Italy is a land rich in art, history, and culture. Past centuries have seen great change in Italy, from Ancient Rome to the destruction in Pompeii to the rise and fall of Mussolini. But Italy's amazing architecture and its contribution to world history and culture has remained the same. Today it is a favourite vacation spot for many tourists around the world. Features of the series include: main chapters that focus on geography, people and culture, history, government and economy, and nature; 'At a Glance' double spreads to present a maximum amount of information in a minimal amount of space, utilizing charts, tables, time lines, and other highly visual elements; and, full-page maps that highlight physical features, vegetation and ecosystems, history, population, and political organization. As a bonus, every photograph within each chapter is tied to a location on the main map for that chapter. Smaller maps zoom in on special topics, such as migration, rainfall, changing borders, resources, industry, and other important themes. This book includes: special feature sidebars that introduce intriguing people, places, and events; a glossary to aid in comprehension of unfamiliar terms; and, an extensive bibliography that lists books, National Geographic articles, and Web sites.