saperstein

> Cities: //Capital//--Rome (pop. 2.8 million, 3.7 million metro). //Other cities--//Milan (1.3 million, 3.9 metro), Naples (975,000, 3 million metro), Turin (900,000, 2.1 million metro). > Terrain: Mostly rugged and mountainous. > Climate: Generally mild Mediterranean; cold northern winters
 * **Major government**
 * Christian Democrats
 * **Major Religions**
 * The major religions of Italy are Muslim, Cathlic and Christianity.
 * **Languages spoken**
 * Italian, Neapolitan, Piemontese, Venetian, Ligurian
 * **Current leader or president**
 * Giorgio Napolitano
 * **Brief history of the country including any important people and major wars**
 * The first civilisation in Italy was the Etruscan, which arose about 800 BC in central Italy.In 396 they conquered the important Etruscan city of Veii. However in 390 the Gauls captured and sacked Rome.By 272 BC almost all the south of Italy was in Roman hands.The second Punic War lasted from 218 to 202 BC. In 218 Hannibal marched a great army including elephants from Spain, through southern France and over the Alps into Italy. He defeated the Romans in several battles, Ticinus and Trebia in 218 BC, Lake Trasimeno in 217 and at Cannae in 216.In 1796 Napoleon led a successful invasion of Italy.
 * **Currency**
 * The major currency of Italy is the euro.
 * **Major cultural traditions and (holidays/foods etc..)**
 * [|**The Art of Palm Weaving**]
 * Gene Fedeli has presented numerous workshops on the art of palm weaving. Find a workshop schedule and patterns to learn how to create your own palm patterns. [|**La Bomboniera**]
 * This traditional keepsake is given to guests in appreciation of their attendance to your special occasion. Included you will find the significance of the confetti and the number used for each gift. [|**Christmas Eve Dinner**]
 * Join me as I uncover the significance behind the number of fish dishes prepared for this traditional dinner. [|**Easter Traditions**]
 * From frittata to dyed Easter eggs to the coraesema here are a few of the traditions my family observes during Easter. [|**Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Traditions**]
 * We receive many email messages asking us questions about different Italian traditions. Here are our responses to those questions. [|**Folk Dances**]
 * There are many traditional folk dances that take place in Italy. This guide will take you through some of these dances. Folk dances may include photos, a video, slideshow and a story about the dance. [|**Folk Songs**]
 * Find the lyrics to many great Italian folk songs. In some cases the lyrics are in both English and Italian. [|**Homemade Wine**]
 * This two part series takes a look at the process of making homemade wine. It also includes a photo tour taking you through the various steps involved in making your own wine. [|**The Italian Ceppo**]
 * The ceppo is a yule log burned in the fireplace or a pyramid shaped structure made of wood and often called the tree of light. Just what is the significance behind this Italian tradition? [|**Italian Wedding Customs & Traditions**]
 * What makes Italian weddings so intriguing is that the customs and traditions vary from region to region as well as town to town. This will give you a great look at the traditions and customs that occur during the engagement, mass and reception and whether they are still carried on today. [|**Palm Weaving**]
 * An art form that consists of taking palms and manipulating them to create various designs has been a tradition in my family for generations. [|**Palm Weaving Tutorials**]
 * One of the fascinating traditions that my family does for Palm Sunday is to create decorative designs using palms. These tutorials will teach you how to make a braid, cone, cross and rose bud. [|**Il Presepe**]
 * One of the most incredible scenes in Italy during Christmas time is the beautiful nativity scenes that are on display in every town. [|**Scoppio del Carro**]
 * The Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the cart) is a Florentine tradition that is held every year on Easter Sunday. People gather around the Piazza del Duomo to witness this explosion, which takes place at noon. [|**St. Joseph's Altar**]
 * One of the great traditions on St. Joseph's Day is the beautifully decorated altars made to honor the Patron Saint of carpenters, fathers and Sicily. [|**Traditional House Warming Gifts**]
 * Have you ever wondered what to give a new homeowner as a gift? Here is a list of traditional gifts that were customary for people to give new homeowners.
 * **Climate**
 * Has a largely temperate climate with regional variations. In summer the Northern parts of Italy are warm with occasional rainfall and winter temperatures approach freezing, while temperatures in the south of the country are more favorable averaging 50-60°F (10-20°C).
 * **Population:**
 * 60,231,921.
 * **Geography**
 * Area: 301,225 sq. km. (116,303 sq. mi.); about the size of Georgia and Florida combined.
 * **Major Resources**
 * coal, mercury, zinc, potash, marble, barite, asbestos, pumice, fluorspar, feldspar, pyrite (sulfur), natural gas and crude oil reserves, fish, arable land.
 * **Major tourist attractions and or historical sights**
 * **Italy's** most famous racing drivers (a small museum pays tribute to **his** accomplishments). **....** The other big **attraction** is the well-preserved Roman Arena.
 * **Median Family Income**
 * Job and Sector Comparison. **....** combined deductions on a gross monthly salary income of 1897 euros including family allowances
 * **Must inlude a __Work Cited Page__ with a minimum of 4 resources (1 book 3 websites)**
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 * __ Blashfield,Jean.Italy, Enchantment of the World. Pittsburgh: The University of Wiconsin, 1999 __