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People of Italy
Most Italians are native-born and identify closely
with specific regions of Italy. Italian includes small clusters of German-Italians, French-Italians, and Slovene-Italians in the north and Albanian-Italians and Greek-Italians in the south. This is predominately a Roman Catholic population, with some Protestant, Jewish and Muslim immigrant communities.
Arts, Culture and Music of Italy
From antiquity to modern times, Italy has played a central role in world culture. Italians have contributed some of the world's most admired sculptures, architectural masterpieces, paintings, literature, and music (specially opera). Italians consider themselves the descendants of the ancient Romans and are very proud of their cultural heritage. Regional differences do persist mainly because of natural geographical boundaries and the disparate cultural heritage handed down from the Greeks, Etruscans, Arabs, Normans, and Lombards. Regional pluralism is evident in the local dialects, holidays, festivals, songs, and in the regional cuisine.The Culture of Italy revealed in the ancient relics and historical remnants, reflects the spirit of enlightenment and elegance existing among the people at that time. To know more about Italy culture please click here...
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Flag of Italy
Three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red characterize the Italian Flag. It is very similar to the flag of Ireland, which is longer and is green (hoist side), white, and orange. It is also similar to the flag of the Cote d'Ivoire, which has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green. The French flag brought to Italy by Napoleon in 1797, is however said to have inspired Italy's flag.
Italy Flag
Economy of Italy
From an agricultural country before World War II, Italy has changed base to industry. It ranks as the world's fifth-largest industrial economy and belongs to the Group of Eight (G-8) industrialized nations; it is a member of the European Union and the OECD. It is essentially a private-enterprise economy. Lack of natural resources and lack of suitable land for farming, makes it a net importer. Most raw materials needed for manufacturing and 80% of the country's energy sources and even food is imported. Italy's economic strength however lies in the processing and the manufacturing of goods, primarily in small and medium-sized family-owned firms. Its major
industries are precision machinery, motor vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electric goods, and fashion and clothing. Rampant unemployment, presence of the 'Mafia' and the slow growth of the southern region are problems presently faced by Italy.
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