Country Statistics
Languages- Italian, French, German are spoken, but Italian is the most common.
Religion- 80% of people are Christian , mainly Roman Catholic. 20% are Atheists
Ethnic Groups- Italians which includes groups of German, French, and Slovene- Italians
Age- Largest amount of people 65 years and older
Life Expectancy -81 years old
Capital- is Rome where about 3 million people live
Languages- Italian, French, German are spoken, but Italian is the most common.
Religion- 80% of people are Christian , mainly Roman Catholic. 20% are Atheists
Ethnic Groups- Italians which includes groups of German, French, and Slovene- Italians
Age- Largest amount of people 65 years and older
Life Expectancy -81 years old
Capital- is Rome where about 3 million people live
Below are 3 different images that represent growth among energy usage, population growth, and products exported. In all of these images you can see Italy continued to grow in these categories and stayed on an upward path. I think the greatest growth is the change in population because if you look at the image for population you will see how Italy has progressed over the last 200 years. In addition from looking at the population image you will see the only time population decrease was in 1918 because of WWI , where Italy lost 600,000 soldiers. Also from looking at these images you can see that starting in 1961 there is evidence that Italy began exporting products. Although the exporting image does not show as many years at the population one, you can still see how time helped exporting to increase. As each year came Italy began to export and grow in this category which is evident from the image below. Another interesting image I found concerning Italy is their energy usage. I found this extremely important because of how often energy is used now on a daily basis. I also thought about how energy can be used in various ways such as nuclear energy. Just like the other two images Italy`s energy usage continues to increase from 1960 to 2010. Overall I hope you find these images helpful in learning more about Italy and also find them interesting like I do!
The image below shows Italys energy usage from 1960 to 2010.
The image below shows Italys population growth throughout the years.
The image below shows the amount of products exported from Italy and how that number has changed throughout the year.
Below are some links to provide more information about the culture and social development of Italy. I hope you enjoy!
This first link provides a good amount of background knowledge about Italy`s social development to help familiarize you with this topic.
http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Europe/Italy-SOCIAL-DEVELOPMENT.html
This next link provides you with information on Italy`s culture in a easy to understand format. Besides culture this link also provides other fun facts about their language and customs.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/italy-country-profile.html
This last link provides more information about Italy`s including how important art is and also how children play a role.
http://www.zainoo.com/en/italy/culture
This first link provides a good amount of background knowledge about Italy`s social development to help familiarize you with this topic.
http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Europe/Italy-SOCIAL-DEVELOPMENT.html
This next link provides you with information on Italy`s culture in a easy to understand format. Besides culture this link also provides other fun facts about their language and customs.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/italy-country-profile.html
This last link provides more information about Italy`s including how important art is and also how children play a role.
http://www.zainoo.com/en/italy/culture
In the below pie chart you can see a breakdown of religion in Italy.
Here is some more information about the Religion of Italy.
In Italy there are two main religions, which are Christianity and Atheists. Atheists make up 20 percent of the religion for Italy while Christians make up 80 percent. Christianity is the belief in Jesus also called God and believing in salvation through god. Christianity was established in 33 BC and became popular in the Roman Empire. Indeed Rome has been what is considered the center of Christianity since Emperor Constantine made it the official religion of the Roman Empire in 325 A.D. Atheists are thought to have been around since the Earth was first made and they are simply people who do not believe in or worship a god. (McGee) Known as non- believers these people do not care for religion as they think God is not real. Therefore they do no worship or support a god, but instead believe that there is no such god and no such thing as salvation. As the years have passed Atheists have grown as a religion due to the doubts and questions about a true after life. Furthermore as science advances people are coming up with more and more questions about God. Why people are turning Atheists is still a mystery to historians, but most believe it is due to the lack of evidence concerning religions. ( McGee) Today both religions are continuing to grow with more people being born and exposed to different religions through word of mouth.
