CASE STUDY ON ITALY
Presented by
Sahara Jabin k.s
Prasanna
INTRODUCTION
Italy, located in Southern Europe, is a country renowned for its rich history, diverse
culture, and stunning landscapes. Its capital, Rome, has been the heart of political
and cu.ltural developments since the era of the Roman Empire.
Physical
Geography
Location
• Italy shares land borders with several countries in the north:
• France (northwest),Switzerland (north) , Austria (northeast) , Slovenia
(northeast)
• Italy is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, with specific seas that
border different parts of the country:
• Ligurian Sea (northwest, near Genoa) ,Tyrrhenian Sea (west, near Rome
and Naples) ,Adriatic Sea (east, near Venice) Ionian Sea (south, near
Sicily and Calabria)
Mountains
• The Alps: Forming the northern border, the Alps are one of the most
important mountain ranges in Europe. The Italian Alps are divided into
several smaller ranges, such as the Dolomites and the Pennine Alps
• Highest Peak: Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc) at 4,808 meters (15,774
feet) is the highest peak in the Alps, on the border between Italy and
France.
• The Apennines: Running down the center of Italy like a spine, the
Apennines extend from the north all the way to the southern tip of the
peninsula. They are important for Italy's hydrography as they form the
Volcanoes
• Mount Etna (on Sicily): The largest and most active volcano in Europe
• Mount Vesuvius (near Naples): Famous for its catastrophic eruption in AD 79,
which destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum.
• Stromboli: An active volcano located on the Aeolian Islands.
Plains and Lowlands
• Po Valley (Pianura Padana): The largest and most fertile plain in Italy, located in
the northern part of the country. It is drained by the Po River and is one of the
most important agricultural regions, producing wheat, rice, and dairy.
• Coastal Plains: Smaller plains along the coasts, such as the plains around Rome
and Naples, support agriculture and urban development.
Rivers
• Po River: The longest river in Italy, flowing eastward across the Po
Valley into the Adriatic Sea. Its basin supports much of Italy's
agricultural output.
• Tiber River: The second-longest river, it runs through central Italy,
including the city of Rome, and flows into the Tyrrhenian Sea.
• Arno River: Known for passing through Florence, it flows westward
into the Ligurian Sea.
Lakes
• Lake Garda: The largest lake in Italy, located between the
Alps and the Po Valley.
• Lake Maggiore: Located partly in Italy and partly in
Switzerland, this is the second-largest lake.
• Lake Como: A popular tourist destination, known for its
scenic beauty and villas along the shore
• Coastlines and IslandsCoastline:
• Tyrrhenian Coast: The western coast, where major cities
like Naples, Rome, and Genoa are located.
• Adriatic Coast: The eastern coast, facing the Balkan
Peninsula, known for beaches and tourism.
• Ionian Coast: The southern coast of the mainland and
Sicily, less developed but increasingly popular for its
natural beauty
Major Islands
• Sicily: The largest island in the Mediterranean, rich in history
and home to Mount Etna.
• Sardinia: Another large island, known for its rugged terrain
and beautiful beaches.Smaller Islands: The Aeolian Islands,
Capri, and Ischia are notable for their natural beauty and
tourism appeal
Climate Zones
• Mediterranean Climate: Most of Italy, particularly along the
coasts and in the southern regions, experiences a
Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet
winters.
• Continental Climate: Northern Italy, particularly in the Po
Valley and Alpine regions, has a more continental climate with
colder winters and hotter summers.Mountain Climate: In the
Alps and Apennines, there is a cooler mountain climate, with
snow in the winter.
Historical • Italy has played a significant role in shaping Western
Background civilization, beginning with its central position in Roman
civilization, which dominated Europe and the
Mediterranean from the Republic to the Empire,
spreading Roman law, culture, and infrastructure.
During the Renaissance, Italy became the birthplace of
cultural and intellectual revival, with cities like Florence
and artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo
leading the way. In the 19th century, the Risorgimento
movement, led by figures such as Giuseppe Garibaldi
and Count Camillo di Cavour, resulted in the unification
of Italy in 1861. In the 20th century, Italy fought in both
World Wars, with Benito Mussolini leading a fascist
regime in WWII before his fall in 1945. After the war,
Italy underwent significant reconstruction, transitioning
into a democratic republic and experiencing rapid
economic growth in the latter half of the century.
Italy’s Political System and
Government Structure
Government Structure
• President of the Republic: The president serves as the head of state and represents national unity. Elected by an
electoral college for a seven-year term
• Parliament: Bicameral, consisting of the Chamber of Deputies (Lower House) and the Senate of the Republic
(Upper House). Both houses have equal powers in passing legislation and are elected by popular vote.
Political Parties
• Democratic Party (PD): A center-left party focused on social democracy and progressive policies.
• Brothers of Italy (FdI): A right-wing nationalist and conservative party, currently gaining influence.
• Lega Nord (Northern League): A regionalist, right-wing party advocating for northern Italy's autonomy.
• Forza Italia: A center-right party founded by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
Regionalism
Northern Italy: Wealthier and more industrialized, with a strong regional identity and demands for greater autonomy
Southern Italy: Historically poorer, with higher unemployment and dependence on public funds.
