Italian Economic Divide

What are the geographic advantages of Northern Italy that contribute to its economic prosperity?

Northern Italy, particularly the Po Valley, enjoys significant geographic advantages over Southern Italy. The region benefits from fertile plains fed by glacial runoff through numerous rivers from the Alps, making it ideal for large-scale intensive agriculture. The area also has better water resources, with Southern Italy facing substantially greater risk of water scarcity both historically and in future projections. These natural advantages enabled the development of major population centers like Turin, Milan, Venice, and Bologna throughout the Po Valley. Additionally, Northern Italy's strategic position facilitated trade through important natural harbors at Trieste and Genoa, which serve as critical crossroads connecting the Mediterranean to inland Europe, further enhancing the region's economic prosperity.