Unit 4: Italy, the Old and the New

The land of Italy is made up of mountains, hills, valleys, rivers, islands, and over 4,000 miles of coastline. Italy's bountiful coast has made it an important port city throughout its history. Farmers and fishers make use of Italy's location and natural resources, and the beaches and historic sites contribute to Italy's prosperous tourism business. Italian art and music are popular all around the world. Italy's government has shifted from the Roman Empire, to self-governing city-states, to a monarchy, to the current Italian democracy. Today, the family remains an important institution in Italian life.