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{{otheruses}}
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The '''Italian Republic''' or '''Italy''' ([[Italian language|Italian]]: ''Repubblica italiana'' or ''Italia'') is a country in [[Southern Europe]]. It comprises a [[boot]]-shaped [[peninsula]] and two large islands in the [[Mediterranean Sea]], [[Sicily]] and [[Sardinia]], and shares its northern alpine boundary with [[France]], [[Switzerland]], [[Austria]] and [[Slovenia]]. It is a founding member of what is now the [[European Union]], and a member state of the [[United Nations]], [[NATO]] and the [[G8]] nations. [[San Marino]] and the [[Vatican City]] are [[enclave]]s countries within Italian territory, while [[Campione d'Italia]] is an Italian exclave in Switzerland.
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!Australian Cattle Dog
|+<big><big>'''Repubblica italiana'''</big></big>
|-align="center"
|+<big><big>'''Italian Republic'''</big></big>
|[[Image:AustrCattleDogBlue_wb.jpg|thumbnail|250px|none|Blue coat color; this dog's tail is docked.]]
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{| border=0 cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0 style="background:#f9f9f9; text-align:center;"
!Alternative names
| width="130px"| [[image:Flag of Italy.png|125px|Flag of Italy]] || align=center width=130px| [[Image:Italian coa.png|110px|Italy: Coat of Arms]]
|-
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| width="130px"| ([[Flag of Italy|In Detail]]) || align=center width=130px| ([[Coat of Arms of Italy|In Detail]])
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|Australian Heeler
| align=center colspan=2 |
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|Blue Heeler
| align=center colspan=2 style="background:#f9f9f9;" | [[image:LocationItaly.png|Location of Italy]]
|-
|Red Heeler
|'''[[Official language]]''' || [[Italian language|Italian]]<sup>1</sup>
|-
|Hall's Heeler
|'''[[Capital]] and largest city''' || [[Rome]]
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|Queensland Heeler
|'''[[President of Italy|President]]''' || [[Carlo Azeglio Ciampi]]
|}
|- align=center bgcolor=pink
!Country of origin
|- align=center
|[[Australia]]
|- align=center bgcolor=pink
!Common nicknames
|- align=center
|Bluey, ACD, Cattledog
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!Classification and breed standards
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|'''[[List of Prime Ministers of Italy|Prime minister]]''' || [[Silvio Berlusconi]]
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|[[Fédération Cynologique Internationale|FCI]]: ||Group 1 Section 2 #287
|-
|[[American Kennel Club|AKC]]: ||Herding
|'''[[Area]]''' <br> - Total <br> - % water
|[http://www.akc.org/breeds/australian_cattle_dog/index.cfm Std]
|[[List of countries by area|Ranked 71st]] <br>[[1 E11 m²|301,230 km²]]<br>2.40%
|-
|[[Australian National Kennel Council|ANKC]]: ||Group 5 (Working Dogs)
|'''[[Population]]''' <br> - Total ([[2005]]) <br> - [[Population density|Density]]
|[http://www.ankc.aust.com/austcat.html Std]
|[[List of countries by population|Ranked 23rd]] <br>58,462,375 <br>197/km²
|-
|[[Canadian Kennel Club|CKC]]: ||Group 7 - Herding Dogs
|'''[[Italian Unification|Unification]]'''
|[http://www.nwstar.com/~acdcc/standard.htm Std]
|[[17 March]] [[1861]]
|-
|[[Kennel Club (UK)|KC(UK)]]: ||Pastoral
|'''[[Gross Domestic Product|GDP]]''' (2005) <br/> - PPP <br/> - Nominal <br/> - GDP/capita(PPP) <br/> - GDP/capita(nom.)
