Culture
Social Organization:
Family is a central part of the Italian culture, and provides stabilization for the people. In the southern region of the country Italians are very close with their extended as well as their nuclear families. It is common for extended members of the family to live together in one home. In the northern region of the country, nuclear families are more prevalent and usually only nuclear families live together. Family members have to help provide both financial and emotional support. (www.kwintessential.co.uk) Today many Italians have smaller nuclear families, instead of the large families like in Italy's past. Large nuclear families are associated more with the southern region of Italy. Even though the nuclear families have become smaller, there is still a strong sense of extended family throughout Italy, especially in the south. Members of the family such as grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins play a very important role in the everyday lives of many Italians. They have most likely been helped raised by these people instead of just parents. (www.lifeinitaly.com)
There are no specific set social classes in Italy, but there are different social divisions that are said to exist. One way that it is said the population of Italy is divided is between Italians and Non-Italians. Another way that is said Italy is divided is between the working class and the non-working class.
The last way says Italians are divided is into six different categories. The first category is the bourgeoisie which makes up 10% percent of the population and the people in this category are high-class entrepreneurs, self-employed people, and politicians. The second category is the white-collar middle class (20% of population) which are people who are in the middle class but not doing manual labor. The third category is the urban petite bourgeoisie (14%) which is made up of shopkeepers or small business owners. The fourth category is the rural petite bourgeoisie (10%) which is smaller entrepreneurs that work mainly with agriculture or forestry.The fifth division is the urban working class (37% of population) and is the largest social division. The final category is the urban working class (9%). (www.nationsencyclopedia.com)
Family is a central part of the Italian culture, and provides stabilization for the people. In the southern region of the country Italians are very close with their extended as well as their nuclear families. It is common for extended members of the family to live together in one home. In the northern region of the country, nuclear families are more prevalent and usually only nuclear families live together. Family members have to help provide both financial and emotional support. (www.kwintessential.co.uk) Today many Italians have smaller nuclear families, instead of the large families like in Italy's past. Large nuclear families are associated more with the southern region of Italy. Even though the nuclear families have become smaller, there is still a strong sense of extended family throughout Italy, especially in the south. Members of the family such as grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins play a very important role in the everyday lives of many Italians. They have most likely been helped raised by these people instead of just parents. (www.lifeinitaly.com)
There are no specific set social classes in Italy, but there are different social divisions that are said to exist. One way that it is said the population of Italy is divided is between Italians and Non-Italians. Another way that is said Italy is divided is between the working class and the non-working class.
The last way says Italians are divided is into six different categories. The first category is the bourgeoisie which makes up 10% percent of the population and the people in this category are high-class entrepreneurs, self-employed people, and politicians. The second category is the white-collar middle class (20% of population) which are people who are in the middle class but not doing manual labor. The third category is the urban petite bourgeoisie (14%) which is made up of shopkeepers or small business owners. The fourth category is the rural petite bourgeoisie (10%) which is smaller entrepreneurs that work mainly with agriculture or forestry.The fifth division is the urban working class (37% of population) and is the largest social division. The final category is the urban working class (9%). (www.nationsencyclopedia.com)
Customs and Traditions:
Italy's customs and traditions are impacted by religion, wealth, and the different regions. Style and appearance are important throughout the country because it helps to identify the background of the person, such as their wealth and social status. In Italy first impressions last, so it is important to make a good first impression that is both respectful and represents your social standing. Italians are style conscious and judge others on not just their clothes but also the way they carry themselves. Etiquette when meeting others is important in Italian culture. You have to wait until you are allowed, to call someone by there first name. When meeting handshake are given and they commonly kiss each others cheeks and pat the other's back. When invited to another's home it is important to bring a gift for the host. When gifts are given they are opened right away and it is important that if you are giving wine as a gift it is of good quality. Also when invited, being on time is not mandatory; many Italians arrive 15 to 30 minutes late. When eating you cannot sit down until told to and you cannot put your elbows on the table. It is also important that when eating, that fingers are never used, just utensils. Another large custom is that Italians prefer to meet face-to-face instead of through other means of communication. (www.kwintessential.co.uk)
