The Mezzogiorno

Problems of the South of Italy

Earthquake and Volcanoes

Naples and Vesuvius

A small hill top town in Basilicata.

Long dry sunny summers : quiet beaches

Modern irrigation of young olive trees

Olives are collected in a silk ‘parachute’.

An olive oil processing machine

The Apennines – hills and steep slopes

Basilicata – investment in improved road access

The soils can be thin and alkaline.

New Fiat car factory at Melfi

Farming has changed slowly. Many have low wages.

A lot of Italians are elderly.Many young people leave the South.

Mosquitoes breed in swampy low ground.

Tourism potential. Much immigration from eastern Europe and north Africa.

The Special Fund for the South has now ended. The Cassa del Mezzogiorno.