Most of Italy represents the mountainous territory of different times of origin. Mainly the foundation of the relief is granites, limestone and sandstone. In addition, there are volcanic activity in the south of the country, as well as the fact that no area is deleted from the sea by more than three hundred kilometers from the sea.

Geology peninsula

From a geological point of view, the territory of the country is customary to divide into three major regions - continental, peninsula and island, to which such large islands include Sicily and Sardinia.

Most of the territory of the Italian Republic is located on the Apennine Peninsula separated from the rest of Europe by the Alps mountain system, which stretched from the West to the East to almost a thousand two hundred kilometers.

At a significant part of the Alpine slopes are widely represented not only crystalline rocks, but also high-quality limestone. Useful minerals Italy have long been widely used by people. In the mountains, building stone, marble, limestone, and mountain rivers are braveled dams to extract hydropower, which is an integral part of the economy in the northern regions of the country.

Main minerals Italy

At first glance, it may seem that the geology of the Apennine Peninsula itself has to ensure that italy is emitted by wealth. Partly it is so, because already several millennia local residents Various metals, minerals and salts are mined for their needs.

However, in the modern world, economic models of consumption and production have undergone significant changes, and many deposits were either exhausted, or recognized by non-liquid. A vivid example can serve numerous, but small deposits of iron ore, which in Italy has already been mined already 2700 years. However, in general, stocks and placement of minerals Italy do not allow to talk about any important place in the country in the commodity international market.

Polymetallic ores

If iron ore deposits are not considered promising for the development due to their minor volumes, the development of deposits of polymetallic ores is appreciated.

Responding to a question about whether Italy is rich in minerals, it is worth mentioning that its departures contain a significant amount of lead and zinc to which silver and other metals are added. Most of the significant polymetallic deposits are located in the Eastern Alps or on Sardinia Island.

In turn, the Tuscany region is rich in mercury ore deposits, also called a cinnabar. Next door to Tuscany, in the central part of the country, the rich deposits of manganese are located. Also, manganese reserves are in Liguria, and Boxites mined in Apulia. However, bauxite deposits are almost exhausted.

Energy raw materials

The economic and geographical position of Italy determined its development over the centuries. On the one hand, it can be recognized as extremely advantageous, because of many centuries, all trading seaside movements took place through the Apennine Peninsula, and in the cities of ancient Rome, and then numerous Italian medieval states were rich in Asia and Africa.

In the economy of modern Italy, minerals do not play a decisive role due to their minor quantity. First of all, the deficit affects the energy sector. After all, the need for fuel of various types Italy covers only 15%, and everything else has to be exported, which affects the cost of the final product.

In some regions of Italy, there are deposits of brown and low-quality coal. Oil fields are available on Sicily and Padan Plain, but these limited reserves cover no more than two percent of the country's demand for oil. Recently, high hopes are assigned to the shelf fields. However, pre-exploration showed that the shelf mainly contains natural gas.

Natural resources

However, despite the relative poverty of minerals, Italy can occupy leading positions in the international market. The reason for this is the high culture of business, the long-standing tradition of entrepreneurship, as well as the harmonious development of all sectors of the national economy.

The agriculture is also played in maintaining national well-being, which also has a long tradition in this region. Italy climate is favorable for the production of grain and oilseeds, grapes, thermal-loving vegetables and fruits.

Even by itself, the Italian climate can be used to make a profit as a recreational resource. After all, it is climate along with cultural values \u200b\u200battracts millions of tourists annually.

The magnificent country of Italy, which has long been attracted by a huge number of tourists from various corners of the planet, is located in the south of Europe. In the north, Italy borders Switzerland and Austria, in the East - with Slovenia, in the North-West - with France. In the East is washed by the Adriatic Sea, in the south - the Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, in the West - Tirren Morce, Ligurian Sea and Mediterranean Sea. Within Italy, the tiny states of San Marino and the Vatican are also located, to visit which you do not even need a visa.

Italy also belongs to the Islands of Elba, Sicily and Sardinia a few small islands. The country area is about 301302 km2. More than half of the country is located on the Apennine Peninsula. In the north there are Italian Alps with the highest point of the country - Mont Blanco Mountain (Monte Bianco) (4807 m). In the territory of Italy are also the same Monte Rosa (4634 m) and Monte Cervino (4478 m). Between the Alps and Apennines there is an extensive Lombard (Padan) plain, including the valley of the software river. Apennines stretch from the Genoese Bay to the Taranth Bay in Calabria. The highest point of Apennine - Mountain Korno (2914 m); Only about a third of the territory of the country occupy the plains. In addition to the Lombard Plain, this is the coast of the Adriatic Sea, as well as the three narrow plain stripes along the western coast: Campagno di Roma, Pontin Marsh and Maremma.

It is worth noting that through Italy proceeds a large number of Rivers, the most important among which are both Adiges located in the north of the country and flowing into the Adriatic Sea. Tiber and Arno proceed on the peninsula. In Italy, there is also a large number of lakes, the largest are Garda, Lago-Maggiore, Como and Lugano - in northern and Trasimeno, Bolsena and Beckakiano - in the south.

Mountains in Italy run from Genoa to Trieste. Mountain Ridge Italy shape apennels stretching from Genoa to almost to Sicily. The valley of the river in the north-east forms the largest lowland, where the most densely populated industrial areas are located. Due to the three active volcanoes - Stromboli on the Lipar Islands, Vesuviu not far from Naples and Etna in Sicily - there are sometimes underground jackets and earthquakes in the country, the strongest of which were registered in 1908 and 1980.

As for the Italian climate, it is very different in various regions: from close to the Arctic high in the Alps to the subtropical on the Ligurian Sea coast and west coast southern peninsula. This is determined by the territorial length of longitude. In the north of Italy (Pandana Plain), the type of climate is transitional, from subtropical to moderately continental. Hot summer (July from +22 with up to +24 s) and cold foggy winter (January - about 0 c).

The climate of the peninsular and island Italy is Mediterranean, it means that 2/3 years there is a clear blue sky, and the summer is roast and dry (in July +26 s), and warm soft winter (from +8 s to +10 s in January) . In the south of the peninsula from March to October, dry hot winds from Sahara - Sirocco are blowing. During this period, the temperature rises to about +35 s)

Winter in the Alps are usually very severe, the snow falls in mid-September, which makes Italy unusually attractive for skiers.

Nature Italy

As it is known, Italy is located within the forest zone of moderate belt (in the north) and in the subtropical belt (in the south). A large influence on the formation of the characteristics of the nature of Italy, especially its climate, has a sea. Even the most depths of the country are located no more than 200-220 km. from the sea coast. At the nature of Italy, the diversity of its landscapes also affects the significant extension of its territory from the North-West to the southeast and the prevalence of mountain hilly relief.

It is worth noting that one of the most characteristic features The nature of the country is the widespread development of volcanic and seismic processes, as well as modern Sushi movements due to the fact that Italy is located in the zone of young alpine folding.

Northern, very winding land border of Italy almost all throughout the ridges of the Alps. However, it is only 20% of Italian borders. Italy is predominantly sea country. Of 9.3 thousand km. Her borders of 4/5 falls on marine.

Italy coastline is relatively little disseminated, comfortable bays little. Almost all large ports are artificially constructed. Only in southern Italy has ports in natural bays and bays (Naples, Salerno, Taranto, Cagliari).

Climate Italy

For Italy, the characters are large climatic differences between the individual areas - from the moderate warm climate of the Pandan Plain to a pronounced subtropical in Sicily.

