I t a l y

In area, Italy is a little larger than Victoria. It has the shape of a large boot, but also includes the large island of Sicily, just west of the "toe" of Italy, and several other islands.

Italy has been a republic since 1946, when a referendum was held to decide whether to retain the monarchy or become a republic. The ancient city of Rome is the capital of Italy. It is famous for its historical sites and churches. Inside Rome is a separate nation, the Vatican, headed by the Pope, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

The climate of Italy varies from very hot in the south to "alpine" in the north, where there are snow-covered mountains.

EXERCISE

Mark each sentence TRUE or FALSE

1. The climate is much the same all over Italy.
2. Italy's population is not much larger than Victoria.
3. Rome is a very old city.
4. The Pope is the national leader of Italy.
5. Sicily has an "alpine" climate.
6. The Italians decided to make Italy a republic 52 years ago.

ITALY LINKS

COUNTRIES