Italy

Italy, whose capital is Rome, is a parliamentary republic located in southern Europe. The country, bordered to the north by the Alps mountain range, is divided into three geographical areas with specific characteristics: continental, peninsular and insular Italy. The continental part borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia; the rest of the territory, surrounded by the Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Ionian and Adriatic seas, extends into the Mediterranean Sea, occupying the Italian peninsula and numerous islands, for a total of 301,340 square kilometres. 

Italian soil has an average altitude of approximately 337 metres above sea level and the hilly areas are prevalent compared to the mountainous ones (Alps and Apennines) and flat areas. The highest peaks are found in the Western Alps, where numerous peaks exceed 4,000 metres: the Matterhorn (4,478 metres), Monte Rosa (4,634 metres) and Mont Blanc (4,810 metres), the highest mountain in Europe. The Apennines run along the entire peninsula, from Liguria to Sicily and Gran Sasso (2,912 metres) is the highest peak. Only a quarter of the Italian territory is made up of plains: the Po Valley, in the north, is the largest of all; followed, in size, by the Tavoliere delle Puglie and the Pianura Salentina. The largest islands are Sicily and Sardinia; there are many smaller islands, mostly collected in archipelagos: the Tuscan archipelago, which includes the island of Elba, the Maddalena archipelago, the Campanian archipelago, which includes Ischia and Capri, the Ponziane, the Pelagie, the Aeolian, the Egadi and the Tremiti. The Italian coasts are characterised both by low and uniform seascapes, especially on the Adriatic side, and by high and jagged cliffs that form numerous bays and gulfs. With its 7500 km of coastline, Italy is the ideal country for sea lovers. The extreme variety of its coasts in fact makes it perfect for any type of holiday and trip in the name of nature, fun and relaxation. 

With over 60 million inhabitants, Italy is the fourth largest country in the European Union by population and has a demographic density of 201.1 inhabitants per square kilometre. The population, concentrated mainly in coastal and plain areas, is characterised by a high number of elderly people, a low birth rate, and a life expectancy of 79.1 years for men and 84.3 for women (among the first countries in the world for life expectancy).

In Italy the principle of the secular state applies and therefore there is no official religion. Italian citizens are mostly Catholic Christians, but there are also minorities of Orthodox, Protestants, Jews, Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses. Following recent migratory phenomena, communities of Orthodox Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus are increasing. 

Italy, a member of the G7 and G20, is a founding member of the European Union, NATO, the Council of Europe and the OECD; adheres to the UN and the Schengen Treaty. Italy boasts the largest number of sites declared world heritage sites by UNESCO and is the fifth most visited country in the world.

Italy is, undoubtedly, synonymous with art and history. Artistic beauties are everywhere and every corner of the country reserves wonderful surprises. The Italian legacy is one of the greatest artistic-cultural heritages in the world. In addition to representing art and music in all its forms (Italy is, among other things, the cradle of the opera tradition), Italy offers a busy calendar of cultural and folklore events, some of which have been handed down for centuries and they are very famous worldwide.

The country of Italy, first in Europe for the number of certified agri-food products, also boasts one of the most appreciated culinary traditions in the world, closely connected to the Mediterranean diet. Italy is easily reachable by plane and the high-speed rail network allows you to move easily along the entire peninsula, reaching Italian cities very quickly and comfortably. The most famous Italian dish in the world is pizza. Authentic Neapolitan pizza is copied, imitated and cooked everywhere in the world. There are also chain stores that prepare pizza in various, imaginative ways that often stray far from the original. But that's it. Pizza is the queen of Italian dishes!

Lasagna (or lasagna, as they say in some Italian regions): here is another dish much loved and copied around the world. The famous cat Garfield is incredibly fond of it, you remember that! Well, the most copied and imitated version is the Bolognese version, with meat sauce, cheese and bechamel.

Pasta carbonara: carbonara can be heard in "all colours" even in Italy. Purists know it well, no cream or other creative ingredients are added to give creaminess. If you are good at it, it will be creamy even without makeup and without deception!

Genoese pesto: Genoese pesto is also one of the most loved typical dishes in the world. And even in Italy he is often quite mistreated. Watch out for imitations, therefore: authentic Genoese pesto, wherever you are in the world, must be prepared with Genoese basil and pine nuts. Banish almonds!

Tiramisu: we end the roundup of typical Italian dishes with tiramisu. It is a dessert of Venetian origin among the most loved in the world. Creamy, sweet and bitter at the same time, a true miracle of goodness on a spoon. How can you blame those who love him?

Activity 1: Read the text and answer the questions:

1. What is the capital of Italy?

2. Which countries does Italy border with?

3. Which seas does Italy border?

4. What is the most practised religion in Italy?

5. What is the most productive city in Italy?

6. What is the most popular sport in Italy?

7. When is Italy's national day celebrated?

8. Which are the largest Italian rivers?

9. What are the most popular dishes in Italy?

10. What is the largest Italian island?

Activity 2: Match the words with the correct definitions:

1. populous

2. state

3. economy

4. inhabit

5. folklor

1. to live in, reside or occupy a specific place

2. the state of a country in terms of the production and consumption of goods and services and the supply

3. having a large population; densely populated

4. a nation or territory considered as an organised political community under one government

5. the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a community, passed through the generations by word of mouth

Activity 3: Further reading - go online and find interesting things about Italy in order to answer these questions.

Trivia questions about Italy:

1. Which Italian museum has the most visitors?

2. Which mountains are located in the south of Italy?

3. Which city in Italy has the most inhabitants?

4. Which Italian city is widely considered to be the capital of international fashion?

5. Which sports site in Italy is the largest one in Europe?

6. Which dish is a typical symbol of Calabria?

7. Which Italian region is located geographically just at the southwestern tip of the peninsula?

8. What is one of the most well-known and beautiful miles in Calabria?

9. Which famous Italian city is considered to be the city of canals?

10. Which rivers flow through Rome?