Italy has a variety of landscapes, from volcanoes such as Mt Etna and Mt Vesuvius to large industrial centres such as Milan, Turin and Genoa. About 35% of Italy is mountainous, including the Apennines (central Italy), and the Dolomites and the Alps to the North. In the highest peaks of the Alps, there is permanent snow and ice cover and there are popular ski resorts such as the Val d'Aosta. As well as a variety of physical landscapes, there are great contrasts in Italy's human geography and Italy's regions vary greatly in terms of employment and standards of living. There is a history of differences between regions in the north and south of Italy. Although these differences are not as great as they were, some still remain. These differences are due to a variety of factors, including physical geography, historical background and people's beliefs. This unit will seek to explore both the physical and human geography that makes Italy a country of contrasts.

Location of Key features

Population Distribution in Italy

North / South Comparison:

- Industry and Jobs

- Lifestyle and Food

Tourism Case Study - The Alps

Keyword Glossary

Keyword Quiz

Weblinks

Homework Tasks