Mediterranean can only be called the climate of the peninsula and island Italy. The climate of the Pandan Plain with the same hot summer, as well as on the Apenninsky Peninsula, but with a cold and foggy winter can be considered transition from subtropical to moderate. Here, the influence of the warm Ligurian Sea is hampered by the seaside Alps and Apennins, at the same time more freely penetrates more cold air With the Adriatic. The average January temperature in Pandan Plain is about 0 °, and July - + 23-24 °. In the fall, cyclones are actively formed here. In winter, snow always falls, it is often frost to 10 °. Of the 600 - 1000 mm annual precipitation, half falls on the spring and summer. Often in northern Italy strong, even catastrophic shower. Summer rains are often accompanied by thunderstorms and hail. The Mediterranean climate is distinctly expressed in the south of the Apennine Peninsula and on the islands. Summer here is dry and roast ( average temperature July - + 26 °), the winter is soft, warm (the average temperature of January - + 8-10 °). In the northern and central parts of the Apennin Peninsula, the average temperatures are different - + 24 ° in July and + 1.4-4 ° in January. Snow on the Apennine Peninsula falls very rarely. From March to October in the south of Italy, Sirocco is blowing - dry and hot wind from Africa, bringing the temperature rise to + 30-35 ° and reddish dust.

As for the climate Alps, it changes with a height of moderately warm to cold. In the mountains, snow holds for several months, and on the tops of the mountains never melts.

The most precipitation is obtained by the slopes of the Carni Alps - 3000 mm. The remaining alpine areas falls annually on average 1000 mm.

Mediterranean precipitation regime (maximum - in winter, at least in summer) is characteristic of the entire peninsula and island Italy.

In Apulia is the most arid place in Italy, where only 197 mm falls per year.

At the top of the Apennine Mountains, the climate is cold, and in closed intermountain valleys - sharply continental.

Areas of Ligurian Riviera, Coast Ionian Sea, Sicily and Sardinia islands, are distinguished by the special softness of the climate. Here the difference between the average temperatures of the coldest month (January) and the hottest (July) approximately 15 °. Therefore, on the coasts of Italy, especially on the Ligurian Riviera, the chain stretch well-known climatic resorts.

Relief and geological structures

Most of the surface of Italy, mountains and hills are occupied, and less than 1/4 of its area falls on Pandan plain and narrow coastal lowlands.

Italy is separated from the rest of the continent to the highest Alps mountain system in Europe. The Giant Arc Alps curved to the north-west stretches from west to east at 1200 km. The highest, western part of them is an ancient gercyse array, folded by crystalline rocks. It is here that are highest peaks Alps: Mont Blanc (4807 m), Monte Rosa (4634 m), Cervina (4478 m). The vertices of these mountains are covered with powerful glaciers. By the south of the Alps decrease to 1000 m above sea level (seaside Alps). To the east, the chain of the mountains diverges the fan, and their height decreases to 2000 m. (Carnation Alps).

For the mountain chains, the Alps are characteristic of numerous valleys and passes for which road and railwaysIn some places, the mountains are permeated by tunnels. Natural resources Alps have long and comprehensively used by man. It suffices to recall at least the large reserves of the energy contained in the Alpine rivers, the numerous climatic and ski resorts, the production of building materials. In the picturesque alpine valleys with their fertile climate, a man was far away, and now there are many cities (Aosta, Sondrio, Bolzano, etc.)

In the southwest, the Alps go to the Apennine Mountains, which, bordering the Ligurian Bay, stretch further through the entire Apennine Peninsula. Apennines are one of the youngest mountains on Earth. For its length (1500 km), they exceed the Alps, but much inferior to them in height. Their highest point is the mountain of the root reaches only 2914 m above sea level. The vertices of the Apennine do not reach the snow border and are deprived of eternal snow, only on the eastern slopes of Monte-Corporation the only glacier in Apennines descends to a height of 2690 m.

Apennines are very diverse in their geological structure and relief. Mountains in Tuscany, Central Apennines, Campaigns and Brazilicate are made by conglomerates, sandstones and limestones, as well as clay shale and marbles. It is south of Calabria, they are stacked by ancient, volcanic origin, and metamorphic rocks. The same rocks are also characteristic of Sicily and Sardinia.

Due to the wide distribution of limestones in Italy in many areas - in the Eastern Alps, Northern and Central Apennines, on Plateau Murge and Gargano, in Sicily, Sardinia, there are all forms of surface and closed karst: funnels, wells, carring fields, grotto caves. In the Alps, there is one of the deepest caves of the world - Antario del Corkya (805 m). In total, Italy has about 70 large caves and several hundred grottoes. Worldwide is famous for the blue grotto on the shores of Capri Island.

The only extensive lowland of Italy is the Padan Plain, which occupies most of the pool of the software river. The rest, minor in the lowland area stretch along the coasts. Pandan plain gradually decreases from the west to the east. In her hilly western part, fruit gardens and vineyards are located, and in the lower reaches. For - livestock, grain and beetroopic areas. Pandan Plain is not only the main Hitter of Italy, but also the country's most developed in an industrial attitude.

It is no secret that Italy is one of the few European countries where earthquakes are often there. Often they wear a catastrophic character there. In the twentieth century Over 150 earthquakes are registered in the country. The zone of the greatest seismic activity is central and southern Italy. The last strong earthquake occurred in November 1980. It covered the extensive territory - 26 thousand square meters. km (from the city of Naples to the city of potential).

Italy is the only country on the continent, where there are volcanoes of different types and in different stages of development. There are extinct volcanoes here, in which lava has ever been warm.

Inland waters

In Italy, there are practically no mighty full-flow rivers, rather mountain streams flowing right into the sea or forming relatively small river systems. Only in northern Italy has a developed network of rivers, which round year Feed on glacially waters and abundant precipitation. The Axis of the North Italian River Network is the largest and largest river of Italy - 670 km long with a width from 100 to 800 or more than meters. The area of \u200b\u200bits pool takes about 1/4 of the country. Starting in the West, in the Alps, it flows to the east through the entire Padan Plain and flows into the Adriatic Sea. In places, in the lower reaches, the beds lies above the surrounding plain. It required the construction of numerous dams to protect against floods, which are not uncommon here. The tributary and channels forms a large shipping system.

Left tributaries flow from the Alps, and the right - with the Apennine. Left tributaries feed mainly by the waist glacial water in the summer. Apennine tributaries of the small stormy mountain rivers are the fastest spring when melting snow and go heavy rains, and rainy autumn.

The remaining rivers of the mainland Italy, which are not part of the software, are most fulfilled in June, as a result of the melting of winter snow and falling out of summer rains.

The largest river of the Apenninsky Peninsula - Tiber, the length of which reaches 405 km, and the width is only 150 m. From Rome to the mouth of the Tibergis.

Through the system of lakes, tributaries and channels, Tiberios is associated with another significant River Peninsula - Arno. Both Tiber, and especially Arno are notorly famous for their destructive floods. Huge losses of the farm and cultural monuments caused, for example, flooding in Florence in 1966

Concerning large rivers The Apennine Peninsula of the Mediterranean Type, then they are full on the autumn and winter and cake in the summer. Numerous small rivers in summer breathe at all, and in the fall and in winter turn into rapid flows.

Most of the Lakes Italy is in the foothills and mountainous areas Alps and on the Adriatic coast. It is extensive, with an area of \u200b\u200bup to 370 square meters. KM, glacier reservoirs with depths of more than 400 m. The lake basins have a soft and healthy climate. The shores of the Alpine lakes are famous for the resorts of world significance, which are well-known among tourists.

Minerals

part of it is small, sprayed around the territory, often occur uncomfortable for development.

One of the most famous fossils in Italy is iron ore. It has been produced already 2700 years old, and now has been preserved only in Aoste and on the island of Elba.

Significantly richer Italy fields of polymetallic ores in which lead and zinc are combined with admixture of silver and other metals. These deposits are mainly associated with crystalline and metamorphic rocks of Sardinia and limestones of the Eastern Alps. Italy occupies one of the first places in the world in the reserves of mercury ore - a cinnabine that lies in Tuscany. In Karsh's deposits, the Boxitites deposits are developed, however, they are currently almost exhausted. In Liguria and in Central Italy There are manganese deposits.