Religion has long been a main focus when you visit Italy. In fact it has always played a huge role in the culture and development. For example if you look around in Italy you will see churches, monasteries, and shrines. (Globerover) What truly separates and defines Italy from the rest of Europe is its preservation and use of these sacred places. Italians have not turned these places of worship into museums like other countries, but instead still use them for their sole purpose. (Boston) Furthermore the city of Rome has long been the center of Christians for thousands of years. People in Italy are encouraged to go to church and most churches are left open on a daily basis. Although not always busy on weekdays these churches pack people in for weekend services and holidays. (Boston) Overall religion continues to play a large role on people living in Italy since there is religion all around them.
Like I mentioned in the previous paragraph Italy is heavy on religion and praying. Therefore there are many different sacred places to visit inside this beautiful country. Today the Vatican and St. Francis of Assisi are popular places to visit. Italy is made up of many churches and shrines that interest citizens and tourists alike. Additional sites to visit include Paestum Green Temples and Sant`Antimo Abbey. ( Sacred) Overall Italy is full of sacred places to worship and see.
The religions of Italy and their government are connected in a few important ways. For starters religion classes are offered in school and students are encouraged to take them. However students currently have a choice on whether to take them or not. In addition teachers that teach these courses are hired and paid by the government. (Boston) Furthermore the government vows to protect Italians with freedom of religion and citizens say they uphold this and do not abuse it. In fact there is no state religion and the Constitution prohibits state support for private schools. ( Seeitalia) All in all Italy is known for keeping its government separate from its religion.
Religion has long been a main focus when you visit Italy. In fact it has always played a huge role in the culture and development. For example if you look around in Italy you will see churches, monasteries, and shrines. (Globerover) What truly separates and defines Italy from the rest of Europe is its preservation and use of these sacred places. Italians have not turned these places of worship into museums like other countries, but instead still use them for their sole purpose. (Boston) Furthermore the city of Rome has long been the center of Christians for thousands of years. People in Italy are encouraged to go to church and most churches are left open on a daily basis. Although not always busy on weekdays these churches pack people in for weekend services and holidays. (Boston) Overall religion continues to play a large role on people living in Italy since there is religion all around them.
Like I mentioned in the previous paragraph Italy is heavy on religion and praying. Therefore there are many different sacred places to visit inside this beautiful country. Today the Vatican and St. Francis of Assisi are popular places to visit. Italy is made up of many churches and shrines that interest citizens and tourists alike. Additional sites to visit include Paestum Green Temples and Sant`Antimo Abbey. ( Sacred) Overall Italy is full of sacred places to worship and see.
The religions of Italy and their government are connected in a few important ways. For starters religion classes are offered in school and students are encouraged to take them. However students currently have a choice on whether to take them or not. In addition teachers that teach these courses are hired and paid by the government. (Boston) Furthermore the government vows to protect Italians with freedom of religion and citizens say they uphold this and do not abuse it. In fact there is no state religion and the Constitution prohibits state support for private schools. ( Seeitalia) All in all Italy is known for keeping its government separate from its religion.
In the below map of World Religions you will see how Italy is 80% Christian due to the large amounts of purple that covers the country.
The above image is from http://www.mapcruzin.com/free-maps-italy/italy_ind_1972.jpg . This map shows what is produced and distributed in Italy.