|[http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk/discoverdogs/pastoral/p835.htm Std]
| $1.694 trillion([[List of countries by GDP (PPP)|8th]]) <br> $1.836 trillion([[List of countries by GDP (nominal)|7th]]) <br/> $29,414 ([[List of countries by GDP (PPP) per capita|19th]]) <br/> $31,874 ([[List of countries by GDP (nominal) per capita|20th]])
|-
|[[New Zealand Kennel Club|NZKC]]: ||Working
|'''[[Currency]]''' || [[Euro]] (€)<sup>2</sup>
|[http://www.nzkc.org.nz/br504.html Std]
|-
|[[United Kennel Club|UKC]]: || Herding Dog Breeds
| '''[[Time zone]]''' <br /> - in [[European Summer Time|summer]]
|[http://www.ukcdogs.com/breeds/herdingdogs/australiancattledog.std.shtml Std]
| [[Central European Time|CET]] ([[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]+1)<br>[[Central European Summer Time|CEST]] ([[Coordinated Universal Time|UTC]]+2)
|-
| '''[[National anthem]]''' || ''[[Il Canto degli Italiani]]''
|-
| '''[[Top-level ___domain|Internet TLD]]''' || [[.it]]
|-
| '''[[List of country calling codes|Calling Code]]''' || +39
|-
|colspan="2"| <small><sup>1</sup> [[German language|German]] is the second official language of [[South Tyrol|Alto Adige\South Tyrol]] autonomous province. There are other 11 linguistic minorities (for example, [[French language|French]] is spoken in the [[Aosta Valley]]) that are recognized by the italian constitution and laws.<br>
<sup>2</sup> Prior to [[1999]]: [[Lira|Italian Lira]].</small>
|}
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The '''Australian Cattle Dog''' (ACD), also known as the '''Queensland Heeler''', '''Blue Heeler''', and '''Red Heeler''', is a [[herding dog]] developed in Australia for controlling [[cattle]]. It is a medium-sized dog with a lot of energy and an independent streak.
==Appearance==
[[Image:AustrCattleDogBlueFace_wb.jpg|thumbnail|left|One variant of Blue face markings]]
The Cattle Dog's coat comes in a variety of markings, sometimes quite striking. The basic coat colors are ''blue'' and ''red speckle''. For dog owners whose interest is primarily in their qualification for [[dog show]]s, even markings are preferred over uneven markings, and large solid-color marks on the body are undesireable. For owners who are more interested in their dogs' performance in activities such as [[herding]] or [[dog sports]], the breed's strong work ethic and intelligence are of more importance than the exact coat markings.
The mask is one of the most distinctive features of an ACD. This mask consists of a darker red patch over one or both eyes (for the red speckle coat color) or a black patch over one or both eyes (for the blue coat color). These are called, respectively, ''single mask'' and ''double mask''. ACDs without a mask are called ''plain-faced''. Any of these is correct according to the breed standard, and the only limitation is the owner's preference.
== History ==
''Main article: [[History of Italy]]''
[[Image:AustrCattleDogRed_wb.jpg|thumbnail|left|Red speckle coat color with undocked tail]]
Many Australian Cattle Dogs have a stripe of white hair in the center of the forehead, usually 1/2 inch to 1 inch by 2 inches to 3 inches (about 2 cm by 7 cm) called the ''Bentley Mark''. This is similar in appearance to the blaze markings sometimes found on [[horse]]s. According to legend, a popular dog owned by Tom Bentley passed on this distinctive mark to all Australian Cattle Dogs.
A female Australian Cattle Dog should measure about 17 to 19 inches (43 to 48 cm) at the [[withers]]. A male Australian Cattle Dog should measure about 18 to 20 inches (46 to 51 cm) at the [[withers]]. An ACD is a well-muscled, compact dog with a short, dense coat and a naturally long tail. An ACD in good condition should weigh roughly 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg).
Italy has shaped the [[culture|cultural]] and social development of the entire [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] area, deeply influencing European culture as well. Important cultures and civilizations have existed there since prehistoric times. After [[Magna Graecia]], the [[Etruscan civilization]] and especially the [[Roman Republic]] and [[Roman Empire|Empire]] that dominated this part of the world for many centuries, Italy was central to the development of modern European civilization, [[European]] [[philosophy]], [[science]] and [[art]] during the [[Middle Ages]] and the [[Renaissance]].
Some breeders [[docking|dock]] ACD's tails. This is a controversial practice and, in some countries, is illegal or is prohibited for dogs in the [[dog show|show ring]].
Modern Italy became a [[nation-state]] belatedly, following centuries of existence as a collection of smaller kingdoms and city-states; on [[March 17]], [[1861]], when most of the states of the peninsula were united under king [[Victor Emmanuel II of Italy|Victor Emmanuel II]] of the [[Savoy]] dynasty, which ruled over [[Piedmont (Italy)|Piedmont]]. The architects of Italian unification were [[Count Camillo Benso di Cavour]], the Chief Minister of Victor Emmanuel, [[Giuseppe Garibaldi]], a general and national hero, and [[Giuseppe Mazzini]], a political visionary and leader of the radical democratic faction in the movement for Italian unificatication (''[[Risorgimento]]''). With the annexation of [[Venetia]] ([[1866]]) and Rome ([[September 20]], [[1870]]), the Italian unification was complete.