Italy's energy resources satisfy its energy needs by only 15%. In Sardinia, Tuscany, Umbria, Calabria has deposits of brown and low-quality coal. Limited oil reserves on the island of Sicily, Padan Plain and on eastern coast Central Italy provides less than 2% of Italy's needs in oil. Very important for the economy of the country of the natural gas field of the Pandan Plain and its underwater continuation - the continuous shelf of the Adriatic Sea, as well as natural gas found in the northern, central and southern apenents and in Sicily.

On the island of Sicily, the sulfur, potash and stone salt, asphalt, bitumen deposits are concentrated.

It is worth noting that italy is rich in construction materials - marble, granite, travertine, etc. In Carrara (Tuscany), the famous White Carrara Marble is mined, which still ancient Romans was used to create many sculptures and decoration of buildings. Nowadays, it is not only used in the country, but also goes to export.

Soil

The cover of the soil in Italy is very diverse. In the north, in the Alps, rudge-meadow and mountain forest soil are common. The southern foot of the Alps and most of the Pandan Plain cover the brown forest soils. In the medieval zone of the Alps they are low-grade. In the coastal areas of the Adriatic Sea there are swampy soils.

In the seaside zone of the Apennine Peninsula and Islands of Sicily, brown soils of subtropics are common, very favorable for the cultivation of grapes and other southern crops. In the low payments of the Apennine Previations and the island of Sardinia prevail the humor-carbonate and mining brown soils. On lowlands, hills and low mountains The coasts of the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian seas on limestones were formed red-color Mediterranean soils, especially suitable for growing fruit trees and grapes.

There are soils formed on volcanic rocks. Alluvial soils are common on river valleys.

Soil conditions of Italy are quite favored by farming, although not everywhere equally. The most fertile soils on the plains and in low holly areas.

Vegetable world

Italy's vegetation is diverse, but thick population, centuries-old human activity led to the fact that cultural landscapes predominate in the country, with the exception of highlands, cultural landscapes dominate.

As a rule, the forests occupy only 20% of the territory, mainly in the mountains and on the hills, the plains of almost flames.

Pretty monotonous landscape of the thick-seated and almost entirely cultivated Padan Plain to somewhere revived oak, less often - birch or pine groves. Alley of Popoles, Yves, White Acacias are frowning roads, banks of canals and rivers.

In the coastal lowlands of the Apennine Peninsula and Islands, evergreen trees and shrubs stretch. From wild species, evergreen stone and cork oaks, drinks and alpine pines, mastic trees, palm trees, cacti, agaves are highlighted here. However, cultural species prevail here, primarily subtropical - citrus, olives almonds, grenades, figs, cork oak groves planted by man.

In the mountains of Italy, the high-rise explanation is pronounced. Since the Alps and Apennins are located in different natural zones, the belt of subtropical vegetation is characteristic only for the foot of the Apennine. At an altitude of 500-800 m above sea level in Apennines, subtropical vegetation is replaced by broad forest forests. In the Alps, they are the lower plant belt. These are predominantly oak forests, with an admixture of chestnut, a ram, ash, beech. Fruit trees, vineyards are common from cultivated plants, vineyards, crops, oats, potatoes. The above is the belt of mixed coniferous-beech forests. The lower boundary of them in the Alps is 900 m, and in the agents - 2000 m. Three and autumn among beech groves are grazing, in the summer they will be distilled off even higher.

At an altitude of about 1500 m in the Alps and 2000 m in South Apennines and in Sicily, the highest forest belt begins - coniferous forests, consisting of various types of pines, European firing species, fir.

Above the coniferous forests begin subalpine highly harvested meadows.

They are replacing alpine meadows. Especially famous for rich and juicy mountain meadows Alps. Mountain meadows are used as summer pastures. Above the mountain meadows to the most vertices or glaciers, the slopes are covered with mkhami and lichens. In Apennines more often than in the Alps, nude slopes come across - the result of cutting down forest, erosion and landslides.

Geography and regions

Mountains, Rivers, Plains

4/5 of the territory are mountains and foothills - in the limits of Italy include two large mountain systems: Apennines and the Southern Alps slopes.

Apennines, ridge of limestone hills from Genoa to Sicily, formed due to the later geological movement, shares the country into two zones. Oriental slopes more gentle, western ~ cooler. The vertices of this limestone chain below alpine. On the segment from Naples to Sicily, the movements of tectonic plates are caused by the cause of the earthquake, the eruption of volcanoes and noticeable changes in the sea level.

Italian Alps, resulting from the addition of the earth's crust in the tertiary period, form a giant barrier between Italy and Northern Europe. They are divided into Piedmont, Lombard, South Tyrol and Venetian Alps. In the Piedmont Alps, high (more than 4000 m) arrays of the Grand Paradise, Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa are highlighted. In the upper zone of the Italian Alps there are significant glacier sizes. The most important passes through which the ways of communication with European countries are held - the splash, Brenner, Mont-Song, Symplone Saint Gotard - lie at an altitude of over 2000 m.

Plains and lowlands

Valley occupy approximately a quarter of Italy. The Padan Plain lies on the site of the extensive tectonic depression between the Alps and Appennamines, which is gradually filled with river nans. Plain is divided into 4 parts: the sublime Piedmont (in the West). Lombard (center), Venetian (in the East) and Emilian (in the south, at the foot of the Tuscan Appennin).

River

The Paddan River crosses the Padan Plain from the West to the East (652 km). Its numerous tributaries flow from the surrounding slopes of the Alps and the Apennine. A lot of hydroelectric power plants are installed on abundant alpine tributaries. The upper tributaries of the river on the divine Italian Alps are a thick network of transverse valleys, along which railways and highways connect Italy with France and Switzerland through small and large Saint-Bernard passes. In a number of areas, the intensive river erosion has big influence on the formation of relief. The Rivers of the Apenninsky P-Va is small, the largest - Tiber (405 km).

Lake

The characteristic feature of the pre-found zone is the presence of large lakes (Lago Maggiore, Lugano, Como, Isao, Garda), which are the end basins of the ancient glaciers. Through the lakes flow rivers (inflows of software). There are many resorts in the basins of these lakes. Many lakes of karst and volcanic origin (large crated lakes Roman district - Bolsena, Braciano, Albano, Vico).

Climate

In most of Italy, the Mediterranean climate, in Pandan plain, moves to a moderate, in the upper zone of the mountains is cold. The climate and on the coast differ. So, in Tyrrhenan, he is marine, on the Adriatic - more continental. 3 parts of Italy (Apennine Persh and Islands, Padan Plain and Italian Alps) also have their climatic features. On the peninsula is a zone of subtropics with the predominance of air masses of Atlantic origin: in the summer - tropical, winter - moderate belt. The average t ° of July is about + 24 ° C in the north of the peninsula and + 26 ° C in the south. The winds in summer are predominantly Western and northeasternally small power, with the exception of Sirocco, which blows from Africa. For winter, cyclones are characterized by precipitation. The average T in the south of the peninsula + 10 ° C, on the inner parts + 3 ° C. The snow falls on small altitudes only in the northern part of the peninsula, the steady cover is formed only in the mountains. Winter is sleeping soft. Especially mild climate in the Italian Riviera (the average t ° of January in Genoa + 7 ° C). The climate of the Padan Plain, transitional between subtropical and moderate, has continentality features (summer is very roast, the middle T.0 of July + 25 ° C, the winter is rather cool, the average T ° of January 0 ° C).

Brief description of the regions

Liguria

Liguria Before the time of the Roman era was the location of the seaside civilization. The rocks of the rocky rugged coast are not replete with fish, however, since the time of the ligurov has survived a lot of small deep-sea ports, there are lively lively transport routes. The Romans planted here olive trees, spread viticulture and gardening, fruits and flowers are grown in Liguria on an industrial scale.

Piedmont.

The fertile region in the extensive valley of the river according to which grain crops and 3/5 of the rice volume are grown. Located at the foot of the mountain ridge in the upper reaches of the software river. Numerous hydroelectric power plants supply electricity for the local industry: textile factories, metallurgical, machine-building and chemical enterprises in Turin. Southeast of Turin on low limestone hills MONFERRATO produces widely well-known Asti wines and Gorgonzola cheese.

