Resources of Italy

Physical Features are Resources

•This region is known for mountains and seas.

• Italy has long coastlines along the Mediterranean Sea.

Mountain Ranges

•Apennines – Run along the whole Italian Peninsula

•Alps – Located north of Italy and is the highest mountain range in Europe–Alps are a major tourist attraction

that people come to see and to ski on

Rivers in Italy

• Navigable rivers and canals (Tiber River and Venice, Italy)

• What does navigable mean?– Look at the photo to the

right and think about it!

• Rivers provide opportunities for trade and a water and food sources

Mediterranean Sea

• The Mediterranean is central to the region’s geography.

• People have relied on the sea for food and an easy way to travel around the region throughout history.

• The sea is important because it has served to connect the many different civilizations (Greek, Roman, Egyptian) that have existed on the coasts of the sea.

Mediterranean Sea continued..

• The peoples of these civilizations could use the water to interact with one another to exchange goods (trade) or to defeat one another for expansion of their empire.

Mediterranean Climate

•Southern Europe has a Mediterranean climate.

•This type of climate features dry summers and mild, wet winters.

•The climate affects nearly every aspect of life in this region.

•It is one of the region’s most valuable resources.

Mediterranean Climate affects.....

• The Mediterranean climate affects life in the region in four ways:

1. Agriculture2. Tourism3. Vegetation4. Architecture

Agriculture

• The climate is ideal for growing many types of crops.

• These include citrus fruits, grapes, olives, and wheat.

Italian farm

Tourism

• Millions of people (tourists) are drawn to the Mediterranean each year because of its climate, beaches, and breathtaking scenery.

• The tourists help the economy of the Mediterranean. Tourists at the beach

Vegetation

• Southern Europe is home to a wide variety of vegetation.

• The vegetation thrive (live) on the climate of the region.

• Vegetation helps to create the beautiful scenery that draws tourist in. Home in Tuscany

region of Italy

Architecture

• Architecture is affected by climate.

• Buildings are airy and made of light materials that reflect sunlight and heat.