Docking Australian Cattle Dogs' tails is a practice peculiar to the United States - ACD tails are not docked in their country of origin, Australia. This is not to be confused with the Stumpy-tailed Cattle Dog, which is born with a naturally docked, or 'bobbed' tail; this animal strongly resembles the ACD in colouring, but has a slightly taller, leaner conformation.
==Temperament==
After the victory during [[World War I]], the [[Fascism|Fascist]] [[dictatorship]] of [[Benito Mussolini]] that took over in [[1922]] with the [[March on Rome]], led, in 1936-37, to the alliance with [[Nazi]] [[Germany]] and other [[Axis Powers]] and ultimately, in September 1943, Italy's defeat in [[WWII|World War II]]. On [[June 2]], [[1946]], a [[referendum]] on the [[monarchy]] resulted in the establishment of the [[Birth of the Italian Republic|Italian republic]], which led to the adoption of a new constitution on [[January 1]], [[1948]].
Like many [[herding dog]]s, Cattle Dogs have high energy levels and active minds. They need plenty of exercise and a job to do, such as participating in [[dog sports]], learning tricks, or other activities that engage their minds. Some individuals find repetitive training frustrating and dull, so owners should aim to make training sessions varied and more exciting in order to keep their Dog intrested. Cattle Dogs who do not receive the appropriate exercise and entertainment will invent their own, often destructive, activities. These Dogs are, by nature, timid or wary. They are naturally cautious, and grow more so as they age.Their aggresive nature on strangers make them perfect gaurd dogs.
Cattle Dogs drive cattle by nipping at their heels, but they have also been known to herd other animals, such as ducks or chickens without instruction when left to their own devices. When around people, their instinct to herd is sometimes hard to suppress and they can nip at people to herd them. If these dogs will be around children, they and their owners must have sufficient training to know how to manage or avoid such situations.
==Australian Cattle Dog activities==
Italy was a charter member of [[NATO]] (April 4, 1949) and the [[European Union]] (1952/58) and on [[December 14]], [[1955]] Italy joined the [[United Nations]]. Italy had joined the growing political and economic unification of Western Europe as a signatory to the [[Treaty of Rome]] in 1956, and the adoption of [[Euro]] in 1999.
[[Image:Acd_diving.jpg|thumbnail|left|ACDs need and enjoy any activity, such as diving and swimming.]]
Australian Cattle Dogs not only tolerate a high level of physical activity, they almost demand it. Like many other [[herding dog]] breeds, they have active and fertile minds that turn mischievous if not properly channeled. ACDs are highly intelligent and can be very bossy.
==Etymology of the word ''Italia''==
The [[List_of_country_name_etymologies|etymology of the word Italia]] comes from the Latin Italia, having entered early [[Latin]] either from the Greek language spoken in Southern Italy begining in the 8th century B.C. —the name ''Italia'' (Italy) was used by the Greek colonists in Sicily to refer to the people and territory of Southern [[Calabria]]— or from another source. There are competing explanations of the etymology of Italia. If not derived from the name of an ancient Calabrian tribe, then it probably relates to an ancient Greek word ''italos'' (bull), from Proto-Indo-European *wet; the [[Greek language|Greek]] word follows the sound-changes from [[Proto-Indo-European]] (PIE) to Greek, but the Latin equivalent vitulus (young bull) from this root, does not.
When not active, an ACD can be kept occupied with mental puzzles such as a [http://www.kongcompany.com Kong] stuffed with treats or a [http://www.sitstay.com/store/toys/toysd.shtml Buster Cube].
Speakers of ancient [[Oscan]] called Italy ''Viteliu'', also from PIE *wet. [[Marcus Terentius Varro|Varro]] wrote that the region got its name from the excellence and abundance of its cattle (italos', "bull" hence italia). Some disagree with this etymology as its origin is unclear, but could mean "Land of Cattle Calves or Veal". The modern Italian word for calf is "vitelli" very simmilar to Viteliu. The name Viteliu is however documented and linked to the [[Italic]] tribes of southern and central Italy.
