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Home , Ferragosto, Mani pulite

CultureGramsTM World Edition 2020 (Italian Republic)

Much of the West's civilization and culture stems from the BACKGROUND . The area's history dates back several thousand years; one of the first civilizations to flourish was Land and Climate that of the Etruscans, between the eighth and second centuries Italy, including the islands of Sardegna () and Sicilia BC. The Etruscans influenced mostly and, later, (), is slightly smaller than Norway and slightly larger the . Before the Romans became prominent, than the U.S. state of Arizona. It boasts a variety of natural Greek civilization dominated the south. later adopted landscapes: from the alpine mountains in the north to the much of the Greek culture and became a major power after coastal lowlands in the south. Shaped like a boot, the country 300 BC as it expanded throughout the Mediterranean region. is generally mountainous. The Italian run along the By the fifth century AD, the had northern border, and the Appennini (Apennines) form a spine fallen to a number of invasions. The peninsula was then down the peninsula. Sicily and Sardinia are also rocky and divided into several separate political regions. In addition to mountainous. The “heel” and some coastal areas are flat. The local rulers, French, Spanish, and Austrian leaders governed Po River Basin, to the north, holds some of Italy's richest various parts of Italy. The Italian Peninsula was the center of farmland and most of its heavy industry. many artistic, cultural, and architectural revolutions, Italy surrounds two independent nations: and including the great Renaissance of the 15th and 16th Città del Vaticano (Vatican City, or Holy See). San Marino centuries. has been independent since the fourth century AD. Vatican Unification and Fascism City was governed by France for most of the 19th century The movement, which was known as until it was occupied by Italy in 1870, becoming a sovereign Risorgimento, began in the 1800s. The first entity in 1929. in Torino (Turin) declared national unification in 1861 and Southern agricultural areas are subject to droughts. The named Victor Emmanuel II king. The inclusion of Roma climate is temperate but varies by region. Winters are cold (Rome) in 1870 completed unification. and rainy in the north, cool around Rome, and mild in the Fascist dictator ruled the country from south. Typical of the Mediterranean climate, summers in the 1922 to 1943 and initially aided Adolf Hitler in World War II. south can be very hot. The rest of the country usually In 1943, the Italian government overthrew the fascists, and experiences moderate summers, though in recent years the the country lent its support to the Allies. Italy established north has been experiencing more hot and humid weather. itself as a republic in the 1946 elections, officially abolishing the monarchy by national referendum. Political violence and History terrorism marked the 1970s. Conflicts within the coalition The Italian Peninsula and the Roman Empire governments led to frequent government collapses during the