Italy's customs and traditions are impacted by religion, wealth, and the different regions. Style and appearance are important throughout the country because it helps to identify the background of the person, such as their wealth and social status. In Italy first impressions last, so it is important to make a good first impression that is both respectful and represents your social standing. Italians are style conscious and judge others on not just their clothes but also the way they carry themselves. Etiquette when meeting others is important in Italian culture. You have to wait until you are allowed, to call someone by there first name. When meeting handshake are given and they commonly kiss each others cheeks and pat the other's back. When invited to another's home it is important to bring a gift for the host. When gifts are given they are opened right away and it is important that if you are giving wine as a gift it is of good quality. Also when invited, being on time is not mandatory; many Italians arrive 15 to 30 minutes late. When eating you cannot sit down until told to and you cannot put your elbows on the table. It is also important that when eating, that fingers are never used, just utensils. Another large custom is that Italians prefer to meet face-to-face instead of through other means of communication. (www.kwintessential.co.uk)
Religion:
Religion is another major aspect of culture in Italy. The main religion of Italy is Roman Catholicism, which makes up close to 88% of the population. (www.justlanded.com) This is not surprising as located in Italy is the Vatican City which is where the pope, who is the spiritual leader of Catholicism, resides, and is the core of the Catholic Religion. The second largest religion of Italy is Islam. Mostly immigrants and their children are apart of the Muslim population in Italy. There is also a small percentage of other Christians and Jews. (www.livescience.com) Religion has impacted the culture of Italy. Christianity, especially Catholicism has been a major religion for hundreds of years and has had major affects on the culture. Religious images, symbols, and beliefs are portrayed in a lot of Italy's art and literature. Religion also plays a huge part in Italy's customs and traditions. Even though not all of Italy's Catholics identify themselves as taking practice in the religion, their lives have been impacted by it. Most Italians have been baptized, named after saints, and have had their first communions. Religious events, holidays, and festivals still remain popular throughout the country. Catholicism has played a key part of Italy's architecture and almost every single town or city has a Catholic church in it.
Language:
The official language of Italy is Italian, but there are different dialects of Italian spoken throughout the country such as Venetian, Sardinian, and Sicilian. Other languages spoken in Italy include German, French, Slovenian, and Albanian. (www.livescience.com)
Food:
Food is way many Italians establish ties with their family and friends. In Italy, breakfast and dinner are usually smaller meals, whereas lunch is large. Italian food is very distinct and well known not just throughout the country but all over the world. Wine, cheese, pizza and pasta are the main parts of Italian meals. Pasta comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes, such as spaghetti, lasagna, and penne. Italians are also known for using herbs such as oregano, basil, and parsley. (www.foodbycountry.com) There are many cheeses made in Italy and those such as parmesan, mozzarella, and asiago are used all over. In the south of Italy, most meals have tomatoes within them whether it be in a sauce or fresh tomatoes, and the southern meals have garlic and olive oil. In the north, cheeses, fish, and pasta are some of the main ingredients, and stuffed pasta dishes are popular. (www.livescience.com)
Food is way many Italians establish ties with their family and friends. In Italy, breakfast and dinner are usually smaller meals, whereas lunch is large. Italian food is very distinct and well known not just throughout the country but all over the world. Wine, cheese, pizza and pasta are the main parts of Italian meals. Pasta comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes, such as spaghetti, lasagna, and penne. Italians are also known for using herbs such as oregano, basil, and parsley. (www.foodbycountry.com) There are many cheeses made in Italy and those such as parmesan, mozzarella, and asiago are used all over. In the south of Italy, most meals have tomatoes within them whether it be in a sauce or fresh tomatoes, and the southern meals have garlic and olive oil. In the north, cheeses, fish, and pasta are some of the main ingredients, and stuffed pasta dishes are popular. (www.livescience.com)
Sports:
In Italy, soccer is the most popular sport, with the national soccer team of Italy being well known for winning multiple World Cups. Skiing is also a popular winter sport in Italy, because of Italy's mountains. Italy is well known for hosting the Winter Olympics in 2006. (www.mapsoftheworld.com)
In Italy, soccer is the most popular sport, with the national soccer team of Italy being well known for winning multiple World Cups. Skiing is also a popular winter sport in Italy, because of Italy's mountains. Italy is well known for hosting the Winter Olympics in 2006. (www.mapsoftheworld.com)
Art and Literature:
Italy, over time, has been a major hub for culture. It is very well known for its art, architecture, and literature, especially during the Italian Renaissance. Many famous artists have been from Italy, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, whose art is very well-known. Italy has been the birth of many well known architecture styles, that can be seen throughout the world. The style of a basilica was born in Italy and this country has many famous structures such as the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter's Basilica.