Lombardy

The economic activity of the region is due geographical position - To the north, the magnificent valleys of the lakes give access to alpine passes. Lombardy ranks first in the production of silk - Mulberry is located in the Brianz area. Milan - economic capital Italy, the highest population and business density. This city with modern architecture and numerous commercial enterprises and cultural institutions is surrounded by a ring of industrial enterprises of textile, petroleum, chemical, metallurgical and food industries.

Veneto

This area in the vast alluvial valley of the river of the software and its influx, over which the Venetian foothills of the Alps takes place from the north, and even further - western arrays Dolomites. In the delta, the rivers and adige rivers are huge deserted alarized squares, often flooded. After the water supply in some areas, wheat and sugar beets are grown on an industrial scale. This is a agricultural region in which corn, mulberry, olive and fruit trees is grown, wine. The industrial sector includes oil refining, metal-voltage production and chemical plants, as well as large hydroelectric power plants in the Valleys of the Alps Previation. The landscape is intermittent with two small volcanic groups: Berici Mountains south of Vicenza and Eupport near Padua. There are thermal sources here, the slopes are covered with vineyards. The coast has the shape of a lagoon separated from the sea sand Kosmas With rinsing. In one of these lagoon is built on Venice piles.

Regions of Italy

Emilia-Romagna

The valley, the bordering agents, received its name from Via Emilia, a direct Roman road, which crosses it from Piacenz to Rimini and along which the main cities of the region are located. Romagna is located south and east of Bologna. In the region, east of Ferrara are growing rice. In the south there is a district where the eels catch.

Tuscany

The region is located on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The coast near the rocky (south of Livorno, places flat and sandy (for example, in the vicinity of Viarejo). In the Apuen Alps north of Arno in Carrara, marble is being minced. To the territory of the region and the mountainous island of Elba, the third size of Italy island. Tuscan The landscape is considered to be one of their beautiful in Italy. Elegantly curved low hills covered with olive groves, vineyards and cypresses, bathe in a soft golden haze.

Umbria

This is the land of Saint Francis. Medieval cities that have grown on the site of the settlement of Etruscans rise over ravines and valleys.

Mark

The region in the past was the border provinces of the Frankish Empire and part of the papal region, it represents a rather uneven space between the Republic of San Marina Ascoli-Picheno, on which the parallel spurs of the Apennel descend into the Adriatic Sea, forming a number of deep and narrow valleys. Here is a flat and even coastal belt, covered with beaches and port channels. Apart from the capital and the lively port of Ancona, most of the old cities are built on dominant altitudes ..

Lazio

The Lazio Lazio Lazio region - the cradle of the Roman civilization region spread between the Tyrrhenian Sea and Apennines. The coast here is sandy, the ancient port of Ottia at the mouth of the Tiber river is listed by the cloth. From the east and north volcanic hills with single lakes in craters rise above the famous antique ruins Romanesque campaign.

Campaign

The region forms a fertile semicircle around the Neapolitan bay in which hemp, tobacco and cereals alternate with olive groves and vineyards. Above the Neapolitan Bay, which struck the imagination of the ancients, the characteristic silhouette of Vesuviya rises. Although the coast lost most of his charm as a result of a tight building, the Sorrento Peninsula and the Capri Island remains attractive to their beauty.

Abstract on the topic:

"Tourism development in Italy"

Nikitenko Sergey

Grade 10 School № 1282

I. Modern Italy

Geographical position

The country has changed a lot over the last century. The glory of modern Italy create not only cars produced in the country, products of the chemical industry, fashionable clothing and shoes, popular movies, but also beautiful Mediterranean landscapes, snow-white peaks, orange groves of Sicily, Vineyards Tuscany and Lazio, gold plates in countless monuments centuries-old Italian culture.

Italy is a typical Mediterranean country located in the central part of Southern Europe. Its territory includes the Pandan lowland, addressed to it the slopes of the Alpine Mountain Arc, the Apennine Peninsula, the major islands of Sicily and Sardinia and numerous small islands (Egat, Lipan, Poncian, Tuscan archipelago, etc.). In the north, in the mainland, Italy borders with France, Switzerland, Austria and Yugoslavia. In the south, she (through the Tunisian Strait) is adjacent to Africa. The Apennine Peninsula deeply goes to the Mediterranean Sea. Italy coast is washed by five seas: Ligurian, Tyrrhen, Ionian, Adriatic and Mediterranean. Italy position in the center of the Mediterranean basin, at the crossroads of trade routes between the West and the East, has always played and plays an important role in the life of the country. In the 20th century, Italy's position from the countries of the Middle East with their rich oil fields is of particular importance to the industrial areas of foreign Europe, which consumes Middle Eastern oil.

With the rapid development of air transport, especially after World War II, the country was at the crossroads of the most important worldwide ways connecting among themselves the countries of Europe, America, Asia and Africa.

The geographical position of Italy is extremely important in strategically. NATO considers Italy the basis of his military system in southern Europe and in the whole Mediterranean. There are several dozen military bases and polygons of the United States and NATO in the country. Italy is an active participant in this military unit.

Economy Italy

Italy is a highly developed industrial country. The basis of the economy of the country is industry. As in all of Europe, mechanical engineering and chemical industry dominates in Italy. Italy industry mainly works on imported raw materials, since Italy does not have enough of Italy.

Most of the industrial products of the country goes to export. These are machines, equipment, computing, as well as light industry products: shoes, clothing and food industry products - various canned food, pasta and wine.

Transport

Italy has a highly developed chain of iron and highways: the length of railway lines is 35.5 thousand km, of which 2/3 are electrified; The length of highways is 303,518 km (16th place in the world). Automobile transport is carried out 90% of passenger and 80% of freight traffic.

In connection with the exhaustion of the country from the north to the south, its network of iron and highways developed mainly in the meridional direction. Latitudinal communications, with the exception of Padan Plain, not enough. Many car and railways of Italy are laid on the steep slopes of the mountains and therefore have many bridges, tunnels, which increases the cost of their use.

In Italy, the role of road transport is exceptionally great: it accounts for all land transportation of goods. Most roads fall to the north of Italy, in the south of the road network thickness is noticeably less.

Railways are inferior by road importance, but now more capital has become in railway construction than in the motor transport. Some main lines are dramatically allocated for technical equipment. As a result of such modernization, for example, on the Rome line - Florence the train can develop speed up to 200 km / h.

The metro is convenient to use in Milan, partly in Rome, although the Italian Metro Muscovites and residents will most likely seem imperfect.

A very important role, both in the domestic and external transport of the country plays sea transport. This is explained by the position of Italy in the Mediterranean waterway, a large length of the coastline, the presence of islands in its territories. On the shores of Italy there are 144 ports. In cargo turnover ports, oil and other mineral raw materials prevail. The largest Italian port is Genoa - one of the most important in the whole Mediterranean. Genoa serves as a gateway to the outside world for the entire North-West Italy, as well as for her neighboring Switzerland. The main rival and a competitor Genoa on the Adriatic - Trieste, the second in Italy on cargo turnover and one of the most important oil ports of Europe. Through the Timetic Northeast Italy is associated with other countries of the Mediterranean, the Middle and Middle East, East Africa and East Asia.

The cargo turnover of the ports of southern Italy - Augusta and Taranto, which can be explained by a rather high level of development of the oil refining and petrochemical industry in this region can be significantly increased.

One of the largest passenger ports of the country - Naples is the center of the relations of the Apennine Peninsula with Sicily, Sardinia and other islands.

River transport in Italy is poorly developed due to the lack of large rivers. Quickly develops civil aviation in Italy. Aviation lines support the connection of the largest cities of Italy with many cities in Europe, as well as other continents. The country's largest airports: Leonardo da Vinci (Rome), Malpensa and Linate (Milan) serve as important centers of the international airline network.

Political device ITALY

Italy - Parliamentary Republic. The head of state, the president appoints the Prime Minister, who leads the majority of deputies in the ward; The Prime Minister appoints the Council of Ministers, the accountable chamber of deputies.

