Italy (6do encyclopedia)



Italy, officially known as the Italian Republic, is a unitary parliamentary republic in Southern Europe. The country is a cultural powerhouse, with a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Italy is also known for its beautiful art, architecture, cuisine, and fashion.

Geography

Italy is a Mediterranean country and is bounded by the Adriatic Sea on the east, the Ionian Sea on the southeast, the Tyrrhenian Sea on the west and the Ligurian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea on the south. The country’s terrain is almost exclusively hilly or mountainous, with the Alps forming the northern boundary of the country. Italy features two autonomous states, Valle d’Aosta and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and also has several islands, including Sicily and Sardinia.

Climate

Italy’s climate is predominantly Mediterranean, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. However, the climate varies significantly depending on the region. In the northern regions of the country, the climate is continental, with hot summers and cold winters, while in the southern regions, the climate is more arid, with hot summers and mild winters. Overall, Italy has a great climate that attracts visitors all year round.

Culture

Italy has a rich culture, with a long history in art, literature, music, and cinema. Italian culture has been shaped by various influences throughout its history, including the Etruscan and the Roman civilizations, the Renaissance, and the Catholic church. Italy is home to many famous artistic treasures such as the statue of David by Michelangelo, the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, and the Sistine Chapel.

Architecture

Italian architecture is known for its elegance, beauty, and attention to detail. The country boasts a vast array of architectural styles ranging from Romanesque to Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. The most iconic Italian architectural structures include the Colosseum in Rome, the leaning tower of Pisa, and the Duomo di Milano.

Food and wine

Italian cuisine is one of the most popular and appreciated in the world. The country’s culinary traditions vary from region to region, and many Italian dishes are known for their simple yet delicious recipes. Popular Italian dishes include pizza, pasta, risotto, and gelato. Italy is also known for its wine, with famous wine regions such as Tuscany, Piedmont, and Veneto.

Fashion

Italian fashion is internationally renowned, and many of the world’s most famous fashion houses are located in Italy. The country has always been at the forefront of fashion, with numerous designers who have gained worldwide recognition. Famous fashion designers such as Prada, Gucci, Versace, and Armani are all Italian.

Economy

Italy is a developed country and has the fourth-largest economy in the European Union. Its main industries are tourism, fashion, design, manufacturing, and food processing. The country is a prominent member of the G7, the G20, the NATO, the OECD, and the EU.

Politics

Italy is a parliamentary democracy, and its political system is based on the constitution of 1948. The President of the Republic is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of the government. The Parliament is made up of two houses, the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.

Tourism

Tourism is a significant contributor to the Italian economy, with millions of visitors traveling to Italy each year. The country’s rich history, stunning art, and architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine all make it a popular tourist destination. The most popular Italian destinations include Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan.

Conclusion

Italy is a beautiful and fascinating country with a rich history, culture, and tradition. The country has contributed significantly to the world in art, literature, music, food, and fashion. Italy is one of the top tourist destinations in the world and is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience beauty, culture, and elegance.


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Zelenskyy praises Germany’s €2.7bn military aid pledge to Ukraine

Financial Times

23-05-14 13:19


Germany has announced €2.7bn ($3bn) of additional military support to Ukraine and will build a weapons factory in the country, with German company Rheinmetall set to participate in the latter. The new funding comes on top of €4.2bn already provided by Germany since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The deal was hailed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who met Chancellor Olaf Scholz during a trip to the country. The move marks a significant change in bilateral relations, as during the onset of the conflict Kyiv had accused Berlin of delaying support.

https://www.ft.com/content/43e39bca-3e49-4011-b79f-b11d4f24426b
Meat does have a place in a healthy diet – but there is a catch

Telegraph

23-05-14 12:00


The British public needs to eat less meat, but it isn’t solely down to health and environmental reasons, according to a new book from the founder of Leon fast food chain, Henry Dimbleby, and food journalist, Bee Wilson. The book, Ravenous, says that eating habits are changing as we are eating more ultra-processed food. The UK now buys a third of all the plant-based meat or dairy alternatives in Europe. However, a cheap, ultra-processed pizza – with or without pepperoni – is much less nutritious than an old-fashioned, home-cooked plate of meat and two veg, which used to be a staple of our diets.

The rights and wrongs of eating meat are complicated. The scientific consensus is that, eaten sparingly, in modest quantities and alongside plenty of vegetables, fresh meat is an excellent food. Red meat is best limited to 70g a day, and processed meat should be eaten sparingly, as there is now strong evidence that it increases the risk of cancer. Scientists also agree that it is perfectly possible to get all the nutrients you need from a vegan diet.

