Northern Italy facts for kids
Northern Italy is a large and important part of Italy. It's often called Italia Settentrionale or Nord in Italian. This area is made up of two main sections: the North-West and the North-East. It's known for being a busy place for business and is generally colder than Southern Italy. Many people from the south sometimes move here for work.
Northern Italy is home to over 26 million people. It covers a big area of about 119,921 square kilometers (46,301 square miles). The biggest city in this region is Milan. People often see Northern Italy as having more wealth than the southern parts of the country. This difference is sometimes called the 'North-South Divide'. It means there are different levels of development across Italy.
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Regions of Northern Italy
Northern Italy includes eight different regions. Each region has its own unique features and history.
- North-West Italy includes:
* Aosta Valley: A small, mountainous region in the Alps. * Piedmont: Known for its beautiful landscapes and the city of Turin. * Lombardy: This is the most populated region, home to Milan. * Liguria: A coastal region with the city of Genoa and lovely beaches.
- North-East Italy includes:
* Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Located in the far north-east, bordering other countries. * Veneto: Famous for Venice and its canals. * Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol: A mountainous region with strong cultural ties to both Italy and Austria. * Emilia-Romagna: Known for its delicious food and farming areas.
Geography and Climate
Northern Italy has a very diverse landscape. You can find towering mountains, wide plains, and beautiful coastlines.
The Alps
The northern border of Italy is dominated by the Alps mountain range. These mountains are very tall and offer stunning views. They also make the climate colder in these areas, especially in winter. You can find many valleys and lakes nestled within the Alps. Some lakes, like Lake Garda, have warmer areas called microclimates.
The Po Plain
South of the Alps lies the Po Plain. This is a large, flat area that is very important for farming. The Po River flows through this plain, making the land fertile. In winter, the Po Plain often experiences thick fog. This fog can cover the landscape, creating a unique atmosphere.
Economy and Cities
Northern Italy is a very important economic center for the country. It has many industries and businesses.
A Hub for Business
This region is often called a "business area" because of its strong economy. Many factories, companies, and financial centers are located here. This helps create many jobs and contributes to the region's wealth. The higher level of development here is a big reason why people from other parts of Italy might move to the north.
Major Cities
Northern Italy is home to some of Italy's largest and most famous cities.
- Milan: This is the biggest city in Northern Italy and a global capital of fashion and design. It's also a major financial center.
- Turin: Located in Piedmont, Turin is known for its automotive industry and beautiful historic buildings.
- Genoa: A major port city in Liguria, Genoa has a long history as a maritime power.
Images for kids
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Migration of the Lombards towards Northern Italy
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Member cities of the first and second Lombard League.
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The Iron Crown of Lombardy, for centuries a symbol of the Kings of Italy
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The Alps in Val Maira, Province of Cuneo
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Farming landscape in the Po Plain at Sant'Agata Bolognese
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Alpine lakes like Lake Garda are characterised by warmer microclimates than the surrounding areas
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Fog on the Secchia River near Modena. Fog is a common occurrence in the Po Plain
See also
In Spanish: Italia septentrional para niños
