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Case Study Italy (Comparing North and South) 02

See how climate, relief and soil explain why northern and southern Italy developed differently, and how physical geography links to jobs, farming and population in this case study.

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Fascinating Fact:

Many differences between north and south are caused by physical geography, as the south is hot and dry with poor soils, while the north has flatter, more fertile land.

In KS3 Geography, this Italy case study focuses on how physical geography shapes people’s lives. You will link climate, relief and soils to farming, industry, tourism and migration in the north and south.

Key Terms

Physical geography: Natural features of the Earth’s surface, such as climate, landforms, rivers and soils.
Climate: The average weather conditions of a place over many years, including temperature and rainfall.
Relief: The shape and height of the land, including mountains, hills, plains and valleys.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

How does physical geography affect north and south Italy in KS3 Geography?

In KS3 Geography, you learn that northern Italy has flatter, more fertile land and milder conditions, which support industry and intensive farming. The south is hotter, drier and more mountainous, so farming and jobs are often harder to develop.

Why is southern Italy often poorer than the north in this case study?

Southern Italy is often poorer because its hot, dry climate and poorer soils limit farming, and steep relief makes transport links harder. Northern Italy has better transport, more factories and more investment, so it offers more jobs and higher incomes.

What examples should I learn for comparing north and south Italy?

Useful examples include the fertile Po plain and industrial cities in the north, such as those linked to ports, and the hotter, drier southern regions where farming, tourism and out-migration are more important.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

What has happened to southern Italy's large farming estates?

They have been burnt

They have been shared out amongst landless peasants

They have been sold for housing

They have been turned into industrial estates

This enables them to carry out subsistence farming to feed their families

2 .

Which is a human factor influencing life in the south?

Drainage

Old-fashioned farming methods

Relief

Rock type

The other three are physical factors

3 .

What item is not made from farm produce from northern Italy?

Asti Spumante wine

Dijon mustard

Gorgonzola cheese

Parma ham

Dijon is in France

4 .

The main rock in the south is what?

Granite

Limestone

Sandstone

Slate

Limestone is permeable so soil is very thin and dry

5 .

What name has been given to the poor south of Italy?

Macho Cornetto

Mato Grosso

Mezzogiorno

Mezzosoprano

This translates as 'midday'

6 .

Which is not a feature of farming in northern Italy?

Fertile soils

Highly mechanised

Plenty of water for irrigation

Steep slopes eroded by heavy rain

The north is a well irrigated and flat plain

7 .

The scheme set up in 1950 to help poorer areas is called what?

Fund for the South

Mezzogiorno Regeneration

Mille Miglia

Sicilian Salvation

In Italian it is called 'Cassa per il Mezzogiorno'

8 .

Which statement does not apply to industries setting up in the south?

Few local skilled workers

High transport costs to market

Lack of Government grants

Workers absent, especially at harvest time

Many companies that operate in southern Italy were attracted by generous grants

9 .

Which of these is not true of the north?

Low wheat yields

Many food processing factories

Many skilled workers

Wealthy markets nearby

The land of the Po basin is more fertile than the thin limestone based soils of the south

10 .

Why have trees been planted on hillsides in the south?

To create picnic areas

To help squirrels survive

To provide shade from the hot sun

To reduce soil erosion

As it is so dry during the summer, grass and other small plants do not grow very well but trees have bigger root systems that can take water from the ground better. The roots hold the thin soils in place

Author: Jan Crompton (KS3 Geography & History Teacher, Professional Quiz Writer)