1 TM CultureGrams Italy . with an influx of refugees and migrants from Africa and Political Instability and Scandal the Middle East. Religion Elections in April 1992 hurt the ruling coalition but failed to •Economic recession: In December 2018, Italy's economy More than 80 percent of are Christian, and the bring a strong government to power. The proportional system contracted, putting the economy into recession for the majority are Roman Catholic. Most Italians do not attend of voting, originally designed to prevent totalitarianism, was third time in the past decade. Prime Minister Guiseppe church services on a regular basis, as secularism has blamed for consistently bringing weak coalitions to power. Conte indicated he expects the recession to last well into become more appealing to many segments of society. At On its 16th vote, Parliament finally chose Oscar Luigi 2019, raising concerns that Italy, the third-largest the same time, many Catholics are finding alternate ways Scalfaro as president. economy in the eurozone, could default on its high public to worship (through pilgrimages, informal gatherings, The country was soon rocked by dozens of political debt. praying at shrines, and so forth). scandals, or tangentopoli (bribe city). Numerous top officials resigned, including the prime minister, and charges of past Though Italians may not always live according to corruption became even more widespread. By 1994, six Catholic principles of morality, the is thousand individuals were under investigation for corruption THE PEOPLE widely respected, and it wields significant social and in an enquiry called Mani Pulite (Clean Hands). political influence in Italy. Città del Vaticano (Vatican Today's Challenges Population City), home of the Roman Catholic pope and Attempts to stabilize the country's tricky coalition Rome is the capital and the largest city, with over 4 headquarters for the Roman Catholic Church, is located have been largely unsuccessful. , who was million people. Most of the country's inhabitants are within Roma (Rome). The Italian constitution guarantees elected in 1994 and then reelected in 2001, served the longest ethnic Italians, but there are small groups of ethnic freedom of religion. A small number of Italians are term as prime minister since Italy became a republic in 1946. Germans, French, and Slovenes, as well as Albanians and Protestant, Muslim, or Jewish. Over 10 percent are atheist He was replaced by opposition leader Romano Prodi in 2006 Greeks. Although Italy historically has lost many citizens or agnostic. but was reelected in the 2008 election. to emigration, the nation has experienced a large influx of Prime Minister Berlusconi's ruling immigrants in the last two decades. There is increasing General Attitudes was able to pass economic austerity measures in 2011 but concern about Italy's birthrate, one of the lowest in Because of improved economic and social conditions in struggled to implement them. Berlusconi was forced to resign Europe, because Italy's population is expected to decline southern regions and the influence of the media, in November 2011, and a series of political resignations and significantly in the coming decades, and the ageing differences between northern and southern Italians are weak coalitions followed. Following several criminal charges population is expected to put a large strain on Italy's diminishing. However, some regional attitudes remain, of corruption and tax fraud, Berlusconi was removed from economy. and Italians still refer to one another by their city of Parliament in 2013. He was convicted of many of his crimes origin (Milanese, Roman, Florentine, etc.). Adopting in 2014 and 2015. Language practices of their German and Austrian neighbors, people In February 2014, Prime Minister Enrico Letta resigned Italiano (Italian) is the official language, although dialects in the industrialized north traditionally value punctuality, after his elected a new leader, Florence differ from city to city. The Florentine and Roman reliability, organization, and economic success. They often mayor Matteo Renzi. Renzi was the youngest person to ever dialects had a major influence on modern Italian. Most are less relaxed and view time as a resource not to be serve as Italy's prime minister. Shortly after being sworn into youths also speak English, the most common second wasted. They take pride in having a low tolerance for office, he promised to change election laws, cut taxes, and language; older generations are more likely to speak criminality and public corruption. Southerners are invest in jobs. However, a stagnating economy and the defeat French. Significant French-, German-, and appreciated for their warm character and friendliness. of a constitutional referendum backed by Renzi led him to Slovene-speaking minorities exist. An ethnic minority in They enjoy a leisurely life and tend to take their time resign as prime minister in 2016. Political instability has Tyrol speaks Ladin, a Romance language native to doing business. Family values prevail in the south and are continued to plague the country since, as have other . often more appreciated than economic success. problems, including illegal immigration, organized crime, Common Italian Phrases Regional economic differences have led to tensions corruption, high unemployment, and the economic disparity English Italian within the country. Many in the more prosperous north between and the more prosperous north. Please Per favore feel they are too heavily taxed to subsidize special projects in the south. Those in the south often resent the higher Recent Events and Trends Thank you Grazie incomes and better employment rates of the north. •Political stalemate ends: In June 2018, Italy ended a Political movements calling for more regional autonomy period of political deadlock with the swearing in of a new You’re welcome Prego in a federal system have gained some momentum, government. Italy had been without a central government particularly in the north. However, most Italians still since March elections failed to produce a majority winner. Yes Sì oppose a political separation. The populist Five Star Movement and the right-wing Italians typically consider social interaction very alliance led by the party won the most votes, No No important; they try not to miss social events, such as but neither secured enough seats in parliament to govern parties and celebrations. Most people desire a good alone. Representatives from both parties formed a Excuse me Scusi reputation in their social circle and seek approval from coalition and reached an agreement to form a new their peers. Often the ability to influence others is government, tapping Guiseppe Conte as prime minister. I’m sorry Mi dispiace associated with how well one can accommodate different •Migrant laws: In November 2018, the government interests or points of view. Humor, agreeability, implemented a series of laws abolishing protections for reliability, and success in business and social life are often Happy birthday! Buon compleanno! migrants and making it easier for them to be deported. regarded more favorably than individual assertiveness. Interior Minister Salvini drafted the laws and deemed Italians tend to value their health, family, serenity, and Numbers 1–10 Uno, due, tre, quattro, them necessary to make Italy safer. Like many other financial security. cinque, sei, sette, otto, nove, European nations, Italy has grappled with how to deal Italian Saying dieci