Italy also has a major part in music, especially the musical style of opera. Many famous operas are still performed around the world in Italian. Museums and other art can be found throughout all of Italy, such as the famous painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. A lot of Italian art is based of religion images and symbols. Italy is also a huge center of fashion in the world. It is home to man famous high-end brands such as Gucci, Armani, and Versace and the city of Milan is a large fashion destination. (www.livescience.com)
Italy, over time, has been a major hub for culture. It is very well known for its art, architecture, and literature, especially during the Italian Renaissance. Many famous artists have been from Italy, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, whose art is very well-known. Italy has been the birth of many well known architecture styles, that can be seen throughout the world. The style of a basilica was born in Italy and this country has many famous structures such as the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter's Basilica.
Italy also has a major part in music, especially the musical style of opera. Many famous operas are still performed around the world in Italian. Museums and other art can be found throughout all of Italy, such as the famous painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. A lot of Italian art is based of religion images and symbols. Italy is also a huge center of fashion in the world. It is home to man famous high-end brands such as Gucci, Armani, and Versace and the city of Milan is a large fashion destination. (www.livescience.com)
Holidays:
The majority of Italians are Christian so the holidays of Christmas and Easter are widely celebrated. Many of the other celebrated holidays throughout Italy are religious based, such as All Saints Day on November 1st, the Epiphany, and the Assumption and Immaculate Conception of Mary. (www.livescience.com) Many of the other holidays in this country are the feast days of saints that towns, cities, and people are named after. A major public holiday that is not religious based is Liberation Day which is celebrated on April 25th and commemorates the ending of World War II in Italy in 1945. One last nation holiday is Republic Day which is celebrated on June 2nd, commemorating the day Italians voted to abolish the monarchy and become a republic. (www.timeanddate.com)
The majority of Italians are Christian so the holidays of Christmas and Easter are widely celebrated. Many of the other celebrated holidays throughout Italy are religious based, such as All Saints Day on November 1st, the Epiphany, and the Assumption and Immaculate Conception of Mary. (www.livescience.com) Many of the other holidays in this country are the feast days of saints that towns, cities, and people are named after. A major public holiday that is not religious based is Liberation Day which is celebrated on April 25th and commemorates the ending of World War II in Italy in 1945. One last nation holiday is Republic Day which is celebrated on June 2nd, commemorating the day Italians voted to abolish the monarchy and become a republic. (www.timeanddate.com)
Government:
Italy was a monarchy up until 1946, when the Italians voted to abolish it. The government of Italy is a parliamentary republic, and is made up of a president, prime minister, and a parliament. The parliament is divided into two separate chambers, the Senate of the Republic and the Chamber of Deputies. Both of these chambers of parliament are elected by the citizens of Italy, and have equal powers. The members of the parliament are re-elected every five years, and their main job is to pass laws that have been approved by both of the houses.
The president of Italy is elected by the parliament and is the head of state who represents the country's unity, and has to be a minimum age of 50 years old. Some of his jobs include implementing laws, declaring war, and ratifying treaties. Another important job of the President is to elect the Prime Minister. The President of the Republic appoints a Council of Ministers and the leader of this council is the Prime Minister, and the prime minister is an adviser to the president. Legislative power rests with both the chambers in parliament and the Council of Ministers. (www.justlanded.com) The current President of Italy is Giorgio Napolitano who was elected in 2006. The current Prime Minister of Italy is Matteo Renzi.