Now the president is Carlo Champi, and Silvio Berlusconi Prime Minister. Legislative power belongs to the parliament consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and Senate. The two-chapted parliament is elected for 5 years on a mixed electoral system. Senate (Upper Chamber): 326 senators; 315 - elected citizens over the age of 25, represent areas, and 11 - are appointed by the president for life. The Chamber of Deputies (Lower Chamber) consists of 630 deputies elected by citizens over the age of 18. ѕ members of both chambers are elected by the majoritarian system of the relative majority; The rest on the system of proportional representation. The President, whose role in the political life of the country is ceremonial, is elected for a period of 7 years of the united session of Parliament and 58 regional representatives. The President appoints the Prime Minister, who leads the majority of deputies in the ward; The Prime Minister appoints the Council of Ministers, the accountable chamber of deputies. The largest parties of Italy: the coalition "Olive Tree" (left-center), which includes a democratic party of the left forces (former communists), "green", centrists, the people's party (centrists) and the party Italian update, as well as more small parties, "Union of Freedom ", Comprising conservatives (" forward Italy ") and the right wing (National Union), including neopheshists and centers (Christian Democrats), the Northern League, the Communist Party of Transformation and other minor parties.

Population of Italy

The population of Italy is 57.4 million people (1995). About 98% of the Italian population is the Italians, and the remaining 2% are other nations. National minorities of Italy are pretty compact groups living for many centuries on one territory. In the north of the country, the retortomans live in border areas (mainly Frieli) ~ 350 thousand people, the French - about 70 thousand people, Slovenians and Croats - about 50 thousand people; In southern Italy and on the island of Sicily, Albanians live - about 80 thousand people; in the south of the country - Greeks (30 thousand people); On the island of Sardinia - Catalans (10 thousand people).

Official language is Italian. It belongs to the Romanesque group of Indo-European languages. It is spoken by more than 94% of Italy inhabitants. Other languages: Sardinsky ~ 2%, Retoromanesky (Friulsky and Ladinsky) - 1% with German, French, Albanian, Slovenian and other slightly common languages. All variety of Italian dialects is made to reduce in three large groups: the dialects of the Northern, Central and Southern Italy.

The overwhelming majority of Italians are Catholics (about 83%). The church has a huge impact on many parties of the life of Italians. A significant role is played by the fact that in the heart of the Italian capital, the Catholic world is located - Vatican. But nevertheless, 15% of Italians hold atheistic views. Less than 1% confess the Islamic faith of the Sunni sense.

More than 12% of the country's population is concentrated in 4 millionaire cities: Rome, Milan, Turin, Naples. Large cities: Rome - 3 million (city agglomeration; city - 2.8 million; including suburbs), Milan - 3.7 million (1.4 million city), Naples - 2.9 million (city 1.2 million), Turin - 1.1 million (city of 992 thousand), Genoa - 786 thousand, Palermo - 755 thousand, Florence - 433 thousand, Bologna - 412 thousand, Katanya - 384 thousand, Bari - 373 thousand, Venice - 321 thousand, Messina - 275 thousand, Verona - 257 thousand, Trieste - 252 thousand (1990). More than half of all major cities are located in Northern Italy. For Italy, especially for the north and center, a thick network of small cities is characterized (10-30 thousand inhabitants).

In Italy, as in a highly developed country, a high development received a non-production sphere, mainly tourism, especially since in Italy has numerous prerequisites for the development of tourism.

II. Prerequisites for tourism development

1. Natural prerequisites

Relief Italy

Almost 4/5 of Italy's territory is occupied by mountains and elevations, less ј its square falls on Pandan plain and narrow coastal lowlands. In the mainland Italy, it is separated from the rest of the continent of the highest mountain system in Europe, which stretches from west to east at 1200 km. Highest vertices: Mont Blanc (4807 m), Monte Rose (4634 m), Cervina (4478 m). The vertices of these mountains are covered with powerful glaciers. The Alps mountain chains are cut with numerous valleys and passes available throughout the year or closing only in the winter. Automotive and railways pass on passes, in many places the mountains are permeated by tunnels.

In the picturesque alpine valleys with their fertile climate, a man was far away, and now there are many cities (Aosta, Sondrio, Bolzano, etc.).

In the southwest, the Alps go to the Apennine Mountains, which, bordering the Ligurian Bay, stretch further through the entire Apennine Peninsula. Apennines are one of the youngest mountains on Earth. In their length, they exceed the Alps (1,500 km), but much inferior to them in height. The highest peak (Corner - 2914 m).

In the Alps, there is one of the deepest caves of the world - Antario del Corkya (805 m). In total, Italy has about 70 large caves and several hundred grottoes. Worldwide is famous for the blue grotto on the shores of Capri Island. Frequently, the caves and the grotto served in Italy places in settlements, temples, burials. Nowadays they attract numerous tourists. Some caves due to the constant humidity of the air, the presence of mineral springs, vapors, mud, have therapeutic importance.

The only extensive lowland of Italy is the Padan Plain, it takes most of the pool of the software river. The Padan Plain is not only the main resident of the country, but also the country's most developed in an industrial attitude.

Italy is one of the few European countries where earthquakes often have a catastrophic character. In the XX century, over 150 earthquakes were registered in the country. The last strong earthquake occurred in November 1980. It covered the extensive territory - 26 thousand square meters. km (from the city of Naples to the city). Italy is the only country in Europe where there are volcanoes of different types and in different stages of development: there are extinct volcanoes (Evanna Hills, Albanian Mountains) and existing (Etna, Vesuvius, Stromboli).

Italy's relief has a beneficial effect on the development of tourism in the country. Its diversity allows you to develop various types of tourism in Italy:

ski tourism in the Alps (resorts located in the Italian Dolomite Alps are famous for the whole world, the highest mountain of Europe - Mont Blanc is partially in Italy);

the presence of a long coastline, the abundance of gentle sandy beaches, beautiful comfortable bays, the purity of the sea is favored by the development of the resort on the coast of all seas, wash italy;

the presence of seaports helps to organize comfortable travel marine routes;

the presence of unique natural objects (Vesuvius volcanoes, ethna, strombolis), scenic mountains and hills, caves, lakes additionally attracts tourists.

Climate Italy

The length of the territory of Italy from the north to the south causes large climatic differences between the individual areas - from the moderate warm climate of Pandan Plain to a pronounced subtropical in Sicily.

The average January temperature in Pandan Plain is about 0 ° C, and July - + 23-24 ° C. Cyclones are actively formed in the fall. In winter, it always falls on snow, often frosts up to -10 ° C. Of 600-1000 mm annual precipitation, half falls on the spring and summer. It is often in northern Italy strong, even catastrophic shower and fog. Summer rains are often accompanied by thunderstorms and hail.

The climate Alp varies with a height of moderately warm to cold. In the mountains, snow holds for several months, and on the tops of the mountains never melts. The most precipitation is obtained by the slopes of the Carni Alps - 3000 mm.

The Mediterranean climate is distinctly expressed in the south of the Apennine Peninsula and on the islands. Summer here is dry and roast (the average temperature of July + 26 ° C), winter is soft, warm (average January temperature + 8-10 ° C). The seaside districts of Italy, especially the Ligurian Riviera, the coast of the Ionian Sea, Islands of Sicily, Sardinia, are distinguished by a mild climate. Therefore, along the coarse italy, especially on the Ligurian Riviera, the well-known resorts stretch the chain.

In the northern and central parts of the Apennine Peninsula, the average temperatures are slightly different: + 24 ° C in July, + 1-4 ° C in January. Snow on the Apennine Peninsula falls extremely rarely. From March to October in the south of Italy, Sirocco is blowing - dry and hot wind from Africa, bringing rise to + 30-35 C and reddish dust. In Apulia is the most arid place in Italy, where only 197 mm falls per year.