2 TM CultureGrams Italy Meglio una gallina oggi, che un uovo domani. ("Better Pleasure Piacere to di meet conoscerla you a hen today than an egg tomorrow.") This saying means it is better to accept what you have right now than to wait My Mi name chiamo is ...... for a better tomorrow, or "live in the moment."

Gestures Personal Appearance Italians, especially those in the south, are known for their Italy is a major center of the European fashion industry. use of hand gestures during conversation. In fact, they Most Italians take pride in their appearance and tend to often communicate with their hands instead of words. dress up for occasions as common as an evening stroll or a A common gesture is rubbing the thumb rapidly casual visit. Italians seldom wear worn or sloppy clothing. against the fingers to indicate “money.” Pulling down the Although attitudes vary among the younger generation, lower eyelid with a finger is a way of acknowledging many people base their opinions of others on how they someone's cleverness. In some areas of the south, a person dress. Youths throughout the country follow the latest might indicate “no” by nodding the head upward. Moving fashion trends, often wearing expensive, brand-name the hand away from the nose as if to make it longer clothing. indicates that the speaker is telling a lie (a reference to the It is common to see people of all ages wearing casual story of Pinocchio). shoes such as sneakers, and young people often wear When counting, Italians start with their thumb. jeans. Formal clothing is worn by some professionals, Removing one's shoes in the presence of others is impolite. such as bankers or workers in government offices. For One covers the mouth when yawning or sneezing. others, it is usually reserved for special occasions such as weddings or graduations. Women commonly wear jewelry Visiting and makeup. Italians value long friendships and enjoy visiting one another, especially on holidays and Sundays. Busy schedules in urban areas require that most visits be CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES planned. In villages, people are used to unannounced visits by friends and neighbors. Hosts might offer their Greetings guests coffee, cake, ice cream, or drinks. Dinner guests Men and women greet each other by shaking hands; when often bring a bottle of good wine, a box of chocolates, or introduced, they shake hands and say Piacere di flowers (traditionally in odd numbers) as a gift for the conoscerla (Pleasure to meet you). When in groups, hosts. Italians avoid crossing other people's handshakes. If a If visiting before dinner, guests generally are expected person has dirty hands, he or she may offer a forearm, a to stay for the meal. Not staying may be considered finger, or a simple apology instead. impolite, especially in the south. Guests often wait for the Close friends often greet each other by hugging or by hosts to sit before they are seated and to begin eating kissing on both cheeks—or rather, by brushing cheeks as before they eat. At the end of the meal, guests wait for the they kiss the air. In northern Italy, men who are family host to offer second or third helpings. In the evening members greet each other with a kiss on each cheek; male before dinner or on holidays, Italians enjoy taking a walk friends shake hands. In southern Italy, friends and family in town. members alike greet each other by kissing both cheeks. Friends and family members say Ciao (“Hi” or Eating “Good-bye”) as an informal greeting. More formal terms Italians usually eat in the continental style, with the fork include Buongiorno (Good morning) and Buonasera in the left hand and the knife in the right. Hands are kept (“Good afternoon”). Friends of the same gender often above the table; placing them in the lap is improper. walk arm in arm in public. When finished eating, a person places the utensils parallel Common Italian Greetings on the plate. One does not leave the table until everyone English Italian has finished. Hello / Good-bye Ciao Although Italian families traditionally eat lunch together, this custom is becoming less common, especially Good morning Buongiorno in large cities. Most families at least try to get together for dinner (often around 7 or 8 p.m. in the north and 8:30 or Good afternoon Buon pomeriggio 9:30 p.m. in the south). When eating with guests, Italians usually do not hurry; Good evening Buonasera a meal may last one to four hours. Regular family meals are much shorter. Dinner conversation often includes How are you? Come sta? soccer, politics, family matters, business, and local events. Hosts appreciate compliments on the home and meal. In Good, thanks Bene, grazie informal settings, guests may volunteer to help clean up. At restaurants, the bill often includes a service charge.