Biodiversity in Italy
Like many other countries Italy has also been effected by the environment surrounding the country. In large part Italy is effected by the weather because its crops thrive in certain temperatures. For example grapes in Italy grow once the warmer weather starts to peak. Another example of how dependent Italy is on the weather can be seen through blood oranges which also require the warmer weather to grow. (Bio 1) Furthermore Italy is influenced in other ways by the surrounding environment. Another example is how dependent Italians are on their surroundings and how they truly depend on what nature provides them. As I mentioned above Italians are able to live off of fruits and grains grown through nature, but they are also able to thrive off of the seafood that is around them. Due to being near the Mediterranean Sea Italians are known for eating dishes that include clams, snails, and also swordfish. Therefore people are depending on the Sea and Oceans as well to provide food for them. (Hills)
In addition Italians are particular when it comes to the way they eat fresh fruits and vegetables. An example of this is how Italians like to wash and then peel the skin of fruits or vegetables to avoid any pesticides or other germs. (Hill) This custom or tradition has effected how Italians view their fresh produce now a days because this was not a former tradition. In fact it is believed to be a tradition because Italians want to impress god with their cleanliness. From my research I also read that on certain holidays such as Holy Friday and Christmas Italians are forbidden to eat any meats. This is believed to be a religious observance and tradition that is still up held today. (Hill)
Furthermore Italy protects its environment such as the sea animals in the ocean which are both a food source and tourist attraction by placing strict limits. These limits include placing weight and size limits as well as limiting the amount of an animal caught per given time period. An example of this could be seen through the whales in Italy’s surrounding water which it limits by tracking them through submarines. (Hill) Due to trying to preserve and save these animals some animals such as the Fin Whale are on the endangered species list. (Bio2)
Another important part of the biodiversity in Italy is how big a part tourists play in the surrounding environment. (Bio 2) From taking boat rides in the Mediterranean Sea to touring the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Lake Como and Lake Garda. There is plenty to see and do in Italy which is why the government must protect these nature beauties and other attractions to ensure they stay in the current state that they are. (Bio2)
Like many other countries Italy has also been effected by the environment surrounding the country. In large part Italy is effected by the weather because its crops thrive in certain temperatures. For example grapes in Italy grow once the warmer weather starts to peak. Another example of how dependent Italy is on the weather can be seen through blood oranges which also require the warmer weather to grow. (Bio 1) Furthermore Italy is influenced in other ways by the surrounding environment. Another example is how dependent Italians are on their surroundings and how they truly depend on what nature provides them. As I mentioned above Italians are able to live off of fruits and grains grown through nature, but they are also able to thrive off of the seafood that is around them. Due to being near the Mediterranean Sea Italians are known for eating dishes that include clams, snails, and also swordfish. Therefore people are depending on the Sea and Oceans as well to provide food for them. (Hills)
In addition Italians are particular when it comes to the way they eat fresh fruits and vegetables. An example of this is how Italians like to wash and then peel the skin of fruits or vegetables to avoid any pesticides or other germs. (Hill) This custom or tradition has effected how Italians view their fresh produce now a days because this was not a former tradition. In fact it is believed to be a tradition because Italians want to impress god with their cleanliness. From my research I also read that on certain holidays such as Holy Friday and Christmas Italians are forbidden to eat any meats. This is believed to be a religious observance and tradition that is still up held today. (Hill)
Furthermore Italy protects its environment such as the sea animals in the ocean which are both a food source and tourist attraction by placing strict limits. These limits include placing weight and size limits as well as limiting the amount of an animal caught per given time period. An example of this could be seen through the whales in Italy’s surrounding water which it limits by tracking them through submarines. (Hill) Due to trying to preserve and save these animals some animals such as the Fin Whale are on the endangered species list. (Bio2)
Another important part of the biodiversity in Italy is how big a part tourists play in the surrounding environment. (Bio 2) From taking boat rides in the Mediterranean Sea to touring the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Lake Como and Lake Garda. There is plenty to see and do in Italy which is why the government must protect these nature beauties and other attractions to ensure they stay in the current state that they are. (Bio2)
The image below shows a typical farmers market in Italy where fresh fruits and vegetables grown locally are sold.
The image below shows a typical fresh food seafood market where Italian fisher men sell food straight from the Mediterranean Sea.
Food in Italy
The image above shows a family of 5 from Sicily, Italy with their groceries from one week. This food would cost them 1,862.78 pesos or $189.09 dollars in America. As you can see from this photo Italians eat a lot of bread, fruit, and fresh vegetables. If I had to create another photo similar to this one I would include mostly fresh vegetables and fruits, along with fresh meats and breads, I would also include some basic canned items such as pasta sauce and tomatoes. In addition I think it would be smart to include some soda and juice because from looking at pictures it seems Italians often have something besides water to drink. Overall I think it would be really important to have those items that are used daily or weekly when cooking in a Italian home. In my opinion this includes lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, and pasta noodles.