There are no major conflicts currently between the Italian government and the citizens of Italy, and the relationship between the two does not have any major tension. Towards the end of 2014, there is a political scandal that is still under public investigation, where an embezzlement of public funds in Rome took place for over a decade by the government, and has led to many arrests and investigations of political leaders. There is also an ongoing issue between the Italian government and the Mafia. Other than those two issues, there are no other hot-button issues in the Italian government.
Economy:
Italy has an industrial economy, that is divided by the northern and southern regions. The north of Italy is more economically developed, and is controlled by private companies. The south, however, is less economically developed and is mainly based off of agriculture. The unemployment rate in the south is high as well. A large part of the Italian economy is managed by family owned corporations that manufacture high-quality goods. (www.internationlliving.com) In the south, workers mostly work in small businesses. In the richer north, the economy is mostly dominated by large companies that employ many people.
Italy's economy and industry had largely been influenced by the government, but private companies have begun to take more control. One major issue towards the economy is the decline in agriculture. Tourism also plays a large role in the economy of Italy. (www.zainoo.com) The major exports of Italy include: motor vehicles, food, beverages, engineering products, textiles and clothing, chemicals, and minerals. Another major export of Italy is wine. The major imports of Italy include: energy and engineering products, clothing, tobacco and food, chemicals, and minerals and nonferrous metals. Italy mainly trades with the following countries: Germany, France, United States, United Kingdom, China, Spain, Netherlands, and Russia. (www.economywatch.com) Italy is apart of the European Union so it adapts to certain trade policies.
Italy was a monarchy up until 1946, when the Italians voted to abolish it. The government of Italy is a parliamentary republic, and is made up of a president, prime minister, and a parliament. The parliament is divided into two separate chambers, the Senate of the Republic and the Chamber of Deputies. Both of these chambers of parliament are elected by the citizens of Italy, and have equal powers. The members of the parliament are re-elected every five years, and their main job is to pass laws that have been approved by both of the houses.
The president of Italy is elected by the parliament and is the head of state who represents the country's unity, and has to be a minimum age of 50 years old. Some of his jobs include implementing laws, declaring war, and ratifying treaties. Another important job of the President is to elect the Prime Minister. The President of the Republic appoints a Council of Ministers and the leader of this council is the Prime Minister, and the prime minister is an adviser to the president. Legislative power rests with both the chambers in parliament and the Council of Ministers. (www.justlanded.com) The current President of Italy is Giorgio Napolitano who was elected in 2006. The current Prime Minister of Italy is Matteo Renzi.
There are no major conflicts currently between the Italian government and the citizens of Italy, and the relationship between the two does not have any major tension. Towards the end of 2014, there is a political scandal that is still under public investigation, where an embezzlement of public funds in Rome took place for over a decade by the government, and has led to many arrests and investigations of political leaders. There is also an ongoing issue between the Italian government and the Mafia. Other than those two issues, there are no other hot-button issues in the Italian government.
Economy:
Italy has an industrial economy, that is divided by the northern and southern regions. The north of Italy is more economically developed, and is controlled by private companies. The south, however, is less economically developed and is mainly based off of agriculture. The unemployment rate in the south is high as well. A large part of the Italian economy is managed by family owned corporations that manufacture high-quality goods. (www.internationlliving.com) In the south, workers mostly work in small businesses. In the richer north, the economy is mostly dominated by large companies that employ many people.
Italy's economy and industry had largely been influenced by the government, but private companies have begun to take more control. One major issue towards the economy is the decline in agriculture. Tourism also plays a large role in the economy of Italy. (www.zainoo.com) The major exports of Italy include: motor vehicles, food, beverages, engineering products, textiles and clothing, chemicals, and minerals. Another major export of Italy is wine. The major imports of Italy include: energy and engineering products, clothing, tobacco and food, chemicals, and minerals and nonferrous metals. Italy mainly trades with the following countries: Germany, France, United States, United Kingdom, China, Spain, Netherlands, and Russia. (www.economywatch.com) Italy is apart of the European Union so it adapts to certain trade policies.
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