3 TM CultureGrams Italy Some people may leave a small tip, but it is not common effectively ensures that—at least in the big cities—some or expected. families stay their whole lives in a rented apartment, which they nevertheless tend to call a casa(house), not an appartamento (apartment). LIFESTYLE Most modern apartments, especially in the center and south of the country, have balconies on which occupants Family grow flowers and other plants. Outside major urban Structure centers, more people tend to live in houses. Very well-off Italians typically enjoy strong family ties, and when being families may own large villas. These are usually brick together or helping each other is possible, they honor their structures covered with white- or cream-colored plaster family obligations. The average northern family has one and topped with the distinctively Mediterranean red-tiled or two children, and most live as nuclear units. Southern roof. Some villas contain several units, in which various families are traditionally larger, and multiple generations generations of the same family often live. often live in the same house or town. Extended families throughout the country gather often and frequently live Dating and Marriage near each other. Dating and Courtship Many villages are still comprised of groups of families As in other Western countries, Italians date either in who have lived in the same area for generations. However, groups or as couples. Eating together is an important due to economic difficulties, younger generations are component of socializing. Young single people often go to moving far away from their families to find work and pizzerias and pubs on the weekends. Dancing and going to educational opportunities. Even so, attachment to families movies are also frequent activities. Being part of a couple remains strong. Children go home for important holidays, is important to most young Italians, and public displays of and parents visit children that live away from home for affection are common among young people. Couples of extended periods of time. mixed race or nationality are becoming more common but Parents and Children still earn the disapproval of some older Italians. Italian parents are usually very supportive of their Marriage in Society children, and in turn, children are dedicated to their Marriage is respected. Men rarely marry before finishing parents. Grandparents frequently help with child care. school and finding employment. Therefore, though Children usually live at home until they get married or engagements can happen quickly, they often last several find a job. Traditionally, children grew up to work in years. Most men and women marry in their early to family businesses. Today, young Italians seek financial mid-thirties. Some men and women, particularly in the independence, though high unemployment rates in the south, wear matching engagement rings. Lower- and south hamper the attainment of this goal. Many parents middle-class young people often have matching silver help their children buy a home or pay for an rings; wealthier couples may buy a diamond engagement apartment—even if it means significant financial sacrifice. ring for the woman. Gender Roles Same-sex marriage is not legal in Italy and is opposed Italy is still largely a male-dominated society. by the Roman Catholic Church. Same-sex civil unions are Traditionally, men are considered the head of the family recognized, giving same-sex couples some of the same and are responsible for supporting it financially, while legal protections as married couples, including inheritance women are expected to stay home and take care of the and property rights, but not adoption rights. family. However, family gender roles are influenced by Weddings age and socioeconomic class; young husbands and wives The bride and groom are not supposed to see each other in middle- to upper-class families are more likely to share the day before the wedding. The bride wears a white domestic responsibilities. wedding dress, usually paid for by her parents, and a veil; Today, more women are becoming educated and the groom traditionally pays for the bride's bouquet and working outside the home, but most still perform the wears a tuxedo or a dark suit. Marriage ceremonies most majority of household duties, such as cooking and often follow Catholic traditions. The wedding takes place cleaning. Italian women often encounter difficulties when in the church of the bride's hometown, often in the balancing careers and families. Though gender-based morning, with an elaborate ceremony lasting at least an discrimination is against the law, Italian women still face hour. The bride and groom often exchange matching or many challenges regarding wage equality and identical gold rings called fedi during the ceremony. participation in the labor force. In recent years, women Family and friends then meet the bride and groom at a have become more involved in politics, although this restaurant or a rented venue to celebrate. Before dinner, sector is still largely male dominated. wine is served and the best man toasts the couple. The celebration lasts into the evening and includes a meal with Housing as many as 14 courses. A traditional multilayered cake is A large percentage of the population owns a home, and served to guests. The bride's mother-in-law gives her a many Italian families who do not own a home dream of jewel as a wedding present; pearls are never given someday doing so. However, the high price of a new house because they are believed to bring bad luck.