When researching a popular Italian recipe I came across tiramisu. This is a popular Italian dessert made with lady fingers dipped in chocolate and flavored with coffee. I choose this dish because from doing research these last coupe of weeks I found myself often reading about tiramisu and how it is a dessert custom to Italian families. I also think it was important to choose this dish because it sums of the Italian culture and how they love to cook with fresh ingredients and make home made food. Listed below is the recipe for tiramisu from food network cook Giada De Laurentiis.
Ingredients
*6 egg yolks
3 tablespoons sugar
1 pound mascarpone cheese
1 1/2 cups strong espresso, cooled
2 teaspoons dark rum
24 packaged ladyfingers
1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate shavings, for garnish
Directions
1.In a large bowl, using an electric mixer with whisk attachment, beat egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale, or about 5 minutes. Add mascarpone cheese and then beat until smooth. Next add 1 tablespoon of espresso and mix until thoroughly combined.
2.In a small dish, add remaining espresso and rum. Dip each ladyfinger briefly into espresso for only 5 seconds. Letting the ladyfingers soak too long will cause them to fall apart. Place the soaked ladyfinger on the bottom of a 13 by 9 inch baking dish, breaking them in half if necessary in order to fit the bottom.
3.Spread evenly 1/2 of the mascarpone mixture over top of the ladyfingers. After that arrange another layer of soaked ladyfingers and top with remaining mascarpone mixture.
4.Cover tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 8 hours.
5.Lastly before serving, sprinkle with fresh chocolate shavings.
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/tiramisu-recipe/index.html?oc=linkback
Also from my research I found out that Italians are not forced to eat certain foods due to their religion, but they are expected to uphold certain traditions.
For example during lent no meat is suppose to be consumed. Therefore meals were mostly made of bread, cheese, and vegetables during this time. I also learned that for the holiday Easter Italians will consume roasted lamb, whereas Americans normally have Ham. In addition on Fridays Italians often consume a dish thats includes fish. This is an old tradition that used to be enforced by priests ,but no longer is. However, many Italians still consume fish on Fridays.
Italians eat a lot of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, breads, and other various meats. Therefore much of their food comes from in Italy and the surrounding area such as the Mediterranean Sea. Inside Italy fresh fruit and vegetables like oranges, grapes, olives, and tomatoes are grown. In addition pigs,sheep, and cattle are raised on farms. Due to being so close to the Mediterranean Sea Italians are use to fresh sea food such as clams, cod fish, and mussels.
When researching a popular Italian recipe I came across tiramisu. This is a popular Italian dessert made with lady fingers dipped in chocolate and flavored with coffee. I choose this dish because from doing research these last coupe of weeks I found myself often reading about tiramisu and how it is a dessert custom to Italian families. I also think it was important to choose this dish because it sums of the Italian culture and how they love to cook with fresh ingredients and make home made food. Listed below is the recipe for tiramisu from food network cook Giada De Laurentiis.
Ingredients
*6 egg yolks
3 tablespoons sugar
1 pound mascarpone cheese
1 1/2 cups strong espresso, cooled
2 teaspoons dark rum
24 packaged ladyfingers
1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate shavings, for garnish
Directions
1.In a large bowl, using an electric mixer with whisk attachment, beat egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale, or about 5 minutes. Add mascarpone cheese and then beat until smooth. Next add 1 tablespoon of espresso and mix until thoroughly combined.
2.In a small dish, add remaining espresso and rum. Dip each ladyfinger briefly into espresso for only 5 seconds. Letting the ladyfingers soak too long will cause them to fall apart. Place the soaked ladyfinger on the bottom of a 13 by 9 inch baking dish, breaking them in half if necessary in order to fit the bottom.
3.Spread evenly 1/2 of the mascarpone mixture over top of the ladyfingers. After that arrange another layer of soaked ladyfingers and top with remaining mascarpone mixture.
4.Cover tiramisu with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 8 hours.
5.Lastly before serving, sprinkle with fresh chocolate shavings.
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/tiramisu-recipe/index.html?oc=linkback
Also from my research I found out that Italians are not forced to eat certain foods due to their religion, but they are expected to uphold certain traditions.