The climate of Italy favorably affects the development of tourism in the country. Most of the year, a mild climate prevails throughout Italy, the swimming season lasts from May to October, the ski season - from December to March. Thanks to the soft climate of the Ligurian Riviera, the season lasts all year round. Climate in popular tourist centers (Rome, Naples, Milan, Florence, Venice, Verona) - Lack of frost, strong winds, rain period allows you to visit them during the year.

An unfavorable factors are: frequent fogs in Milan and Venice (make it difficult for highways, lead to the temporary closure of airports), severe heat in August, which is especially hard to transferred in large cities.

Inland waters

Most rivers in Italy are short, it is rather mountain streams flowing right into the sea or forming small river systems. Only in northern Italy there is a developed network of rivers, which all year round feed on glacially waters and abundant precipitation. The largest and largest and largest river Italy - software, length - 670 km, width - 100-800 m, starting in the West, in the Alps, to the east through the entire Pandha Plain and flows into the Adriatic Sea. The area of \u200b\u200bits pool takes about the territory of the country.

Another major river of the Apennine Peninsula - Tiber, a length of 407 km and a width of only 150 meters. From Rome to the mouth of Tiber's shipping. Through the system of lakes, tributaries and channels - Tiber is associated with another significant River Peninsula - Arno. Both Tiber, and especially Arno are notorly famous for their destructive floods. Huge losses of the farm and cultural monuments caused, for example, flooding in Florence in 1966.

Most of the Lakes of Italy is in the foothills and mountainous regions of the Alps and on the Adriatic coast. It is extensive, with an area of \u200b\u200bup to 370 square meters. KM, glacier reservoirs with depths of more than 400 meters. Lake basins have a soft and healthy microclimate. The shores of the Alpine Lakes are famous for world-class resorts. The largest lakes are located in the areas of Lombardy (which is often referred to as the lake edge) and Veneto. The largest Prielli Lake Europe - Lake Garda. Not far from Milan, Lake Como and Maggiore are located, which is partially owned by Switzerland. Smaller lakes: Isao, Ledo, Mizurino and Idro. The lakes near the Adriatic coast are the former lagoons with sandy braids. Lake Central Italy - Trazimeno, Bolsena, Vico, Braccano, Albano, Dies were formed as a result of filling the water of craters of some extinct volcanoes.

Internal waters affect tourism in Italy. Many hotels, guest houses, campgrounds are located on the shores of the Alpine Lakes Garda, Como, Maggiore, Isao, Orto. These lakes are distinguished by purity and transparency of water, lush nature, developed infrastructure. In the summer, they turn to the places of mass recreation of tourists from many countries and including the Italians themselves who come here onweekend. From large cities.

Italy rivers because of their shallow water are not as popular among tourists. Yes, and their ecological state leaves much to be desired. But they still attract tourists who prefer active tourism (valleys of the software and adige rivers, as well as small mountain rivers).

Vegetation

Even more diverse vegetation of Italy. However, thick settlement, centuries-old human activity led to the fact that cultural landscapes prevail throughout the country, with the exception of the high mountain. Forests occupy only 20% of the territory, mainly in the mountains and on the hills.

Pretty monotonous landscape is densely populated and almost entirely cultivated by the Panesian plain, somewhere revived oak, less often - birch or pine groves. Often, along the roads and banks of the canals and rivers are alleys of poplary, Yves and white acacia.

In the coastal lowlands of the Apennine Peninsula and Islands, evergreen trees and shrubs stretch. From wild species, evergreen stone and cork oaks, drinks and alpine pines, mastic trees, palm trees, cacti and agaves are distinguished. However, cultural types are dominated here, first of all subtropical - citrus, olives, almonds, grenades, cork oak groves, which planted a person.

In the mountains of Italy, the altitude explanation is pronounced; Since the Alps and Apennins are located in different natural zones, the belt of subtropical vegetation is characteristic only for the foot of the Apennine. At an altitude of 500 - 800 m above sea level in Apennines, subtropical vegetation is replaced by the withdrawal forests. In the Alps, they represent the lower floral belt. These are predominantly oak forests, with an admixture of chestnut, a ram, ash, beech. Fruit trees, vineyards are common from cultivated plants, vineyards, crops, oats, potatoes. The above is the belt of mixed coniferous-beech forests.

At an altitude of about 1500 m in the Alps and 2000 m in South Apennines and in Sicily, the highest forest belt begins - coniferous forests, consisting of various types of pines, European firing species, fir.

Above the coniferous forests begin subalpine highly harvested meadows. They are replaced by alpine meadows.

The vegetation in Italy is extremely diverse and beautiful, the territory of the country is very green. A lot of evergreen plants and trees: palm trees, cypresses, Mediterranean pines. For most of Italy, herbal cover is maintained yearly, which contributes to the external attractiveness of the landscape. In Italy, there are a lot of flowering shrubs and flowers, the slopes of the mountains are covered with forests.

Beautiful vegetation is an additional factors providing the country's tourist attractiveness as a whole.

Animal world

In connection with the extermination of forests, the increase in the density of the population and the area of \u200b\u200bprocessed land in Italy has preserved few species of wild animals. Only in the hard-to-reach areas of the Alps and Apennine, mainly in reserves, there are bears, wolves, sulfas, roe, on Sardinia island - Mouflon, Lan, wild forest cat. Will widespread boys. There are many foxes in the Alps. Much better preserved minor predators and rodents (caress, cunits, syrches, proteins), as well as hares. The world of reptiles and birds is rich: lizards, turtles, snakes. Fauna birds numbers about 400 species. In the mountains there are a hawk-aunt, a vulture, Berkut, in the Alps Alps high-mountains, a ripper, white partridge, haircut. On the plains, on the shores of the lakes, a lot of geese and ducks. Ceffel, cod, sardines, tuna, fluster, and river - carp, trout and eel have important commercial importance from sea fish.

For the protection of flora and fauna in Italy, four national parks were created: Grand Paradise, Stelvio, Chirceo, Abruucio. Grand Paradiso and Stelvio are created in the Alps for the protection of high-mountain flora and fauna. Abrucio is formed for the same purposes in the highest part of the Apennine. Chirceo was created on the coast for protecting not only forests, but also a peculiar coastal forms - grottoes, cliffs, and so on.

In general, in Italy, as well as around the world, every year the problems of environmental protection are increasingly exacerbated, on which money is allocated.

On the one hand, the animal world of Italy is quite diverse, however, it does not deliver any trouble to tourists: the coast of the seas is free from dangerous fish, jellyfish; Blood-suicide insects are not so much, wild animals do not appear near human housing.

On the other hand, in the Italian lakes and the seas, a lot of fish, which contributes to the development of fishing, is allowed in the forests (at a certain time of the year, with a license), a hunt for a boar, a hare, partridge is allowed.

The presence of nature reserves and national parks attracts naturalists who have the opportunity to observe birds, including flamingos, animals in a natural habitat.

2. Cultural prerequisites

For centuries you are carrying the light of our land -

From wars, presets of Carthage,

To wise men, poets and leaders

Whose glory became the glory of our days.

Empire throne, the tomb of their lively,

Did not become your key of weakens or muddy.

And thirst for knowledge eternal hand

From the Roman depths runs his holy jet.

George Byron "Childord Harold". Song of the third.

Italy is one of the few countries with a huge cultural heritage. The rich history influenced the development of art. The very word "Italy", apparently, has special magic and fascinates us from childhood, since school bench. And as soon as we learn about the existence of Italy, the history and culture of which the most closely intertwined with the heritage of the whole world, then there is a desire to see this beautiful, amazing and the only one in our charm, who managed to inspire an inxpected division of generations to the work mankind.

There was no information about the first resettlement of people in Italy. However, it is reliably known that its territory was settled in the Epoch of Paleolithic. The most ancient tribes that inhabited Italy were liguras, Etruscans, Ventes and Yapiga. In particular, the area of \u200b\u200bLiguria and Veneto received their name from these tribes. Later, the Celts (Galla) were settled in the Valley of the Outline of the River Software. Gradually, the Italian tribes came to the peninsula from the north on most of the peninsula. Among them, the highest level of development was distinguished by Latins.

