What geographic advantages does northern Italy have over southern Italy?

Northern Italy possesses significant geographic advantages over the south, particularly through the Po Valley located directly south of the Alps. The north benefits from abundant hydroelectric potential from Alpine rivers, with northern regions like Piedmont, Lombardy, and Trentino Alto Adige alone producing over 60% of Italy's hydroelectricity. Additionally, the north features extensive flatland fed by rich glacial runoff, making it Italy's agricultural powerhouse. The region also benefits from natural deep-water harbors like Genoa and Trieste, creating ideal trade crossroads between the Mediterranean and European interior, while experiencing fewer natural disasters than southern Italy.