The People of Italy
As a European country, the daily life of an Italian does not differ greatly from that of an American. They enjoy leisure time mostly in front of screens by watching TV, listening to the radio, and going to the movies, while other activities such as reading and playing sports are seen less (Lovett and Palma). Differing from America, phones and social media are mainly used to "facilitate" meeting in person with friends and family often, even daily. Many meet over food, which heavily consists of grains (pasta), fish, pastries, rice, and citrus fruits. Cuisine is so central to the culture that work schedules are based around the midday meal. Beside international dishes, the food varies throughout Italy. The primary religion is Roman Catholicism and there are many festivals based upon it which the people of Italy enjoy (Zimmermann).
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Challenges
The biggest problem facing Italy is its own economic trouble. According to " Investopedia, "The three biggest issues Italy faces are low growth and unemployment, excessive debt and sick banks. Each one bleeds into the other, making it very difficult to bring Italy back from its black hole" (Vita). Italy's real GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is falling below the rest of Europe and the unemployment rate is rising. Poverty is also an issue creeping up as the literacy rates in Italy are one of the lowest in Europe and many are seeking jobs (Vita). Italy's debt and its real cost are rising as inflation is decreasing and taxes are being raised to try to pay, causing debt to be one of Italy's biggest problems. The country's economy is Italy's own biggest threat.
A Beautiful Country
When people travel, many who want to go to Europe think of Italy as a must. According to Quora, "For Italians, instead, beauty is about revealing the true nature of things" (Pellegrino). Based on this statement, what makes Italy beautiful is its natural geography. Italy is a peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea often compared to a boot. This boot include the Alps which overlook to Alpine lakes leading to the Apennine Range (Nangeroni). The country's rugged, natural geography emphasizes the people's love of natural beauty which they always seek to uncover. Italy's landscape, like other aspects of the culture, differ throughout the country in different areas which adds variety to the experience.
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Works Cited
Lovett, Clara M., and Giuseppe Di Palma. “Italy.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 19 Sept. 2017, www.britannica.com/place/Italy/Daily-life-and-social-customs.
Nangeroni, Giuseppe, et al. “Italy.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 19 Sept. 2017, www.britannica.com/place/Italy.
Pellegrino, Gabriele. “Italy: What Is Unique about Italian Culture and What Can the World Learn from It?” Italy: What Is Unique about Italian Culture and What Can the World Learn from It? - Quora, www.quora.com/Italy-What-is-unique-about-Italian-culture-and-what-can-the-world-learn-from-it.
Vita, Stephen. “3 Economic Challenges Italy Faces in 2016.” Investopedia, 30 Dec. 2015, www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/123015/3-economic-challenges-italy-faces-2016.asp.
Zimmermann, Kim Ann. “Italian Culture: Facts, Customs & Traditions.” LiveScience, Purch, 13 Sept. 2017, www.livescience.com/44376-italian-
culture.html.
Header photo borrowed from TourRadar https://www.tourradar.com/t/79329
Nangeroni, Giuseppe, et al. “Italy.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 19 Sept. 2017, www.britannica.com/place/Italy.
Pellegrino, Gabriele. “Italy: What Is Unique about Italian Culture and What Can the World Learn from It?” Italy: What Is Unique about Italian Culture and What Can the World Learn from It? - Quora, www.quora.com/Italy-What-is-unique-about-Italian-culture-and-what-can-the-world-learn-from-it.
Vita, Stephen. “3 Economic Challenges Italy Faces in 2016.” Investopedia, 30 Dec. 2015, www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/123015/3-economic-challenges-italy-faces-2016.asp.
Zimmermann, Kim Ann. “Italian Culture: Facts, Customs & Traditions.” LiveScience, Purch, 13 Sept. 2017, www.livescience.com/44376-italian-
culture.html.
Header photo borrowed from TourRadar https://www.tourradar.com/t/79329