Among the most popular activities for Australian Cattle Dogs is [[dog agility]]. While the ACD is ideally suited for this work, since it is a [[herding dog|herding breed]] and thus very reactive to the handler's body language, some ACDs become easily frustrated at the repetition and routine necessary to hone agility skills. As for many breeds, frequent brief training sessions are more effective than infrequent long training sessions.
For this reason, many handlers find training an ACD to be challenging. It is important to always change the methods and exercises and not allow the dog or handler to get into a rut. ACDs thrive on change and new experiences.
[[Image:Acd_scent_articles.jpg|thumbnail|right|An ACD finding a scent article as part of obedience competition.]] Only a few ACDs, therefore, have excelled in [[obedience training|obedience competition]]
During the first [[Social war]] (90 BCE), the Samnites and their allies ([[Sabines]], [[Samnites]], [[Umbrians]] and others) produced coinage while competing with Rome bearing the word "Vitelio." There is much debate as to the exact origin of the name Italia, and there are many theories concerning its etymology.
For example, the [[American Kennel Club]] awards an "Obedience Trial Championship" (OTCh) to the dog-and-handler team that defeats a large number of other teams in open competition. A handful of ACDs have reached this level. While ACDs enjoy the challenge of obedience competition, such as retrieving a scented article, the majority of ACDs are easily bored with precision drilling.
===Australian Cattle Dogs in movies===
By about the time of the emperor [[Augustus]], all of what is now known as the Italian peninsula was included in ''[[Italia (Roman province)|Italia]]'', which was the central unit of the Empire; for example, the upper Po valley, which had been known as [[Cisalpine Gaul]], was formally appended to ''Italia'' in [[42 BC|42 B.C]]. From thence onwards, "Italia" gradually acquired its modern definition as the common name for the territory of the entire peninsula.
* ''mad dog'' (blue) and a Dingo (red) in ''[[The Sundowners]]'' ([[1960 in film|1960]])
* ''Dog'' in ''[[Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior]]'' ([[1981 in film|1981]])
* ''Zip'' in ''[[Last of the Dogmen]]'' ([[1995 in film|1995]])
==External Politics links==
*[http://www.acdca.org Australian Cattle Dog Club of America website]
''Main article: [[Politics of Italy]]''
*[http://www.acdcc.ca Australian Cattle Dog Club of Canada website]
*[http://www.cattledog.com CattleDog.com Centralized repository for all things ''"Cattledog"'']
The [[1948]] [[constitution]] established a [[bicameral]] [[parliament]] (''Parlamento''), consisting of a [[Italian Chamber of Deputies|Chamber of Deputies]] (''Camera dei Deputati'') and a [[Italian Senate|Senate]] (''Senato della Repubblica''), a separate [[judiciary]], and an [[executive branch]] composed of a Council of Ministers ([[Cabinet (government)|cabinet]]) (''Consiglio dei ministri''), headed by the [[Prime Minister of Italy|prime minister]] (''Presidente del consiglio dei ministri''). The [[President of Italy|President of the Republic]] (''Presidente della Repubblica'') is elected for 7 years by the parliament sitting jointly with a small number of regional delegates. The president nominates the prime minister, who proposes the other ministers (formally named by the president). The Council of Ministers must retain the support (''Fiducia'', trust) of both houses.
*[http://www.acdagility.com ACD Agility website]
*[http://www.australiancattledog.com Australian Cattle Dog website: Breed FAQ, Photos, Breeders]
The houses of [[parliament]] are popularly and directly elected by a mixed majoritarian and proportional representation system. Under [[1993]] [[legislation]], Italy has single-member districts for 75% of the seats in parliament; the remaining 25% of seats are allotted on a proportional basis.
*[http://www.cowdogz.com/ CowDogz.com]
The Chamber of Deputies has officially 630 members (''de facto'', 619 only after the 2001 elections). In addition to 315 senators, elected members, the Senate includes former presidents and several other persons (no more than 5) appointed for life by the President of the Republic according to special constitutional provisions. Both houses are elected for a maximum of 5 years, but either may be dissolved before the expiration of its normal term. [[Legislative]] bills may originate in either house and must be passed by a majority in both.