4 TM CultureGrams Italy Divorce Breakfast traditionally is light, consisting of a cup of Divorce is granted only after six months of legal coffee, a cappuccino, or warm milk (for children), along separation (meaning the couple has gone to court to with a cornetto (cream-filled croissant) or bread with jam register their separation agreement). Nevertheless, the or honey. With fewer people eating the main meal at divorce rate is growing, and the marriage rate is slowing midday, heavier dinners are becoming common. The main as more couples live together instead of marrying, meal, whether lunch or dinner, traditionally includes especially in northern Italy. three courses: pasta, fish or meat, and vegetables. In the north, pasta or rice is part of every main meal. Pasta is Life Cycle dominant in the south. A simple salad (lettuce and Birth tomatoes) or roasted vegetables are served with the second Many important life events follow Catholic customs. Most course (meat dish). Italians baptize their children as infants. Babies were Contrary to popular belief, spaghetti and meatballs is traditionally given the name of one of their grandparents, not a typical Italian meal. But spaghetti withsalsa al but today young couples tend to give their children a pomodoro (tomato sauce) is one of the most typical and name of their own choosing. loved Italian meals. Salsa al pomodoro and ragù (sauce Milestones with meat) are popular with various types of pasta; Catholic confirmation is an important ceremony in which however, there are many more types of sauces, which vary young Catholics receive the Holy Spirit, a member of the by region. While some pasta sauces have small amounts of Catholic godhead. In the ceremony, a bishop draws a meat in them, Italians usually eat the main meat dish after cross on a child's forehead with holy oil. This is a rite of the pasta course. passage for most Italian children and takes place around Veal, beef, and lamb are favorite meats. The standard age 10 or 11. salad dressing contains olive oil, vinegar, and salt. Wine Legally, adulthood comes at 18, when Italians can drive commonly accompanies meals and also is used widely in and vote. Graduation from high school, moving out of cooking. Italians enjoy hundreds of cheeses, including one's parents' house, and marriage are also signs of mozzarella and parmesan. adulthood for Italians. However, many students who live Italian pizza differs from region to region; it is away from home are still financially dependent on their generally thinner and less rich than U.S. American pizza. parents and are not usually considered adults. Military Classicmargherita pizza, with mozzarella cheese and service was traditionally considered an important sign of tomatoes, is the most popular. adulthood for men, but as of 2005, military service is no longer required. Recreation Death Sports In southern Italy, funerals can be highly elaborate affairs. Soccer (called calcio, orfootball ) is by far the most After a death, the casket typically remains open in the popular sport, and teams wear the colors of their home home for 24 hours. Friends and family members come to city's flag. Italians often gather in homes or bars to watch pay their respects to the deceased. The room containing soccer matches. Avid fans follow the World Cup the casket is lit by wax or electric candles, and the front competition, which Italy's national soccer team has won door remains open and the blinds closed for the entire multiple times. During important soccer matches, the time. A church service is held afterward, followed by a streets are empty. After the game, fans of the winning reception. team dance in the streets and drive around honking their In the more urban north, funerals are simpler. The horns and yelling. casket remains open for a few hours in a room of the Children of all ages, particularly boys, can be seen hospital where the person died. After that, the coffin is playing soccer everywhere. Bicycling, horse racing, skiing, sealed and taken to the church for the funeral service. tennis, boxing, fencing, swimming, and track and field are Wealthy families tend to bury their dead in family also popular. tombs, which are almost like chapels. Because land is Leisure scarce, many families pay to bury their loved ones in the Leisure time is very important to Italians; hobbies, ground for a period of ten years, at which time an vacations, and recreation are high priorities for many. For esumazione is performed; the casket is taken out of the recreation, Italians may go to the beach, the countryside, ground and is put into a tomb above the ground. movies, dances, or sporting events. Bocce, similar to lawn Cremation is rare. bowling, is a popular game played in parks or at home. The deceased are often remembered in masses offered Italians often socialize at outdoor cafés and bars. a month and then a year after death. Every year on 2 In the evenings, people of all ages usually go out to eat November, people commemorate the loss of loved ones by gelato, go window shopping, and meander through the laying flowers on their graves. It is not uncommon for a streets and piazzas to greet each other. Most young people widow in the south to carry a picture of her dead husband meet their friends every day for la passeggiata (the ritual in a locket around her neck. of taking a walk in the evening), after doing homework or participating in afterschool activities. Diet Vacation

