Since the end of World War II, Italy has established 63 governments under 39 prime ministers 42 if you count Silvio Berlusconi's three total terms , and only one has lasted a full five years. Fearing the rise of another Mussolini, Italy's constitutional system years ago provided for a weak executive branch that requires majorities in both legislative houses just to get anything done.
That, combined with an already fractured political landscape of small, opposed parties, puts Italy's average MPG months per government barely over Italy's Mount Etna, Europe's tallest and most active volcano erupts again.
Etna, the world's second most active volcano, is in Italy. Ten active volcanoes allow Italy's geology to vent the way voting gives release to its citizens. The country's and Europe's largest volcano is Mt. Etna in Sicily, the world's second most active volcano after Hawaii's Mauna Loa.
Etna's spectacular eruptions, soot-blackened scenery, lava flows and extensive caves draw more than a million tourists a year. It leads TripAdvisor's top must-see volcanoes list, along with four other Italian spouters, including Mt. Etna tours and excursion: sicilytravel. Apple pie is good and all, and it's never a bad time for a sticky slice of baklava, but for sheer volume and variety of treats, nothing beats an Italian dessert case.
Much is made of the peninsula's food, the usual suspects being pizza, pasta and antipasti. But the real stars of Italian cuisine are gelato, tiramisu, cannoli, Neapolitan, biscotti spumoni, tartufo, zeppole -- Italy has nearly as many signature desserts as it's had governments.
Italian confectioners work in all media, too, combining cakes, cookies and creams both iced and otherwise to create the world's vastest, tastiest arsenal of desserts. Ironically, Italians don't even really eat this stuff, most often preferring a piece of fruit or chocolate after a meal instead. Invented in , this sexy scooter became an icon thanks to a number of appearances on the silver screen. Now, over 18m models have been sold. Not just limited to paintings and sculptures in museums, artistic wonders can be found everywhere in Italy — in churches, castles, historical residences — and in the architecture of the country itself.
Italian automotive design is coveted by petrolheads the world over for its beauty, exclusivity and performance. Take Ferrari, for example — the company began as a race car manufacturer in and is now the gold standard for aspirational autos.
Italians like to let their hands do the talking and, according to one study , there are around gestures used in everyday conversation. Football, or il calcio , is taken very seriously in Italy. Their defeat against Sweden was met with disbelief and marked the first time in 40 years they failed to qualify for the tournament. The Italians played a big part in the Age of Discovery, exploring the world in search of trade, wealth and knowledge.
Whereas in other cultures children are encouraged to make their own way in the world and seek a large measure of independence, in Italian families the reverse is by and large true. Children are encouraged to maintain extremely close ties to the family — including attending frequent family gatherings even once they reach adulthood.
Another influence on Italian culture that cannot be overlooked is religion. Not surprisingly the overwhelming majority of Italians are Roman Catholic. The central role of religion in a country that plays host to the Vatican is no surprise. But the issue of faith is one that is central to family and cultural life in Italy, and remains a strong unifying force for those who call the country home.
The planning and execution of the many buildings that took pride of place in the Roman Empire continue to shape thought and influence the culture of modern day Italy. The grandeur of these edifices is a source of justifiable pride for those living in Italy.
The joy that is reflected in these buildings and the idea that Italy was once the master of all of Europe makes Italians among the proudest of nations — and so they should be. But it is not only the form and balance of these buildings that continue to influence what the world today recognises as the unique culture of Italy — but also what is contained in many of these buildings. Southern cuisine also includes capers, peppers, olives and olive oil, garlic, artichokes, eggplant and ricotta cheese.
Wine is also a big part of Italian culture, and the country is home to some of the world's most famous vineyards. The oldest traces of Italian wine were recently discovered in a cave near Sicily's southwest coast. Italy's official currency is the euro. Italians are known for their family-centric culture, and there are a number of small and mid-sized businesses. Even many of the larger companies such as Fiat and Benetton are still primarily controlled by single families.
This has become challenging for the younger generations, as gender roles have morphed in the American culture and today stand at odds with the father being the primary breadwinner and the undisputed head of the household and the mother being the primary caretaker of the home and children," said Wagner. Meetings are typically less formal than in countries such as Germany and Russia, and the familial structure can give way to a bit of chaos and animated exchanges.
Italian business people tend to view information from outsiders with a bit of wariness, and prefer verbal exchanges with people that they know well.
Italians celebrate most Christian holidays. The celebration of the Epiphany, celebrated on January 6, is much like Christmas. Belfana, an old lady who flies on her broomstick, delivers presents and goodies to good children, according to legend.
Pasquetta, on the Monday after Easter, typically involves family picnics to mark the beginning of springtime.
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