The Italian judicial system is based on [[Roman law]] modified by the [[Napoleonic code]] and later [[statute]]s. A constitutional court, the ''Corte Costituzionale'', passes on the constitutionality of laws, and is a post-[[World War II]] innovation.
== Regions ==
''Main article: [[Regions of Italy]]''
[[Image:It-map.png|right|Map of Italy]]
Italy is subdivided into 20 regions (''regioni'', singular ''regione''), of which five enjoy a special autonomous status, marked by an *:
*[[Abruzzo]]
*[[Basilicata]]
*[[Calabria]]
*[[Campania]]
*[[Emilia-Romagna]]
*[[Friuli-Venezia Giulia]] *
*[[Latium]] (Lazio)
*[[Liguria]]
*[[Lombardy]] (Lombardia)
*[[Marche]]
*[[Molise]]
*[[Piedmont (Italy)|Piedmont]] (Piemonte)
*[[Apulia]] (Puglia)
*[[Sardinia]] (Sardegna) *
*[[Sicily]] (Sicilia) *
*[[Tuscany]] (Toscana)
*[[Trentino-South Tyrol]] (Trentino-Alto Adige) *
*[[Umbria]]
*[[Aosta Valley]] (Valle d'Aosta)*
*[[Veneto]]
All regions except Valle d'Aosta are further subdivided into two or more [[Provinces of Italy|provinces]].
== Geography ==
''Main article: [[Geography of Italy]]''
Italy consists predominantly of a large [[peninsula]] with a distinctive boot shape that extends into the [[Mediterranean Sea]], where together with its two main islands [[Sicily]] and [[Sardinia]] it creates distinct bodies of water, such as the [[Adriatic Sea]] to the north-east, the [[Ionian Sea]] to the south-east, the [[Tyrrhenian Sea]] to the south-west and finally the [[Ligurian Sea]] to the north-west.
The [[Apennine mountains]] form the backbone of this peninsula, leading north-west to where they join the [[Alps]], the mountain range that then forms an arc enclosing Italy from the north.
Here is also found a large alluvial plain, the [[Po-Venetian plain]], drained by the [[Po River]] and its many tributaries flowing down from the Alps, [[Apennine]]s and [[Dolomites]].
Other well-known rivers include the [[Tiber]], [[Adige]] and [[Arno]].
Its highest point is [[Mont Blanc]] (''Monte Bianco'') at 4,810 m, but Italy is more typically associated with two famous [[volcano]]es: the currently dormant [[Vesuvius]] near [[Naples]] and the very active [[Etna]] on Sicily.
== Economy ==
''Main article: [[Economy of Italy]]''
Italy has a diversified industrial [[economics|economy]] with roughly the same total and per capita output as [[France]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. This [[capitalism|capitalistic]] economy remains divided into a developed industrial north, dominated by private companies, and a less developed south. In comparison to its western European neighbours, it has a high number of small to medium sized enterprises ([[Small and Medium-sized Enterprise|SME]]es).
Most raw materials needed by industry and more than 75% of energy requirements are imported. Over the past decade, Italy has pursued a tight fiscal policy in order to meet the requirements of the [[Economic and Monetary Union]] and has benefited from lower interest and inflation rates. Italy joined the [[Euro]] from its introduction in [[1999]].
Italy's economic performance has at times lagged behind that of its EU partners, and the current government has enacted numerous short-term reforms aimed at improving competitiveness and long-term growth. It has moved slowly, however, on implementing certain structural reforms favoured by economists, such as lightening the high tax burden and overhauling Italy's rigid labour market and expensive [[pension]] system, because of the current economic slowdown and opposition from [[labor union|labour unions]]
*[[List of Italian companies]]
== Demographics ==
''Main article: [[Demographics of Italy]]''
Italy is largely homogeneous in language and religion but is diverse culturally, economically, and politically. Italy has the fifth-highest population density in Europe at 196 people per square kilometre. Almost 2 million immigrants live legally in Italy, according to [[ISTAT]], Italy's official statistics office; according to the report of [[Caritas (charity)|Caritas]] for [[2005]], the figure is near 3 million.
According to the [[2005 Almanac]], the population is 96.0% [[Italian people|Italian]] (one of the most homogenous in Europe), 0.9% [[Arab]]-North African, 0.8% Italo-Albanian, and smaller numbers of [[Romanians]], [[Ukrainians]], and others.
