “Methods of Cooking in Italy.” USA Today. N.p.. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. "Timeanddate.com." Timeanddate.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 March 2014. Largen, Velda. “Italian Cuisine.” Guide to Good Food. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher. 614. Print. 24 March 2014.