The Mezzogiorno Italy Flashcards
(62 cards)
What is included in the region
Italian peninsula south of Rome
Sardina
Sicily
Why is it a peripheral region
Underdeveloped (only generates 25% of the country’s GDP but takes up 40% of Italy’s landmark) Harsh climate and landscape Low living standards High unemployed Low population density High outward migration of young people Poor infrastructure Over developed on primary sector Problems with illegal emigration and organised crime
Climate in region
Mediterranean (warm temperate oceanic)
Climate influenced by
Azores high (dry spells and clear skies) SiRocco wind (hot wind destroys crops)
Rainfall in region summer
20mm in July in flash flood
Drought in summer
Weather in winter
Frost is rare
500mm to 900mm Oct-March
Rain shadow provided by apennines
Soils in region
Red soils - terra Rosa, made from weathered limestone
Rich in iron oxide
Suitable for Vines
Soil erosion occurs on the slopes
Richer Soil found near volcanoes and on river flood plains
Relief in the region
85% of region is mountainous or upland
Drainage in region
Combination of little rainfall and limestone bedrock means there is little surface water
Main rivers are Brandano and Volturno
High summer temp reduce amount of water in river
Tectonic activity in the region
Located on boundary between African and Eurasian plate
Small earthquakes and tremors occur daily
Deadliest; 1908, 7.0 mag, 72,000 dead
Volcanoes too
Describe agriculture in region
Unproductive Low productivity Low Mechanisation Low income (50% lower than Eu average) Dependent on government grants
Types of agriculture in region
Livestock (sheep and goats) Trees (lemon, orange, limes) and vines (figs, pears) Olive trees (perfectly resistant to drought, Italy 2nd biggest producer of olive trees in world) Winger what (grown in reclaimed marsh in winter. Much processed into pasta)
Physical factors affecting agriculture
Relief: 85% is mountainous, unproductive soil on slopes, olive trees suited to upland areas, rough grazing of animals on slopes
Climate: frequent drought, hot, dry , winds damage crops, crops mist be irrigated
Most farming occurs in milder winter weather
Human factors affecting agriculture
In past labourers had small plots of land that they rented. Had to pay up to 69% of profit. Small unproductive farms
Casa per il Mezzogiorno Scheme. Spent €14 billion on agriculture. Gave land to farmers for more profitable farming. Irrigation schemes were developed
Positive of Cassa scheme
Cooperates were formed to help farmers sell goods to the north and EU markets
Swamps were drained and reclaimed for farming
Increase in technology and machinery on larger farms
Negatives of Cassa scheme
Lowland areas benefitted the most and upland areas were unaffected
Seasonal farming
Irrigation is expensive
Forestry in region
Mixed deciduous and evergreens
Suited to drought and high temperature
Climate doesn’t allow growth of dense forests
Where forest has been cleared soil erosion increases
Fishing in region
Anchovy, tuna and sardines
Coastal town include Bari, Naples
Much of fish is supplied to tourist markets along coast
High salt content in sea reduces plankton so not as many fish can live
Percentage of region employed in secondary sector
25%
Where in Italy does most manufacturing occur
North
What are the factors hindering development of manufacturing in the Mezzogiorno
Lack of natural sources eg oil, coal, gas and even water
Industry would have had to import raw materials
Not much HEP or solar panels (expensive, lack of water)
Peripheral location
Southern tip is 1100km away from capital
Upland region, had bad roads and infrastructure
Limited labour force as people move away or else don’t go to university
Autostrada built in what year
1964
Centres of economic activity in Mezzogiorno
Taranto
Bari
Brindisi
Naples
Industrial employment tripled in region due to Cassa scheme
What number did it triple to
1.4 million
