Animals and Plants
What is growing in Italy?
Italy has very different landscapes from the Alps to Sicily. They therefore also offer a habitat for many different plants and animals. Deciduous trees grow in the lower elevations of the Alps, which then turn into conifers with increasing height. Above the tree line only grasses, lichens and mosses grow.
It looks completely different in Tuscany, for example, where cypress avenues dominate the scene. Particularly typical trees in Italy are the pine and the cork oak. You can also see olive and laurel trees.
Typical trees on the slopes of the Apennines are cypresses, chestnuts, stone and cork oaks. Pine and fir trees grow at higher altitudes.
The further south you go, the warmer it gets. Figs, almond trees, pomegranates and dates thrive here. Colorful flowers produce oleander and bougainvillea, which are also used as ornamental plants. The maquis grows in the south and on the west coast. These are dense bushes with thorns and lianas.
24 national parks are intended to protect the country’s nature. There are also 134 regional parks. These are nature parks that are also under special protection.
What animals live in Italy?
Ibex, chamois, marmots, ermines and eagles live in the Alps and the Apennines. Bears and wolves are now also appearing again. You immigrated from Slovenia. Lynx and fox are other animal inhabitants. Lizards like to sunbathe on the warm stones in the southern climes.
Birds live in Italy too, of course. Many come through the country as migratory birds on their way south in autumn – and when they return in spring.
A colorful world of fish reveals itself to divers in the Mediterranean. Tuna and swordfish also live in the water around Italy.
Economy
North and south
According to listofusnewspapers, Italy has a highly developed industry in the north, while the south is more dominated by agriculture. The south is poorer. In the 1950s to 1970s, many southern Italians therefore moved to the north, especially to Milan, Turin and Genoa, where there was much more work than in the south.
Even today, unemployment is higher in the south than in the north. One speaks of a north-south divide. Overall, however, Italy is one of the largest economies in the world. Nevertheless, many families are affected by poverty – also here in the south more than in the north.
Wine and oil from Italy
Agriculture plays only a minor role for the economy as a whole: it generates 2.1 percent and 3.9 percent of the workforce in this area. Yet it does produce some significant products.
Grapes are grown on large areas and are used to make wine. Italy is now the largest wine producer in the world, ahead of France (as of 2015). When it comes to olive oil, the Italians only have to admit defeat to the Spanish.
Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, aubergines, zucchini, melons and rocket are also grown and exported. Milk from Italian cows is the basis for numerous types of cheese such as Parmesan or Pecorino. Mozzarella is originally made from the milk of water buffalo.
Transportation and clothing
Industry generates 24 percent of the entire economy. Above all means of transport such as ships, planes and cars are being built. Maybe you know the car brands Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari. They are all made in Italy. The Vespa scooter is built by Piaggio.
Well-known Italian clothing brands are Benetton and Diesel or the designers Prada, Versace and Armani. Ferrero manufactures confectionery. However, it is mostly small, family-run businesses that make up Italy’s industry. 95 percent of all companies belong to it.
Tourists from all over the world
As in the other western industrialized countries, the service sector now occupies the largest part of the economy in Italy. Retail, gastronomy, finance and telecommunications are part of it.
Tourism has also played an important role in Italy for decades. In addition to the Alps, the coasts and islands are the main destination for many foreign visitors. Historical cities and archaeological excavations are also visited by many people. Around 48 million people come to Italy every year. Behind France, the USA, Spain and China, Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world.