The global food system is the second-biggest cause of climate change after the fossil fuel industry - it is impossible to tackle any of these harms without addressing the problem of meat. Growing plants for human consumption produces around 12 times more calories per hectare than rearing meat. However, an incredible 85 per cent of the farmland that feeds the UK is used for rearing livestock. If everyone in the UK reduced their intake of meat and dairy by one-third, that would free up around 20 per cent of the UK’s farmland for better uses.


https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/nutrition/diet/why-meat-has-a-place-in-a-healthy-diet/

LIVE — Ukraine's Zelenskyy thanks Germany for support

Deutsche Welle

23-05-14 10:47


The German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has pledged ongoing support to Ukraine as it seeks to repel Russian attacks, following a meeting with Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Berlin. A new aid package worth €2.7bn included 30 of Germany’s Leopard tanks, fighting vehicles, reconnaissance drones and air defence systems, along with a commitment for over €15bn in humanitarian and military aid to Ukraine over the last five years. Ukraine continues to push for longer term goals, including joining European structures and transatlantic alliances such as NATO. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will be awarded the prestigious Charlemagne Prize on 13 February.

https://www.dw.com/en/ukraines-zelenskyy-thanks-germany-for-support-in-berlin-live-updates/a-65613383
Liverpool’s grand final breaks Eurovision viewing records

The Independent

23-05-14 09:52


This year's Eurovision Song Contest, hosted by Liverpool, was the most-watched final in Eurovision history, with BBC One recording an average of 9.9 million viewers, and a peak of 11 million during Sweden's Loreen's performance. The event broke the previous ratings record of 9.5 million, set in 2011 when UK band Blue competed. The UK hosted this year's event after last year's Ukrainian winners were unable to do so due to Russia's invasion. Sweden won in second victory for Loreen, with Finland in second and Israel in third place. The UK's Mae Muller finished second-to-last.

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/eurovision/eurovision-2023-viewing-figures-bbc-liverpool-b2338548.html
Zelensky touches down in Berlin as two nations try to repair ties

Washington Post

23-05-14 09:32


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a visit to Germany on 30 January, a day after an announcement was made by Berlin promising military aid to Ukraine, totaling to $2.95bn. The package almost doubles the total commitment since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Before the deal, Germany was Ukraine's third-largest arms supplier behind the UK and US. Zelensky is anticipated to travel to Aachen city to receive the International Charlemagne Prize for services to Europe.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/05/14/zelensky-ukraine-germany-visit-aid/
G7 host Japan seeks unity on threat from China

Financial Times

23-05-16 01:23


Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s key aim during the annual G7 summit this weekend is to establish a united G7 response to China's military ambitions and "economic coercion," as the country continues to seek closer ties with NATO and imposes sanctions against Moscow as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine. China’s interventionism has driven Japan to adopt a very cautious approach, revamping its military organisation and increasing security cooperation with nations in Southeast Asia and Europe. However, it is anticipated that the G7 will not agree on any specific new economic tools of security, and crucially, China will not be named in the statement. This widespread caucus approach aims to support countries being bullied by China rather than being completely focused on an offensive strategy. The EU, as well as other G7 members, remain very reluctant to adopt a more antagonistic stance, preferring to improve relations with emerging economies, particularly from Asia, Africa and South America.

https://www.ft.com/content/0998ac9a-58eb-44e2-b362-42cf5a0d468b
Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list for 2023 is here. These Toronto-area dining spots made the cut

The Toronto Star

23-05-16 00:00


A fifth of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants are located in the Greater Toronto Area. Among the listing, compiled by a team of food writers, critics, chefs and sommeliers and published on 31 May, Alo claimed second place, with staff at the French eatery, which is located at 163 Spadina Ave, Toronto, “honoured" by their ranking. The top spot was taken by Mon Lapin in Montreal. Toronto had 20 restaurants on the list, behind Montreal with 27 but ahead of Vancouver, Calgary, Halifax, Winnipeg and Edmonton. There were no entries from the northern territories.

https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2023/05/15/canadas-100-best-restaurants-list-for-2023-is-here-these-toronto-area-dining-spots-made-the-cut.html
In European Tour, Zelensky Reaps Billions More in Promised Military Aid