In the early period of the existence of Rome, the kings ruled. But in 509 BC The last king of Tarquiniya proud was expelled, and the republic was founded. The government was awarded to consuls (Consul in Latin - Comrade), who was entrusted with pairs for a period of one year. By the middle of the III century BC. Rome subjugated the whole territory of Italy and turned into a major state, wanted hegemony in the Mediterranean, which led to a collision with another sea power - Carthage. After three cuneic wars (including the famous Hannibal) in 146 BC Rome achieved the final victory, and Carthage was erased from the face of the earth. However, the period II-I centuries BC. marked by other social shocks and civil wars. So, in 45 BC In the fight against Pompey, Gai Julius Caesar won, who a year later was killed by the conspirators led by Bruta and Cassie. The new period of civil wars was completed by the victory of the reception son Caesar - Octavian, in 27 BC. The title of August ("sacred") received from the Senate. From now on, Rome has become an empire.

Italian Republic (Italy) is a state in the south of Europe, in the center of the Mediterranean. Borders with France in the North-West (the length of the border - 488 km), with Switzerland (the length of the border - 740 km) and Austria (the length of the border - 430 km) in the north and with Slovenia in the northeast (border length - 232 km). Also has internal borders with the Vatican (the length of the boundary - 3.2 km) and San Marino (the length of the boundary is 39 km). It is among the states of the Schengen Agreement.

Italy is predominantly a mountainous country that occupies the Apennine Peninsula (on which the Mountains of Apennins are located (the highest point - Mount Kornov-Grande, 2914 m), Pandan Plain, the Southern Alps slopes (with higher point Western Europe Mongo Mont Blanc, 4808 m), Islands of Sicily, Sardinia and a number of small islands (most of the small islands are divided into archipelagoes, such as the Tuscan archipelago, which includes Elba Island, to which Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled). Existing volcanoes - (Vesuvius, Etna); Frequent earthquakes. The longest river Italy by, its length is 682 km. The largest lake is Garda.

From East, the Apennine Peninsula is washed by the Adriatic Sea with the Venetian Bay in its northern part. Solving Otranto between Apulius and Albania connects the Adriatic Sea with ionic. Between the Apuli and Kalabria is deeply embedded in the Taranto Bay. A very narrow Messinsky Strait separates Kalabria from Sicily, and the Sicilian (or Tunisian) shed width of 135 km - Sicily from North Africa. The Tyrrhenian Sea is a triangular pool framed by Sardinia, Corsica, the Tuscan archipelago, the Apennine Peninsula and Sicily. To the north of Corsica is the Ligurian Sea with the Genoese Bay.

Italy is located in the zone of subtropical Mediterranean climate, and the effect of the sea is enhanced by the Alps, which are a barrier for the Northern and Western winds.

In the alpine (northern) zone, the climate has a continental character, the high-altitude explanation is manifested. At the foot of the Alps, the average temperature of July is 20-22 ° C. In Bardoneccia (westing part), the average annual temperature is 7.4 ° C, and the average annual precipitation is 660 mm. The eastern part is less warm with greater moisture, in Cortina-d'Ampezzo, these indicators are 6.6 ° C and 1055 mm. In Valle-d'Aosta (Western region), the permanent snow cover begins with 3110 m, and in the Yulia Alps, snow is lowered to 2545 m. In the fall and winter, hot dry feng, blowing from Switzerland or Austria, sometimes causes sharp temperatures in some valleys. (Aosta, Susa). In the eastern part of the Alps, the impulses of the dry and cold wind boron can reach 200 km / h. In the summer, rain falls out in high-rise areas, and in the fall and spring move to the edges of the climatic zone. Snow falls only in winter, the amount (from 3 to 10 m) depends on the year and proximity to the coast. At the foothills there are more abundant snowfall than on mountain areas. In mountainous areas, frost are often frequent? 15-20 ° C. Located in the region of the lake soften the local climate, the average temperature of January in Milan is 1 ° C, and in Salo, on Lake Garda - 4 ° C. On the territory of the Italian Alps there are several hundred glaciers, such as Mialde (in Mont Blanc, the largest in Italy) and Calderon (on the Korno-Grande grief, the southernmost in Europe).

Statistical indicators of Italy
(as of 2012)

In the Pandan Plain, the climate is transitional from the subtropical to moderate - hot summer and harsh winter, softening when moving towards the eastern shore. In Turin, the average temperature of winter - 0.3 ° C, summer - 23 ° C. Rains go mainly in the offseason, increasing with a height above sea level. A small amount of snow falls on high plains. The temperature on the Adriatic coast rises from the north to the south partially due to the increase in latitude, partly due to the change of the prevailing winds from the eastern to the southern. The average annual temperature in Venice is 13.6 ° C, in Ancona - 16 ° C, and in Bari - 17 ° C. The sediments are not small - 750 mm in Venice, 650 mm in Ancona and 600 mm in Bari.

In Apennines, the severity of the winter is determined by a height, precipitation in the form of snow and rain temperate (except for individual places). Cyclones in the middle of winter cause frequent changes to the weather, snow may fall in the southern regions. The average annual temperatures and precipitate are 12.1 ° C and 890 mm in Urbino (in the East), as well as 12.5 ° C and 1000 mm in the potential (Basilicate region). At the eastern slopes of the Apennine and in the inner areas of the peninsula there are 600-800 mm of precipitation per year, in the inner regions of Sicily and Sardinia - less than 500 mm per year.

Along the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea and Ligurian Riviera on temperature and precipitation affects the sea, the full openness of the midday sun, the prevailing south-western wind and the proximity of the Apenninsky ridge that does not let the northern winds. In San Remo (Western Riviera), precipitation drops 680 mm for the year, in spices (south-eastern part of the riviera) more racifically - 1150 mm. On the Adriatic coast, mostly colder (by 1-2 ° C) and land than on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Highlands Calabria and Sicily are surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and therefore there are higher temperatures than in the mountains of the northern part of the peninsula. In the inner areas in winter, rain is rare, more falling out in the Western and northern regions of Sicily. In Regjo-di Calabria, the average annual temperature and precipitate are 18.2 ° C and 595 mm, in Palermo - 18 ° C and 970 mm, respectively. From the side of North Africa, hot and very wet wind is often blowing, heating air to 40-45 ° C and giving up to the south of Sardinia. The Cold Mistral is also affected by the climate of Sardinia, which blows it from the North-West Bank. In Sassari (North-West Islands), the average annual temperature and precipitate are 17 ° C and 580 mm, and in Orozie (East Coast of the island), these indicators are 17.5 ° C and 540 mm.

Source - http://www.at-home.su/

Thanks to its original outline, Italy is the most recognizable on geographic map. country. Italy is located on the Apennine Peninsula, surrounded by three sides with water. The mainland part of the country in the form of a boot point places to the West, towards Sicily and Sardinia islands.

The overall length of the land borders is 1932 kilometers. The coastline stretches for 8 thousand kilometers. Italy borders with Austria (430 km), France (488 km), Slovenia (232 km) and Switzerland (740 km). In addition, the territory of the country is surrounded by the Vatican states (border of 3.2 km) and San Marino (border of 39 km). The boundary of territorial waters takes place in 12 marine miles from the coast. Continental shelf at a depth of 200 meters. Being in the center Mediterranean SeaItaly has marine borders with Balkan countries - Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Greece. Dozens of small islands are scattered off the coast of Italy, but only two most large islands - Sicily and Sardinia - densely populated.

Italy is washed by four seas: the Adriatic Sem from the East, Ionian from the South, Tyrrensky from the West and Ligurian - the northern part of Italy from the West.

Italy includes two large mountain systems - Apennins and Alps, and therefore, about 80% of its surface are mountains and foothills. Plains and lowlands occupy a relatively small area, the largest plain - Pandan (about 15% of Italy's area). In its relief, Italy is divided into three main areas: the Apennine Peninsula, Padan Plain and Italian Alps.

