Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world. But beyond the main tourist attractions, there is a lot to discover about this beautiful country. The locals have their own customs and traditions, especially when it comes to food.
Italians are very proud of their country. They are also very family-oriented. The family is the most important part of their life, and they often seek advice from elders even after they’re adults. Children are encouraged to live with their grandparents for as long as possible. It’s also common for Italians to have children late in life, as they need time to find a job and build up their savings.
This is what makes Italy such a great place to raise a family.
It is also home to some of the most prestigious universities in Europe, including Harvard, Princeton and Yale. The country has a rich history of literature and is famous for its painters, architects and sculptors. Some of the most well-known artists include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael.
Despite its low points following the Black Death and the political instability of the early 16th century, Italy had a remarkable rebirth in the Renaissance period, becoming one of the most vibrant hubs of European civilisation with a flourishing economy based on wheat and wool production. This was the period that gave birth to some of Italy’s greatest painters, architects and thinkers.
In the 19th century, Italy became a unified state under the rule of Victor Emmanuel II, with a constitution laying out a democratic republic. During World War I, it was on the side of the Allies, but it was forced into a disastrous alliance with Germany under Benito Mussolini in World War II.
Today, Italy is a parliamentary republic with a Prime Minister who has executive power (but not legislative). The President is a mostly representative figure elected for seven years with 58 electoral votes. Parliament is divided into two chambers, the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.
The tumultuous history of Italy has given it many different cultural identities, particularly in its dialects, cuisine and lifestyle. These identities are strengthened by the attitude of campanilismo, which translates as “belonging to a place” in its language, culture and traditions.
It is easy to see this attitude in the way Italians dress, eat and work. For example, a lot of Italians who live in the United States can still cook the meals of their childhood, even though they have moved far from Italy’s shores. They can also be found chatting with their friends over espresso and pasta in local coffee bars in New York City, or sharing plates of their grandmothers’ ragù in Brooklyn. Italy is an old country with a rich tradition, and its people are still finding ways to keep its spirit alive in the modern world.