5 TM CultureGrams Italy Most Italians stay in Italy for vacations. The beach is a The celebration of Epiphany is largely a children's popular destination during summer holidays. Seaside holiday in Italy; it commemorates the end of the resorts are packed in for the Ferragosto holiday. Christmas holidays. According to Italian legend, La Many vacationers go snorkeling and scuba diving. The Befana was sweeping her house when the Three Wise Men second-most popular vacation destination is the stopped to invite her to come to Bethlehem with them. La mountains, where recreational activities include hiking, Befana said no but later tried to catch up to the Wise Men swimming in lakes, and bicycling. and got lost. Every year, the old crone rides her In winter, many Italians take a "white week," during broomstick through Italy as she continues to search for which they head to the Dolomites Mountains for skiing. the Bambino (the infant Jesus). Children write letters to For weekend getaways, Italians often frequent farmhouses La Befana to ask her for specific presents, and on the converted into bed-and-breakfast establishments. These morning of Epiphany (6 January) they wake to find their are located throughout the country and offer traditional stockings filled with gifts fromLa Befana. Children are regional cuisine cooked from food grown on the told that they will receive candy if they behave well and establishment’s land. pebbles, charcoal, or ashes if they do not. On Epiphany, parents often take their children to piazzas to buy candy The Arts and small gifts from the Christmas markets, where they Italy has been center of the arts for centuries, shaping art watch jugglers and magicians perform. movements throughout Europe and the world. The Carnevale Romans played a key role in the development of Western Carnevale is an important festival that is usually architecture, using techniques such as the arch, dome, and celebrated in February or March, after Epiphany and vault to build larger, more structurally sound buildings. right before Lent. Every city and town in Italy has its own The country was also the birthplace of artistic movements festivities to mark this holiday. Most towns organize such as the Renaissance. public parades with dancers, musicians, and people Some of the greatest Western painters, architects, and dressed in colorful costumes. Children love to dress up for sculptors were from Italy, including Giotto, Donatello, Carnevale. Candy and small gift kiosks are set up in Michelangelo, Raphael, da Vinci, Titian, Bernini, piazzas. Italy's most famous Carnevale celebrations take Caravaggio, and Modigliani. Museums in Italian cities place in , where the streets fill with masked such as Firenze (Florence), Napoli (Naples), Roma revelers. (Rome), and Venezia (Venice) house internationally Easter renowned art collections. Modern fashion designers such On Easter Sunday, many families eat chocolate for as Gucci, Cavalli, Valentino, and Versace have also breakfast and attend a local Easter mass. The largest mass become part of the list of great Italian artists. The art of is given by the Pope in Saint Peter's Basilica, in Vatican orafo, gold-jewelry making, is famous in Italy, and City. Families also have a large meal together, usually Italians take pride in their crafting of leather goods. including lamb and artichokes. They also eat traditional In music, Italians invented opera, musical notation, cakes, such as acolomba (dove-shaped) cake, which is and the piano. Opera is highly regarded, and opera houses similar to panettone (a sweet bread) but is only eaten at are found in many towns. Music festivals are popular as Easter. Another tradition is to give presents of large well. Italy has also made significant contributions to world chocolate eggs with a prize or present inside, such as a toy literature, including the works of the medieval poet Dante. for a child or a small piece of jewelry for a woman. The In film, Italian actors and directors, such as Federico eggs are usually wrapped in brightly colored paper. Fellini, have achieved international recognition. La Pasquetta (Little Easter), also known as Easter Traditional folk arts are also practiced. The tarantella, a Monday, is celebrated the day after Easter. Traditionally, lively folk dance associated with Sicilia (Sicily), is families and friends celebrate this holiday by picnicking performed at many celebrations. together in the countryside and eating Easter leftovers. People often take the entire Easter weekend off to stay in Holidays the countryside. Important religious and national holidays include New Ferragosto Year's Day (1 January); Epiphany (6 January); Easter The Assumption of the Virgin Mary, orFerragosto , is (including Easter Monday); Liberation Day (25 April), celebrated in August, and celebrations include some which commemorates Italy's liberation by the Allied traditions dating back to the ancient Romans. Throughout forces in World War II; Labor Day (1 May); the Italy, families and friends come together on 15 August to Anniversary of the Republic (2 June); the Assumption of share a big meal. Many Italians travel to the sea or the the Virgin Mary (15 August); All Saints' Day (1 mountains during this holiday, and towns and villages November); Immaculate Conception (8 December); plan festivities. For example, the village of Positano, on Christmas (25 December); and Saint Stephen's Day (26 the Amalfi coast, sets off fireworks over the December). Nearly every city and town honors the local Mediterranean Sea, and the city of holds thePalio , a patron saint with an annual celebration, and various other horse race that dates back to medieval times. festivals are held throughout the year. Christmas Epiphany On Christmas Eve, Italian families usually eat a

