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The article "How Italy Became the Most Divided Country in Europe" from Open Culture explores the historical and geographical factors contributing to the economic and social disparities between Northern and Southern Italy. Here are the key points:
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Geographical Advantages of the North: Northern Italy benefits from proximity to the rest of Europe, the navigable Po River, freshwater sources from the Alps, and deep-water ports like Trieste and Genoa. Additionally, it is less prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic activity compared to the South.
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Historical Political Divergence: Post-Roman Empire, Southern Italy experienced rule by various foreign powers, including Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Spaniards, and the Austrian Habsburgs. This led to a culture of absentee landlords and prolonged feudalism, whereas Northern Italy developed thriving, independently governed communes and city-states, fostering greater social capital.
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Impact of Unification: At the time of Italy's unification, the South lagged behind the North in infrastructure, industrial output, and literacy rates. These disparities have persisted, with the North continuing to dominate in economic development and global brand recognition.
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Contemporary Implications: The enduring divide is evident in various socio-economic indicators, such as the Human Development Index and GDP per capita, with the North outperforming the South. Factors like the resurgence of Mafia influence post-World War II have further exacerbated Southern Italy's challenges.
For a more in-depth analysis, you can read the full article on Open Culture.
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