The Apennine Peninsula forms the Mountain System of Apennine and an ancient Tyrrenide Massif (in Calabria, Tuscany, on the Islands of Sicily and Sardinia). The folded ridges of the Apennel in Neogene were blurred, underwent strong faults, and in a quarterly period - large raising. Also, volcanic phenomena, ongoing and currently (acting volcanoes of Vesuvius, Etna, Stromboli, Vulcano) were also played in creating relief. The center of volcanic activity is located on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Strong earthquakes are evidenced by the continuation of population processes. In a number of areas on the formation of the relief, the intensive river erosion has a large influence. Apennine, filling almost the entire peninsula, reaches a height of about 3000 meters, but in general it is characterized by the middle-growing relief and hilly foothills. Low lying areas on the peninsula are small and located on the sea coast. The eastern slopes of the Apennine in general gel, Western - cooler. The mountain system is divided into northern, central and southernmen. Northern Apennins are composed mainly by the powerful thick clay and sandstones of the tertiary period, the ancient sedimentary and various erupted breeds are also developed. Most mountain vertices Do not exceed 2000 meters. In the northern slopes are strongly developed landslides. Northern Apennines are divided into Ligurian (Majorask Mountain, 1803 m) and Tuscan (Mount Chimone, 2163m). Ligurian Apennins are the lowest and narrow part of the Apennine. The narrow strip of the coast along Ligurian Aphenin, as well as the Ligurian and Seaside Alps, which includes coastal lowland and the lower part of the mountains, forms Italian Riviera, known for its painting and mild climate. For Tuscan Apennine, the coolese arrangement of mountain ranges and the presence of longitudinal valleys on the southern slopes of longitudinal valleys is characterized. These valleys that have fertile soils, densely populated (the valley of the average flow of the Arno River with the city of Florence and the valley of the top flow of the tiber with the city of Perugia). Here are the main routes of communication (iron and highways) between the northern and southern parts of Italy. Central Apennins are the widest part of the Apennine. Mountains are dismembered by separate ridges And the basins that constitute a sharp contrast: the ridges of the rocks and are naked, hoods rich in water sources, cultured and densely populated. The axial zone of the mountains is mainly formed by the powerful strata of mesozoic limestone. Here, the Apennines reach the greatest height (in the high-mountainous area of \u200b\u200bAbruzzi Ridge Grand Sasso with a mountain of Corno reaches a height of 2914 m). From the east to the axial zone, the lower zone is fitted, folded by clays and sandstones of the tertiary period.

Between the Northern and Central Apennines and the Tyrrhenian Sea, there is a wide strip of a hilly area with separate small lowlands, opening up to the plain coast. In the northern part of this strip over the hills of loose tertiary sediments, individual arrays are elevated with more ancient rocks (granites, crystalline slates, limestones). These are the Apuen Alps (1946 m), composed in a large extent that famous Carrara marbles, the Pisa Mountains, Tuscan Mountains, and others. A cone of the extinct volcano of Monte Amiata (1738 m) is separately towers. The southern part of the band occupies a volcanic area, including a low-lying Roman campaign, and four cones of extinct volcanoes (Volcini, Cimino, Sabatini and Monte Albano).

Southern Apennines consist of two longitudinal strips: higher and narrow Western (above 2000 m in non-politinist and Lucan apentes), folded by mesozoic limestones, and low, but wider eastern, where predominantly roarful breeds of the tertiary period. Neapolitan volcanic region with South Apennins acting volcano Vesuviye (1281 m). Between the eastern slope of the southern Apennine and the shore of the Adriatic Sea stretches the band, folded by limestones and raised in the form of the Gargano massif (1056 m) in the north and plateau Le-Murge in the south. The southern part of the Apennine Peninsula is occupied by Calabria, by origin, an ancient crystalline array, composed mainly by granites, gneis and crystal shale (aspromonte, 1956 m and La Power, 1930 m). Geologically, young faults of the Messinsky Strait are separated by Kalabria from Sicily Island, most of which is a continuation of the tertiary folded belt of the Apennine (Mountain Nebri, Le Madonia, height until 1979 m). In the north-east of Sicily, Pelorish Mountains are located, in the east - Etna volcano, and south of it is a fertile and densely populated lowland skating. Sardinia Island from a geological point of view is an ancient array (Tirrenide residue), dissected by discharges.

The Padan Plain lies on the site of the extensive tectonic depression between the Alps mountain systems and the Apennine. Wpadina was occupied by the Gulf of the Adriatic Sea, gradually filled with river nans. Plain continues to grow east. Its surface is almost flat, the height in the greater part does not exceed 100 meters above sea level and only in the outskirts reaches 200-500 meters. Plain is divided into four parts: Higher Piedmont in the West, Lombard in the center, Venetian in the East and Emilian in the south, at the foot of the Tuscan Apennine. From the west to the east of the plain intersects the PO River, the numerous tributaries of which flow with the adjacent slopes of the Alps and the Apennine. Smooth surface, high mountain protection from northern winds, Plain soil fertility is extremely favorable for agriculture development. Alpine (left) tributaries of the software river are a powerful source of hydropower. Such natural conditions, along with the proximity of Central Europe and the Sea coast, contributed to the transformation of the Pandana Plain into the main agricultural, industrial and most densely populated region of Italy.

Italian Alps are divided into Piedmont, Lombard, South Tyrol and Venetian Alps. Piedmont cool and sharply break up directly to the Padan Plain. In the main watershed ridge, which passes the Border of Italy, arrays of the Grand Paradise (4061 m), Mont Blanc (4810 m), Monte Rose (4646 m), and others, the upper tributaries of the river are dissected by the alphabet to the thick network of transverse valleys. The largest of them are the Dora Riparia and Dora Baltea (Aosta Valley), on which railway and highways connect Italy with France and Switzerland (through the passes small and large Saint-Bernard). In the Lombard Alps, which occupy the central part of the Italian Alps, between Lago Maggiore lakes and Garda are well expressed both the main zone, folded by crystalline rocks and the limestone zone of pre-found. The highest height in this part of the Alps reaches an array of ort forest (3899 m). The characteristic feature of the Pre-found zone is the presence of large lakes (Lago Maggiore, Lugano, Como, Isao, Garda), which are the basins of the ancient glaciers. The southern edges of the lakes reach the plains, while the northern penetrate far into the mountains; Through the lakes, the River Ticino, Adda, and others, for the Alps of Southern Tyrol, folded by crystalline rocks and limestones, are characterized by severe dismemberment of individual arrays. The most high part of them is Tyrolean Dolomite Mountains (3342 m). The Venetian Alps are folded by limestone, they allocate the root and Julian Alps. In the upper zone of the Italian Alps there are significant glaciers. The most important passes through which are the paths of communication from Italy to the neighboring countries of Europe, - SPLUG, Brenner, Mon-Song, Small Saint-Bernard (2188 m), Bolshaya Saint-Bernard (2472 m), Symplon, Saint-Gothard ( 2112 m) and others. Alps are more populated and embedded the band of the nations and lower slopes of the mountains to a height of about 800 meters. The most densely populated the valley of the Adige River (almost to the rover). The slopes of the mountains are widely used as pastures for livestock.

Due to the wide distribution of limestones in Italy in many areas - in the Eastern Alps, Northern and Central Apennines, at the Plateau Le-Murge and Gargano, in Sicily, Saclia, there are all forms of surface and closed as funnels, wells, grots and caves. In the Alps, there is one of the deepest caves of the world - Anthrop Di Corkya (805 m). In total, Italy has about 70 large caves and several hundred grottoes. Worldwide is famous for the blue grotto on the shores of Capri Island. Frequently, the caves and the grotto served in Italy places in settlements, temples, burials. Nowadays they attract the attention of numerous tourists. Some caves due to constant humidity, availability mineral sources, vapors, mud have a healing value. At the same time, karst phenomena cause great harm to the auction, scattering and dinner soil, contributing to the formation of landslides and preventing the construction of buildings and roads.