6 TM CultureGrams Italy traditional fish dinner and go to church for Midnight Government and the People Mass. That night,Babbo Natale (Father Christmas) brings The constitution protects freedom of speech, assembly, presents for children. On Christmas morning, the press, and religion. Elections are generally considered free children wake up and open their presents. Christmas Day and fair. Voter turnout is usually high, though is celebrated with a large meal, and families spend time participation has been lower in recent elections. Citizens together playing games, watching TV, and going for may vote in senatorial elections at age 25. The voting age walks. Panettone is one of the most famous traditional for all other elections is 18. Christmas foods. Christmas markets, outdoor markets set up in Italian piazzas that open at the beginning of Economy December and close on Epiphany, are full of kiosks selling Italy's economy is based on industry in the north and sweets and small toys. agriculture in the south. Small- and medium-sized businesses in the north are a strong driving force in the economy. Agriculture employs less than 4 percent of the SOCIETY labor force, but agricultural products are important and allow Italy to be nearly self-sufficient in food production. Government Italy is one of the world's largest wine producers and a Structure major producer of cheese. Important crops include fruits, Italy's president is head of state and is chosen to serve a vegetables, grapes, potatoes, sugar beets, soybeans, grain, seven-year term by an electoral college consisting of and olives. representatives from different regions. The prime Italy is a major steel and iron producer; industry minister is head of government. The prime minister is accounts for almost one-fourth of the gross domestic appointed by the president, usually from the largest party product (GDP). The service sector, which includes in Parliament's lower house, and is approved by a tourism, comprises nearly three-fourths of Italy's GDP. parliamentary vote of confidence. Prime ministers can be The country's major trading partners include other removed from office at any time if Parliament passes a European Union (EU) nations such as Germany, France, vote of no-confidence. and the United Kingdom, as well as the United States. Italy's legislature consists of a bicameral parliament Most people enjoy a standard of living consistent with with an upper house (the 321-seat Senate) and a lower Italy's position as one of the world's seven major house (the 630-member Chamber of Deputies). In 2017, industrialized countries and as the third-largest economy Italy's parliament passed an election-reform law that in the eurozone. However, the economy started to stagnate introduced a mixed electoral system in both houses. Under in 2002, when the euro replaced the lira as Italy's the new law, 36 percent of the seats go to the candidates currency. Many felt the resulting price hikes hurt the with the most votes, while the remaining 64 percent are economy. elected using a proportional system. Legislators in both In 2008, Italy's economy fell into recession as a result of houses are elected to five-year terms, unless Parliament is the global financial crisis. The government enacted a dissolved early for new elections. Either the lower or series of austerity measures in late 2011 that included tax upper house can initiate a law, but it must be approved by increases, pension reforms, and cuts to public both houses. This equal share in lawmaking power creates administration. Though the economy saw modest conflict in the implementation of laws. improvement beginning in 2014, economic growth remains slow and the country's public debt is very high. The Italian Republic is divided into 20 regions, which are Unemployment is high, especially among the youth. further divided into 31 provinces. Each region holds some Transportation and Communications autonomy over education, the environment, and taxation. Buses and trains, the principal means of public Political Landscape transportation, are usually inexpensive compared to the Because numerous parties often hold seats in Parliament, rest of Europe but are famous for not being on time. it is difficult for one party to gain a majority. The 2017 Subways operate in Rome, , Naples, and Turin. election-reform law is expected to encourage governing Most households have at least one car. A domestic air coalitions. system operates between major cities. People and goods Some of the major political parties include the are also transported on the seas surrounding Italy. center-left Democratic Party (PD), the center-right Forza The communications system is modern and extensive Italia (FI), the right-wing Lega Nord (LN), and the but not always well maintained. Mail delivery is also populist Five Star Movement (M5S) party. Coalitions are unreliable at times. Cellular phone use is widespread; usually necessary but often fall apart during disputes, there are more cellular phones in Italy than telephone power struggles, or scandals; most governments last less landlines. Numerous radio and television stations than two years. Parties that combine to form coalitions broadcast on a regional basis, and Italians have access to usually are grouped as rightists, centrists, or leftists, many daily newspapers. Most newspapers are privately although some coalitions have combined opposing forces. owned and are often connected to a political party. The government's priorities include passing constitutional Broadcasters have also traditionally been subject to reforms to revive the stagnant economy.

