The Italian system of currency presently is the euro, which Italy adopted in 2002. Before that, the currency was the lira. The euro was created by the European Union to be a common currency among many countries to help travelers and trade. Some of Italy's major imports and exports are:
Imports
- Pharmaceutical products
- Precious metals
- Medical equipment
Exports
- Medical, dental & pharmaceutical preparations
- Industrial machines
- Petroleum products
- Wine & Related products
- Shoes
- Jewelry
The economy is affected by their physical landscape because this is rugged and mountainous with many natural resources. These natural resources are the basis of many Italian exports, which improve their economy. The economy affects their government because without a good economy, the government can not prosper. It affects their culture because it allows them to be hard-working and very individualized, like the landscape they live in. It affects their history through having many natural resources in which to trade in ancient times.
