Government, History, People, oh my!
Italy, Germany and The Czech Republic
Elena Thuesen
European Countries have differing languages, religions, climate, and government, but all have strong culture! Breath taking ocean views and beautiful old (and new) buildings draw in many tourists and vacationers from all over the world. Even though our cultures may differ, studying other countries brings to light how we all share similar values and the same emotions. It's fascinating how even smaller countries can have immense culture that has a worldwide impact.
Italy
Government
Italy is limited republic, and their President of the Council of Ministers is Enrico Letta. Italy is part of the European Union. An issue currently confronting Italy is drug smuggling from Latin America and Southwest Asia.
Historical Event
In the 1920's, Benito Mussolini converted Italy's government into a fascist dictatorship, and later joined Germany in World War II, resulting in Italy's defeat.
Historical Monument
The Roman Colloseum was sometimes used for performances
Person Who changed history: King Victor Emmanuel
Emmanuel united Italy as a nation-state.
Population 'n' stuff
Population- 61,482,297
% of arable land- 22.57
agriculture- fruits, vegetables, potatoes, grapes,
sugar beets, soybeans, grain, olives, beef, dairy products, fish
Human Environment Interaction- In Venice, canals of water run throughout the city in place of roads.
GDP:$1.83trillion
GDP per capital: $29,800
Currency: Euros
Exchange rate to US dollars: 0.7752
Major economic activities: tourism and machinary
Famous Brands: Ferrari, Gucci, Prada
People
Language: Italian, German, French
Religion- Christian, Muslim, Aetheist, Agnostics
Landmarks- Venice canals, leaning tower of piza, Roman Colloseum
Cultural Foods- pizza, spaghetti, Ravioli, wine, gelatto
Music/ literature- Opera, "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco
Where
Location- Southern Europe, Northeast of Tunisia
Climate- predominanty Mediterranean
Topography- mostly rugged and mountainous; some plains, coastal lowlands
Germany
Government
Federal Republic
Leader/ Leader's title: Chancellor Angela Merkel
Limited
European union member: yes
Current event: Refugees and illicit drugs
History
Historical event: Loss of World War II
Person who changed history: Ludwig Van Beethoven (deaf composer) a predominant mucsic figure
Historic Monument: Eschenheim tower
Population 'n' stuff
population: 81,147,265
% of arable land:33.25%
agriculture: Potatoes, wheat, barley, sugar beets
Example of Human Environment Interaction: polution in the Baltic Sea
GDP: $3.383 trillion
GDP per capital:$38,700
Currency: Euros
Exchange rate to US dollars: 0.7752
Major Economic Activities: Machinery, vehicles
Famous Brands: Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche
People
Language: German
Religions: Protestant, Roman Catholic
Famous landmarks: Heidelberg Castle
Cultural foods: Apfelstrudel, Eintopf
music/ literature: Deutschrock, rap/ "Siddhartha" by Hermann Hesse, "The Trial" by Franz Kafka
Where
Location: Central Europe, borders the Baltic and North Seas
Climate: temperate and Marine
Topography: Lowlands in the North, Uplands in the South
Czech Republic
Government
Government type: limited Parliamentary Democracy
Leader and title: Prime Minister Jiri Rusnok
European Union member
Current Goverment event: Illicit drugs
History
Historical political event: Czechs and Slovaks came together and formed Czechoslovakia after WWI had finished.
Historical Monument: The Municipal House
Person who changed history and how: Rudolph II sponsor of science and arts
Population 'n' Stuff
Population: 10,609,762
% of arable land: 40.12%
Agriculture: wheat, potatoes, sugar beets, hops
Example of human Environment Interaction: farming
GDP: $139 billion
GDP per capital: $27,000
Currency: koruny
Exchange Rate to U.S. dollars: 19.578
Major economic activities: motor vehicles, metallurgy, machinery
Famous Brands: Pils beer
People
language: Czech, Slovak
Religion: Roman Catholic, unspecified
Famous Land Marks: The Charles Bridge
Cultural foods: meat, mushrooms, vegetables, soups, dessert
Music/ Literature: Josef Hadyn symphony 82/ "This side of reality
Where
Climate: temprate
Topography: rolling plains, hills, plateaus