7 TM CultureGrams Italy political influences. Silvio Berlusconi's Mediaset owns a Washington, DC 20008; phone (202) 612-4400; web site large concentration of Italy's media. The mafia www.ambwashingtondc.esteri.it. Italian Tourist Board, web occasionally influences the media, forcing journalists to site www.italia.it. report their stories carefully. The internet is commonly used by both businesses and individuals.

Education CapitalRome Structure and Access Population62,246,674 (rank=23) Area (sq.116,348 mi.) (rank=71) School attendance is free and compulsory for students Area (sq.301,340 km.) between the ages of six and sixteen. Italians are proud of Human29 Development of 189 countries Index their country's school system, and the majority of students Gender12 Inequality of 162 countries Index GDP (PPP)$38,200 per capita go to public schools. Private schools are mostly run by Adult Literacy99% (male); 99% (female) religious groups. The public school system is comprised of Infant Mortality3 per 1,000 births Life Expectancy81 (male); 86 (female) primary school (five years), middle school (three years), CurrencyEuro and high school (three to five years). At the completion of middle school and high school, students must pass exams in order to advance to the next level. Students can choose which type of high school they TM would like to attend.Scuole superiori, or high schools, CultureGrams prepare students for higher education; there are five types of scuole superiori: classical, scientific, human sciences, linguistic, and artistic. Students can also choose to go to a technical institute, which lasts five years and prepares students for a vocation and for university studies. Students who wish to enter the work force directly after high school may attend a professional institute for three to five years. School Life Classes are held Monday through Saturday in most regions. Education is a serious matter, and most young © 2020 ProQuest LLC and Brigham Young University. It is against the law people spend a great deal of time doing homework. to copy, reprint, store, or transmit any part of this publication in any form by Classes are taught in Italian. Students may take English, any means without strict written permission from ProQuest. German, or French classes in middle school. The main teaching method used in primary and secondary schools is rote memorization. Cheating on exams is commonplace. Students who wish to attend university must receive a passing grade on the high school exit exam. Graduation from high school takes place around age 19. Higher Education Both private and public universities are available in Italy. The cost of higher education is cheaper than in countries like the United States. La Sapienza, in Rome, is the largest university in Europe. The University of Bologna was founded in the 12th century and is one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world.

Health Healthcare services are coordinated through government agencies, and the government pays for most services. Individuals can choose their family physician. Private care is also available, but the patient must pay for it. Smoking is common, but the law bans smoking in enclosed public spaces such as restaurants.

AT A GLANCE

Contact Information Embassy of Italy, 3000 Whitehaven Street NW,

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