ITALY

1. ITALY

3. Italy’s Flag The meanings of the three colours of the flag of Italy are that green represents the country's plains and the hills, white, the Alps mountains covered in snow and red represents blood spilt in the Wars of Italian Independence. Another meaning, a more religious interpretation is that green represents hope, white is faith and the red represents charity.

4. ITALY - FACTS Italy is located in Southern Europe and comprises of the boot shaped Italian Peninsula and a number of islands including the two largest Sicily & Sardinia Official Language is Italian Italy was one of the six founding member of the EEC now the European Union on 1st January 1958 Population in 2013 in Italy was 59,943,933 Currency is Euro Rome is the capital of Italy and the largest city in the country Prime Minister of Italy is Matteo Renzi he is in office since 22 February 2014 President is Giorgio Napolitano he is in office since 15th May 2006

5. ITALY – FACTS Roman Catholicism is by far the largest religion in the country although Catholicism is no longer the official state religion The head of the Catholic Church resides in Rome in “The Vatican” Pope Francis who was elected in Education is free and mandatory from ages six to sixteen and consists of five stages kindergarten, primary school, lower secondary school, upper secondary school and university. Healthcare is state run universal public health system. Italy ranks as having the worlds 2nd best heatlhcare system . Italy is the worlds largest wine producer – Chanti Region

6. ITALY – FAMOUS SITES St. Peter’s Basilica in “The Vatican City” – Pope Francis runs his office from here

7. ITALY – FAMOUS SITES The Sistine Chapel – The ceiling was painted by Michelangelo between 1508 & 1512, is one of the most renowned artworks of the High Renaissance .

8. ITALY – FAMOUS SITES Trevi Fountain – Work on the fountain first begun in 1732 by Nicola Salvi(who beat off competition to be awarded the commission by Pope Clement XII) and was completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762. Tradition says one must throw a coin into the fountain to ensure one day they will return, and couples should throw two/three coins to ensure the hear wedding chimes ...

9. ITALY – FAMOUS SITES Roman Colosseum – The Colosseum was built in 72 Ad and finished in 80 AD, it was used as a amphitheatre for Emperors to entertain the public with comic acts and the famous Gladiator fights a display of their wealth. In 847 an earthquake destroyed the Colosseum and some material from this were used to build St. Peter’s Basilica

10. ITALY – FAMOUS SITES Leaning Tower of Pisa – Is a bell tower standing 60 metres in height, it leaning was not intentional during building but occurred due to small fountains on soft soil. In the 20th & 21st century work has being carried out to stabilise the tower.

11. ITALY – LETS SPEAK SOME ITALIAN Hello - Ciao How are you ? - Come Stui What is your favourite food ? - Qualeéiltuocidopreferito What is your favourite colour ? - Qualeéiltuocidocolore

12. ITALY – What I like best about Italy PIZZA !!! Spaghetti Bolognaise !! Armani aftershave !! Holidays in Lake Garda !!

13. Arrivederci !!