A Cultural Study of Italy

Culture, according to Webster’s is, “the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution or organization” defines culture. The world has many diverse cultures spread out through many different countries. The country of Italy has had an impact on the world through its unique geography, culture and history. Italian culture and influences on world economies can be seen everywhere from food to cars and clothes. The impact that Italy has had on the rest of the world is profound than you may think.

Rugged mountains, coastal lowlands and some plains define the Italian terrain. Italy, which has 7,600 kilometers of coastline, is a peninsula since the country juts into the Mediterranean Sea. It is located south of Austria and Switzerland, and borders France and Slovenia. The capital of Italy, Rome, is located almost at the geographic middle of the country, on the Western coast.

The weather in Italy is as diverse as its geography. The wintertime in the north of the country can be brutally cold, as seen throughout Europe, while the south can enjoy warm Mediterranean temperatures. There are four distinct seasons in Italy but the conditions for each vary throughout the country. These differences are common in geography similar to Italy’s where the inland and higher ground is different from the coastal plains and lowlands.

Hot and dry summers tend to be selling points drawing hundreds of thousands of tourists each year to Italy. This has an impact on the people of Italy by drawing in tourist money and helping to spread Italian influences and cultures to other groups and ethnicities while they are in the country. This is apparent in the number of Italian-style clothes distribut...

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Italy has the fifth-highest density of population at almost 500 people for every square mile. With a 2009 estimated population of 60.3 million people, Italy ranks 23rd worldwide—just behind the United Kingdom and France. The majority of the populace is Italian with a very small minority of migrants, but this has started to change due to a very low birthrate. The birthrate in Italy is 9.18 births for every 1,000 deaths; ranking the country at 209 in the world.

Italy has distinguished itself and its culture in many ways throughout its history. It continues to be a world power and hold influence over the ever-changing economy. The country of Italy has had an impact on the world through its unique geography, culture and history. Through its diversity and flexibility, Italy will remain a unique and prominent culture for the years to come.