Italy
Jacob Robison
Population
The population of Italy is 61,482,297
The Flag
The flag of Italy, most recently adopted on 19 June 1946, features three vertical stripes: green, white, and red. The flag was inspired by the French flag, which was brought to Italy by Napoleon in 1797.
Climate
The climate varies considerably from the north to the south of Italy. In the north of the country - the area between the Alps and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines - the climate is harsh, with very cold winters and very hot, particularly humid summers.
Products
leather goods, textiles, fashion, sunglasses, ceramics, glass, and last but not least its food and wine. Each of these is a leader in its field for the combination of quality and fine design that goes into the making of it. Above all Italy excels at producing luxury goods for discerning consumers worldwide who value the finer things in life.
Housing
A large percentage of the population owns a home. However, the high price of a new house effectively ensures that—at least in the big cities—some families stay their whole lives in a rented apartment. Most modern apartments, especially in the center and south of the country, have balconies on which occupants grow flowers and other plants.
Language
Italian is the official language, although dialects differ from city to city. Most youths speak English, the most common second language; older generations are more likely to speak French. Significant French-, German-, and Slovene-speaking minorities exist.