NY Times

23-05-15 23:00


Germany has pledged to give Ukraine a nearly $3 billion package of weapons, as well as making less concrete promises of additional weapons from France and Italy. The United States remains by far the largest supplier of weapons to Ukraine but support for Ukraine in the US is likely to come under pressure. US white house officials have said privately that they remain confident they have bipartisan support in Congress to continue helping Ukraine in the near term. The European Union package of aid includes long-range missiles, attack drones and tanks, and other armoured vehicles, which will fulfill many but not all the demands for weapons that Ukraine has said it needs for a counteroffensive. Military analysts have said the European reinforcements make it highly likely that Ukrainian troops forces will soon strike back at Russian forces that control the country’s south. The European Union's show of support for Ukraine underscores that the war is in a pivotal phase, with Ukrainian forces massing for a counteroffensive that could set the terms for any future negotiation with Russia.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/15/world/europe/ukraine-war-zelensky-foreign-aid.html?searchResultPosition=1
Trump claimed the Durham probe would uncover the ‘crime of the century.’ Here’s what it really found

The Toronto Star

23-05-15 22:59


An investigation looking into the origins of the FBI's probe into ties between Russia and Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign has concluded, finding major flaws. The inquiry, the culmination of a four-year investigation into possible misconduct by US government officials, contained withering criticism for the FBI but few significant revelations. Nonetheless, it is seen as giving fodder to both Trump supporters who have long denounced the Russia investigation, as well as Trump opponents who say the Durham team's meager court record shows their probe was a politically motivated farce. The report found that the FBI acted too hastily and relied on raw and unconfirmed intelligence when it opened the Trump-Russia investigation, and that FBI investigators fell prone to “confirmation bias,” ignoring or rationalising away information that could have undercut the premise of their investigation. Durham said it is possible more reform could be needed, and that providing additional scrutiny of politically sensitive investigations by identifying an official who would be responsible for challenging the steps taken in a probe would be ideal.

https://www.thestar.com/news/world/us/2023/05/15/trump-claimed-the-durham-probe-would-uncover-the-crime-of-the-century-heres-what-it-really-found.html
Trump claimed the Durham probe would uncover the 'crime of the century.' Here's what it really found

The Independent

23-05-15 22:57


A report investigating the origins of the FBI’s probe into allegations of Russian links to Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign has criticised the bureau, but contains few significant or new revelations. The long-awaited report was submitted by a special prosecutor appointed by the Justice Department, John Durham, and comes after a four-year inquiry into potential misconduct by US government officials. Durham, who has served for decades as a Justice Department prosecutor, led investigations into the CIA’s destruction of videotapes, and the FBI’s links with mobsters in Boston. Durham’s report criticised the FBI for using flawed information and acting with “confirmation bias” when opening the Trump-Russia investigation, and suggested that it did not have credible grounds for doing so. Although he did not recommend steps to curtail the FBI’s investigative authorities, Durham did suggest additional scrutiny for politically sensitive investigations, including the assignment of an official to challenge decisions made during such cases.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/fbi-ap-donald-trump-durham-william-barr-b2339449.html
Should UK boards take Apollo seriously?

Financial Times

23-05-16 04:35


Apollo Global has developed a reputation in the UK for abandoning deals at the eleventh hour. That has only been underscored after the US investment giant saw two possible take-privates collapse in the past four days. On Monday, Apollo said it wouldn’t follow through with its offer for UK oil engineering company Wood Group, causing the company’s share price to fall by more than a third. Taking publicly traded UK companies private has proven a lucrative source of deal flow for some of Wall Street’s biggest names in recent years. But Apollo hasn’t capitalised on the trend. Instead, the Wood Group and THG represent Apollo’s latest failed efforts to buy UK companies. The $598bn investment firm has also failed to follow through on deals for publisher Pearson, gambling company William Hill and packaging business RPC Group.

https://www.ft.com/content/1f598dc2-7156-4196-90e3-d05e6ad1d634
Dawn Davis’s gastronomic guide to New York

Financial Times

23-05-16 04:33


The return of culture in New York City after the pandemic means that friends from out of town can take advantage of the city’s rich offerings. FT Globetrotter recommends several favourite restaurants, from upscale and theatrical to cosy neighbourhood places, and quick bites on the fly. To showcase the city after going to the theatre, the author visits The Noortwyck where Eleven Madison Park alums in the kitchen can deliver fluke crudo, kale salad, and the striped bass or the pasta with a wine list that always satisfies. For theatricality, Frevo offers an intimate 16-seat chef’s counter located behind a false door in a street-level art gallery. Chef Markus Glocker’s Koloman in the Ace Hotel offers imaginative and satisfying dishes including a celeriac tartare with an herby, cheesy mustard. Lastly, The Nines provides old-school theatricality with a mesmerising and soulful piano player/vocalist adding to the glamorous vibe, and Madman Espresso recalls an Italian bar with De Sica focaccia sandwiches and cauliflower pizza.

https://www.ft.com/content/434a7d08-3238-45a6-a7e8-12c0814aac90
Putin launches fresh wave of deadly strikes on Kyiv – live