[[Roman Catholic]]ism is the majority religion: 90% of native-born citizens are nominally Catholic, although the figure is based on infant baptism and masks persons who have become agnostics and atheists by choice in later life. There are also communities who adhere to the [[Protestant]] Church, as well as the [[Italkim|Bené Roma]] who have been practicing [[Judaism]] in Italy for thousands of years. There is also a [[Islam|Muslim]] immigrant community. (''See also'': [[Islam in Italy]]).
== Culture ==
''Main article: [[Culture of Italy]]''
Italy is well-known for its art and culture. It has many famous works of architecture, among them the [[leaning tower of Pisa]], the Roman [[Colosseum]], the Greek temple of [[Neptune]] of [[Paestum]]. It is renowned for its [[food]] ([[pizza]], [[pasta]], etc.), [[wine]], [[lifestyle]], [[elegance]], [[automobile]]s, [[bicycle]]s, visual [[art]] and [[design]], [[film|cinema]], [[theatre]], [[literature]], [[poetry]], [[music]] (notably [[Opera]]), [[holidays]], and generally speaking, taste.
Europe's [[Renaissance]] period began in Italy during the [[14th century|14th]] and [[15th century|15th centuries]]. Literary achievements, such as the poetry of [[Dante Alighieri|Dante]], [[Petrarch]], [[Torquato Tasso|Tasso]], and [[Ludovico Ariosto|Ariosto]] and the prose of [[Giovanni Boccaccio|Boccaccio]], [[Niccolò Machiavelli|Machiavelli]], and [[Baldassare Castiglione|Castiglione]] exerted a tremendous and lasting influence on the subsequent development of Western culture, as did the [[painting]], [[sculpture]], and [[architecture]] contributed by giants such as [[Filippo Brunelleschi]], [[Leonardo da Vinci]], [[Raphael]], [[Sandro Botticelli|Botticelli]], [[Fra Angelico]], [[Melozzo da Forlì]] and [[Michelangelo]]. Modern artists include the sculptor [[Tommaso Geraci]].
The musical influence of Italian composers [[Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina|Palestrina]], [[Monteverdi]], [[Corelli]] and [[Vivaldi]] proved epochal; in the [[19th century]], Italian romantic opera flourished under composers [[Gioacchino Rossini]], [[Giuseppe Verdi]], and [[Giacomo Puccini]].
Contemporary Italian artists, writers, filmmakers, architects, composers, and designers continue to contribute significantly to Western culture.
[[Football (soccer)|Football]] (Italian: ''calcio''; American English: ''soccer'') is the most popular [[sport]]; the [[Italy national football team]] has won the [[Football World Cup]] three times, in [[1934]], [[1938]] and [[1982]]. [[Formula One]] and [[Cycling]] are also very popular. [[Rugby union|Rugby]] is important in the north-east of Italy.
*[[List of Italians]]
*[[Cinema of Italy]]
*[[Music of Italy]]
*[[Holidays in Italy]]
== Languages ==
''Main article: [[Languages of Italy]]''
Italy has many dialects, seen by some separatist movements as different languages. Almost every region, or province or city, in fact, has its own dialect, which derives from the history of that region. Near Venice, for instance, many speak [[Venetian dialect|Venetian]]; near Naples, [[Neapolitan dialect|Neapolitan]], but they are only local variations of Italian which are pretty much mutually understood.
Some counts put the number of living languages [http://www.ethnologue.com/show_country.asp?name=Italy spoken in Italy] at 33; however, the Italian Parliament in 1999 officially recognized 12 different languages ([http://www.parlamento.it/parlam/leggi/99482l.htm Italian law no 482]):
* [[German language|German]] (official, together with Italian, in the autonomous province of South Tyrol/Upper Adige),
* [[French language|French]] (official, together with Italian, in the autonomous region of Aosta Valley),
* [[Provencal]] and [[Occitan]] (spoken in small communities, expecially in Piedmont),
* [[Furlan]], [[Ladin]] and [[Slovenian language|Slovenian]] (these three especially spoken in the autonomous region Friuli-Venezia Giulia),
* [[Griko|Greek]] (spoken in villages of southern Italy and Sicily - cultural remnants of [[Magna Graecia]]),
* [[Albanian language|Albanian]] and [[Croatian language|Croatian]] (spoken in small villages in central or southern Italy as the result of more recent migrations),
* [[Catalan language|Catalan]] (spoken in some communities of Sardinia)
* [[Sardinian language|Sardinian]] (divided into four local dialects); controversial as there currently is no agreement among the scientific community whether it should be considered a different language.
