Italy
by Jenn Marcella
Italian Flag History
The Italian flag was inspired by the French flag. The colors of the flag ( red green and white ) were derived from the Milan flag ( red and white ) and the uniform of the civic guard of Milan ( green )
European Union
Italy joined the EU on January 1st in 1958. Italy was also one of many of the founders of the EU.
Why you should visit.
Florence Cathedral
Italy is the center of the famous catholic church which is otherwise known as the Florence Cathedral. It has been in Italy since 1436, and construction for it was started it 1296. With centuries of history, the Florence Cathedral has become a landmark attraction for Italy in the region of Tuscany with millions of world travelers and an interest in art.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The tower is the third oldest building. The construction began August 9th, 1173 and was originally designed to be a bell tower. It stood upright for 5 years but after the completion of the third floor in 1178 it started to lean. The foundation of the tower was built on a dense clay mixture and impacted soil, the clay was nearly not strong enough as required to hold the tower upright, so it began to lean.
Venice Canals
The Grand Canal is one of the largest and most important Canals in Italy. It has 170 houses along it's banks, most of which were built between 1200 and 1700. 60% of traffic in Venice passes through the Grand Canal. The Canals of Venice have 400 bridges which connects 118 islands.
Geography of Italy
Italy is a peninsula that is a boot shaped country surrounded by three seas on all sides, and is mostly made of mountains and hills.
Currency Type
Now are EURO's but used to be lira's
Interesting Facts
1.) tourists who visited Italy said there was no tomato's in their food when Italy is known for pizza which has tomatoes in it and spaghetti which some people put tomato sauce on.
2.) four fifths of Italy is either mountains or hills.
3.) author of Pinocchio was Italian.
History of Country
Italy was or has never been apart of another country.
Italy borders France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia.
It also borders naturally defined by Alpine watershed.
Major cities
The capital is Rome.
Four other major cities are Milano, Napoli and Torino.
Government type
President elected every 7 years; his duties are to appoint Prime Minister, authorizing presentation of government bills.