- Italians used to have large families, however Italy is now known for having Europe's lowest birthrate.
- The average Italian family has 1.27 children.
- Almost 20% of the population is over 65 years old.
- The average Italian consumes 25 kilograms (56 pounds) of pasta a year.
- Italy's contributions to science include the typewriter, the thermometer, the electric battery, nitroglycerin, eyeglasses and wireless telegraphy.
- Not less important… the ice cream cone is also an Italian invention.
- Leonardo da Vinci (1452- 1519) was one of the greatest inventors of history. His designs include (only to mention a few) parachutes, tanks, planes, water drills, swing bridges, bicycles and contact lenses.
- The Italian flag is inspired by the French flag introduced during Napoleon's invasion of the peninsula.
- Italy is the fourth most visited country in the world.
- Italy has more hotel rooms than any other nation in Europe.
- The average Italian consumes about 100 liters (26 gallons) of wine a year! ...now that explains a lot about Italian driving.
- Italy is the world's fifth largest industrial economy.
- The area around Venice is the wealthiest region in Europe.
- Barely a third of Italy's land is suitable for farming.
- Italy has a resident foreign population of 1.27 million.
- 98% of Italians are Roman Catholic.
- The colors of the Italian flag represent three virtues: hope (green), faith (white), and charity (red).
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Some interesting facts about Italy:
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