Flag of Italy : Three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), white, and red characterize the Italian Flag. It is very similar to the flag of Ireland, which is longer and is green (hoist side), white, and orange. It is also similar to the flag of the Cote d'Ivoire, which has the colors reversed - orange (hoist side), white, and green. The French flag brought to Italy by Napoleon in 1797, is however said to have inspired Italy's flag.
Economy of Italy : From an agricultural country before World War II, Italy has changed base to industry. It ranks as the world's fifth-largest industrial economy and belongs to the Group of Eight (G-8) industrialized nations; it is a member of the European Union and the OECD. It is essentially a private-enterprise economy. Lack of natural resources and lack of suitable land for farming, makes it a net importer. Most raw materials needed for manufacturing and 80% of the country's energy sources and even food is imported. Italy's economic strength however lies in the processing and the manufacturing of goods, primarily in small and medium-sized family-owned firms. Its major industries are precision machinery, motor vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electric goods, and fashion and clothing. Rampant unemployment, presence of the 'Mafia' and the slow growth of the southern region are problems presently faced by Italy.