[[Roma language]] didn't receive any recognition.
===Ethnic minorities===
Two regions (Aosta Valley and Friuli-Venezia Giulia) and one Province (South Tyrol/Upper Adige) acquired special autonomous status for protection of the recognised ethnic minorities.
== See also References==
*Buetow K. ''The Australian Cattle Dog : An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet'' ISBN 0876054467.
{{commons|Italy}}
{{wikinews|Italy}}
*[[Communications in Italy]]
*Food: [[Spaghetti]], [[Pizza]], [[Pandoro]], [[Panettone]].
*[[Foreign relations of Italy]]
*[[Islam in Italy]]
*[[Italian nationality law]]
*[[Italian orders of merit]]
*[[List of Italian universities]]
*[[Military of Italy]]
*[[Police of Italy]]
*[[Stamps and postal history of Italy]]
*[[Tourism in Italy]]
*[[Transportation in Italy]]
== External links ==
{{wikitravel}}
*[http://www.italia.gov.it/ Italia.gov.it Main governmental portal] (in Italian)
*[http://www.italy-weather-and-maps.com/ Italy - maps and weather] - Maps and 6 day weather forecasts for all of Italy
*[http://www.big-italy-map.co.uk Map of Italy] - Maps of Italy and its regions
*[http://www.esteri.gov.it/eng/ Ministero degli Affari Esteri, Italian Foreign Office]
*[http://www.parlamento.it/ Parlamento] - Official site of the Italian parliament (Senate in Italian only)
*[http://www.quirinale.it/ Presidenza della Repubblica] - Official site of the Italian president (in Italian)
<gallery>
{{EU_countries}}
Image:ACDRedChampion.jpg|Champion Red face markings
{{Europe}}
Image:Acd_a_frame.jpg|A young ACD at the top of a dog agility A-frame
{{Mediterranean}}
Image:Acd_jump_chute.jpg|An ACD in a jump chute, practicing [[dog agility]]
{{G8}}
Image:Stripepuppy.jpg|Puppy with blue coat color
</gallery>
[[Category:Dog breeds]]
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[[Category:European Union member states]]
[[Category:Italy| ]]
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[[an:Italia]]
[[ast:Italia]]
[[bg:Италия]]
[[zh-min-nan:Italia]]
[[be:Італія]]
[[ca:Itàlia]]
[[cs:Itálie]]
[[cy:Yr Eidal]]
[[da:Italien]]
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[[el:Ιταλία]]
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[[es:Italia]]
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[[fa:ایتالیا]]
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[[ga:An Iodáil]]
[[gd:An Eadailt]]
[[gl:Italia]]
[[ko:이탈리아]]
[[ht:Itali]]
[[haw:Ikalia]]
[[hi:इटली]]
[[hr:Italija]]
[[io:Italia]]
[[id:Italia]]
[[ia:Italia]]
[[is:Ítalía]]
[[it:Italia]]
[[he:איטליה]]
[[ka:იტალია]]
[[kw:Itali]]
[[la:Italia]]
[[lv:Itālija]]
[[lt:Italija]]
[[lb:Italien]]
[[li:Italië]]
[[hu:Olaszország]]
[[mt:Italja]]
[[ms:Itali]]
[[na:Italy]]
[[nl:Italië]]
[[nds:Italien]]
[[ja:イタリア]]
[[no:Italia]]
[[os:Итали]]
[[pl:Włochy]]
[[pt:Itália]]
[[ro:Italia]]
[[rm:Italia]]
[[ru:Италия]]
[[sa:इटली]]
[[sc:Itàlia]]
[[scn:Italia]]
[[simple:Italy]]
[[sk:Taliansko]]
[[sl:Italija]]
[[sr:Италија]]
[[fi:Italia]]
[[sv:Italien]]
[[tl:Italya]]
[[ta:இத்தாலி]]
[[th:ประเทศอิตาลี]]
[[tr:İtalya]]
[[uk:Італія]]
[[ur:اٹلی]]
[[yi:איטאַליע]]
[[zh:意大利]]
[[fiu-vro:Itaalia]]
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