The 1993 bombing of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence has been attributed to disgruntled Sicilian dons seeking revenge against the government. There are questions, too, about the growing influence of the Northern League, the secession-leaning group that complains bitterly about wealth from Italy's more prosperous industrial north being siphoned off to prop up the poorer south. Italy, though, may seem more disorganised and unstable, particularly because such symbols of civic-mindedness as public transportation, manicured public parks, clearly labelled crosswalks, and public parking are secondary there. Underlying all the apparent disorder, however, is a very stable and timeless culture. Despite frequent changes in government and increasing voter frustration with the political haggling that is associated with Rome, Italy has a remarkably settled and prosperous air.
Shopping streets are always crowded, restaurants bustling and tourist sites overflowing.
The standard of living is very high in the northern part of the country. Most families, even in poorer neighbourhoods, own cars and televisions and dress well. One of the most densely populated countries in Europe, Italy is characterised by mountainous terrain. Only in the north, in the Po River valley, is there relatively flat land. No place is very far from the sea.