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Italy and Its Economy

The history of Italy is linked to the city state of Rome and other city states. Rome was believed to be founded on 21st April 753 BC. Romulus was the first king of Rome. Seven kings ruled the roman state up to 509 BC. The last king was overthrown and the Roman Republic was formed. The Turks, Greeks and Gauls established their kingdom in parts of Italy and in the islands like Sicily, Sardinia and Elba. The Republican System of Government was established in Rome and continued for some period. One aristocrat Julius Caesar became very powerful and declared himself as the emperor of Roman empire. His nephew Augustus expanded the empire in Europe and north Africa. Slowly the Roman empire declined and broken down into smaller states.There was regular attack by enemies and the Roman empire declined considerably. There was depression and gloom in the Roman regions. By 14th century AD the cities of Italy prospered significantly. The cities like Milan, Florence, Pissa, Genoa and Venice became centre of trade and industries. There was progress in the field of science, literature, music, painting, art and architecture. But there was regular attack on Italy from France, Austria, Spain and Turkey. By 19th century the french leader Napoleon Bonapart helped in the unification of Italy. The nationalist leader Giuseppe Garibaldi led a movement and unified Italy by 1870 AD. After first world war , Benito Mussolini lead a fasist movement and came to power in Italy. But he lost power after the second world war. Monarchy was abolished and Italy became republic with democratic form of government. Italy received financial and technical assistance from USA. Italian economy recovered and and there was considerable development in Italy. Democracy, Market economy and liberal society converted Italy into a prosperous and vibrant economy.

Agriculture is a very important sector in Italy. It is self sufficient in agricultural products. Italy exports fruits, olive oil, wheat, wine and diary products to many countries. Italy also produces and exports quality rice. Diary, poultry and goat farming are also very important along with fruits, flowers and vegetables. Large chunk of land is marked for pasture and grass culture. Around 12.7 million hacters of land area are used for agriculture and associated activities. Around 1.6 million farms are operated in Italy. Family operated farms are maximum in Italy. The average area of each farm is around 8 hacters. The cultivation of wheat, rice, and maize occupy around 31 percent of the farm lands. Olive orchards cover more than 8 percent of the farm lands. Vine yards covers 6 percent and citrus cultivation covers 4 percent of the farmlands. Sugar beat covers 2 percent of the farm lands. The remaining lands have other horticultural crops and flower crops. Italy produces very good quality wine. it is leader in olive oil production. Vegetables like potato, tomato, pea, cabbage and cauliflower are produced in large quantities. Fruits like apple, olive, grape, orange, lemon, pear, apricot, hazelnut, peach, cherry, plum, straw berry and kiwi fruit are Produced in Italy. Soft wheat is produced in northern part of Italy. It is used for making bread, biscuit, cake and pizza crust. Hard wheat is produced in the southern part. It is used for making of pasta. Po valley is the area for production of rice, maize and corn.

Around one third of the total area of Italy are covered by forests. Over exploitation for timber and fire wood converted some forests into degraded lands. But some of these areas are replanted and restored in to good forests. Forest management is much better in Italy. The forests may be grouped into broad leaved, conifers and chest nut forests. Conifers are found in the foot hills of Alpine mountain ranges adjoining Austria. Chest nut forests are found in Apennines and adjoining areas. Broad leaved forests are found in southern Italy, Sicily, Sardinia and Elba region. Olive platations are found in arid regions like Sicily, Calabria and Puglia.