For example during lent no meat is suppose to be consumed. Therefore meals were mostly made of bread, cheese, and vegetables during this time. I also learned that for the holiday Easter Italians will consume roasted lamb, whereas Americans normally have Ham. In addition on Fridays Italians often consume a dish thats includes fish. This is an old tradition that used to be enforced by priests ,but no longer is. However, many Italians still consume fish on Fridays.
Italians eat a lot of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, breads, and other various meats. Therefore much of their food comes from in Italy and the surrounding area such as the Mediterranean Sea. Inside Italy fresh fruit and vegetables like oranges, grapes, olives, and tomatoes are grown. In addition pigs,sheep, and cattle are raised on farms. Due to being so close to the Mediterranean Sea Italians are use to fresh sea food such as clams, cod fish, and mussels.
References are listed below for additional information that is on this page.
http://www.theitalianfarmerstable.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/San-Miguel-Market-.jpg
http://italyshoppe.com/Italy-Pictures/Art-Prints/Art-Prints-Large/Fruit-Stand-Italy.jpg
http://www.italianfoodforever.com/recipes/
http://www.euromonitor.com/fresh-food-in-italy/report
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/tiramisu-recipe/index.html
http://www.zo.utexas.edu/courses/Thoc/image00256.jpg
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/italy_and_world_war_one.htm
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/it.html
http://www.italia.it/en/travel-ideas/religion-and-spirituality.html
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/it.html
http://findingjustice.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/distribution-of-world-religions-map.png
Boston, R. (2004, December 4). Wall of Separation . Americas United. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/when-in-rome-how-cooperation-between-religion-and-government-in-italy-is
Italy Main Religions | Globerove. (n.d.).Globerove. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://globerove.com/italy/italy-main-religions/305
Italy’s Religion | Globerove. (n.d.).Globerove. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://globerove.com/italy/italy-s-religion/3507
Italy Sacred Sites and Religious Places - Religious and Historical Attractions in Italy. (n.d.). Sacred Sites and Religious Travel - Sacred Destinations. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/sacred-sites
McGee, S. (n.d.). Religions of Italy | Italy. Italy | Italy daily News, Weather, All you need to know about Italy. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://www.lifeinitaly.com/religion/religion.a
Religion in Italy - Italy Religion - seeitalia.com. (n.d.). Travel Italy - Italy Travel Guide, Vacations & Tourist Information. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://www.seeitalia.com/essentials/religion/
http://www.theitalianfarmerstable.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/San-Miguel-Market-.jpg
http://italyshoppe.com/Italy-Pictures/Art-Prints/Art-Prints-Large/Fruit-Stand-Italy.jpg
http://www.italianfoodforever.com/recipes/
http://www.euromonitor.com/fresh-food-in-italy/report
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/tiramisu-recipe/index.html
http://www.zo.utexas.edu/courses/Thoc/image00256.jpg
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/italy_and_world_war_one.htm
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/it.html
http://www.italia.it/en/travel-ideas/religion-and-spirituality.html
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/it.html
http://findingjustice.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/distribution-of-world-religions-map.png
Boston, R. (2004, December 4). Wall of Separation . Americas United. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from https://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/when-in-rome-how-cooperation-between-religion-and-government-in-italy-is
Italy Main Religions | Globerove. (n.d.).Globerove. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://globerove.com/italy/italy-main-religions/305
Italy’s Religion | Globerove. (n.d.).Globerove. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://globerove.com/italy/italy-s-religion/3507
Italy Sacred Sites and Religious Places - Religious and Historical Attractions in Italy. (n.d.). Sacred Sites and Religious Travel - Sacred Destinations. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/sacred-sites
McGee, S. (n.d.). Religions of Italy | Italy. Italy | Italy daily News, Weather, All you need to know about Italy. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://www.lifeinitaly.com/religion/religion.a
Religion in Italy - Italy Religion - seeitalia.com. (n.d.). Travel Italy - Italy Travel Guide, Vacations & Tourist Information. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://www.seeitalia.com/essentials/religion/