The Independent

23-05-16 04:23


Russian forces have launched another volley of missile attacks on Kyiv, killing three people and injuring others, according to official sources. The wave of rocket and missile assaults targeted the Ukrainian capital as well as the regions surrounding it and came a week after similar attacks garnered worldwide condemnation. The Putin-led regime's actions have triggered air raid alarms, with city-dwellers across the country bracing themselves as Ukraine declares advanced weapon sales across European nations. Meanwhile, China's envoy is preparing to visit both Ukraine and Russia despite slim hopes of brokering a peace agreement between the two countries.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russia-ukraine-putin-uk-long-range-attack-drones-b2339516.html
Political pushback puts brakes on Brussels’ green agenda

Financial Times

23-05-16 04:22


Parts of the EU's green agenda are being delayed ahead of next June's European elections, as the bloc comes up against political difficulty. The conservative European People’s party, the largest in the European parliament, has recently rejected initiatives on rewilding degraded land and seabeds and cutting pesticide use due to backlash from farmers. A series of proposals including measures on methane emissions and packaging waste have yet to be approved by the parliament and member states. Some of the hold-ups are due to the complexity of the regulations, which would govern technical areas of climate law such as nitrogen and phosphorus cycles in the earth.

https://www.ft.com/content/9f36ae94-fc37-43d6-9bf2-57c4079c93d1
Sunak accused of ditching only ‘trivial’ EU-era laws

Financial Times

23-05-16 04:19


Rishi Sunak's removal of EU-era laws has been described by Sir Bill Cash as "trivial" and obsolete. The retention of EU law was promised by Sunak but appears to be being watered down, with the removal of the "sunset clause" being one of the changes. Conservatives are unhappy with Sunak's changes, saying they are not doing enough to lighten regulatory burden to businesses and spurring growth, and remain furious that it is handing powers to ministers to change EU laws without scrutiny. Environmentalists and employment groups have highlighted other areas of concern, particularly in the realm of water and pollution control.

https://www.ft.com/content/e6682422-67cb-47a8-a7d0-fb47f09d4301
Italian police find $880 million of cocaine stashed in banana crates

Reuters

23-05-16 08:44


Police in southern Italy have seized a shipment of more than 2,700kg of cocaine discovered in two refrigerated containers, which had been shipped from Ecuador inside bananas. The discovery, made at the Port of Gioia Tauro in Calabria, is said to be worth more than $880m. The police said they discovered a further 600kg of cocaine, also shipped from Ecuador, in fruit containers over the past few days. The haul was reportedly destined for other parts of Greece, Italy, Georgia and Croatia.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/italian-police-find-880-million-cocaine-stashed-banana-crates-2023-05-16/
Pensioner fined for filling pothole ‘neglected’ by council

The Independent

23-05-16 08:41


An Italian pensioner has been fined almost €900 ($1,085) for his role in filling in a 30cm pothole at a zebra crossing in Barlassina, Lombardy. Claudio Trenta, 72, reportedly took action after becoming frustrated by the council’s supposed lack of response to the problem. He used cold bitumen to repair the hole without permission, an offence for which he was penalised for violating the highway code. Trenta intends to contest the decision. The case has also led to discussion of the state of Italy’s roads, where inmates recently helped to repair potholes in Rome.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/italian-pensioner-fined-pothole-lombardy-b2339581.html
Auto, mining stocks drag European shares lower ahead of data

Reuters

23-05-16 07:37


European shares fell on Tuesday as weak data from China raised concerns about an economic slowdown and investors awaited further economic data for the eurozone. The pan-European STOXX 600 index slipped 0.2%. Automakers and miners suffered the biggest losses. Telecoms also declined, with Telecom Italia falling 4.6% after reports indicated the country's state lender may drop its €19.3bn ($21bn) offer for the company's landline network. Vodafone, meanwhile, fell 3.9% after new chief executive Margherita Della Valle said she will cut 11,000 jobs over three years.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/auto-mining-stocks-drag-european-shares-lower-ahead-data-2023-05-16/
Vodafone to cut 11,000 jobs as new boss blasts firm

BBC

23-05-16 07:34


Vodafone, the UK-based telecoms group, has announced plans to cut 11,000 jobs over the next three years. The reduction equates to over 10% of its total workforce and will affect staff at the company’s UK headquarters as well as in other countries. The firm also plans to cut jobs in Germany and Italy. Vodafone’s new CEO, Margherita Della Valle, said “my priorities are customers, simplicity and growth” and noted that the company needed to “simplify our organisation, cutting out complexity to regain our competitiveness.”

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-65607601