An Outline of Italy for Travelers
May 9th, 2009 | 
Author: Rome, the Winter Olympic Games , Wine, Ferrari, gorgeous beaches – Italy has it all. If you are considering journeying to Italy, these are some things you should know.
An Overview of Italy for Travelers
From a ECU viewpoint, there’s little doubt that Italy is the foundation of modern society in the West. This is conclusion is basically due to two facts, the reign of the Romans and the Roman Catholic Church.
In more modern times, Italy became a nation-state in 1861 when the city-states of the peninsula, along with Sardinia and Sicily, were united under King Victor Emmanuel II. An era of parliamentary government came to a close in the early 1920s when Benito Mussolini established a Fascist dictatorship. His catastrophic coalition with Fascist Germany led to Italy’s defeat in World War Two.
A democratic republic replaced the monarchy in 1946 and economic revival followed. Italy was a charter member of the European Economic Community. It’s been at the forefront of European economic and political unification. Determined issues include illegal immigration, organized crime, corruption, high unemployment, lethargic industrial expansion, and the low incomes and technical standards of southern Italy compared to the prosperous north.
If you’re going to Italy, here are some basic things you want to know.
1. Northern Italy is well off whilst the south is not.
2. Italy is slightly larger state of Arizona.
3. Italy’s climate is mostly Mediterranean with Alpine in far north and hot, dry areas in the south.
4. Vatican Town in Rome is considered an independent country.
5. You cannot get into any area of the Vatican wearing shorts.
6. Rome had the first paved streets in 170 B.C. Vehicles had to be banned because of traffic jams!
7. Roman gladiators were the 1st sportsmen to advocate products.
8. Considered one of the oddest Emperors, Caligula appointed his horse to a senate position among other more infamous actions.
9. Roman ordinances were awfully practical. The heads may be removed and replaced to reflect the changes in political climate.
10. When the Roman army lost a battle, they actually took it hard. Commanders would kill every tenth soldier under their command. This act is the root of the word “decimate.”
11. Surprising to several is the fact there were important time periods where traditional Rome had no Emperor. The senate would rule. In times of threat, the senate would elect a person as Emperor. He had absolute power, giving rise to the term dictator.
12. Huge pc.s of Romans died from lead poisoning. They used is as a sweetener!
13. In the early 1900’s, Prince Piero Ginori Conti invented the geothermal pump. He is regarded the father of modern geothermal power.
14. 20 Italians have won the Nobel Prize.
15. Michelangelo’s actual name is Michelangelo Buonarroti.
16. The population of Italy as of 2005 was 58,103,033 people.
17. The flag of Italy was inspired by the French flag brought in 1797 by Napoleon.
18. Lehman Brothers owns 7 p.c of Ferrari.
19. Italy trails only Brazil in World Cup wins.
Italy is an amazing country with colorful, animated folk. From traditional culture to a bustling modern country, a trip to Italy is tough to beat.
For more information about travel and useful tips for tourists, visit famouswonders.com and check out important places in Italy.
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