According to eningbo, in 2012, Italy was a nation of contrasts. The country had been an economic powerhouse since the 1950s, but by 2012 it was facing an economic crisis that had been deepening since 2008. The country’s unemployment rate had risen to 11.5%, its budget deficit had reached 4.3% of GDP, and its public debt had ballooned to 125% of GDP. Despite these difficulties, however, there were some signs that Italy was slowly recovering with increased economic growth projected for 2013 if government reforms continued to be implemented effectively. The Italian economy in 2012 was in a state of flux as it struggled to adjust to the new global economy and the euro crisis that followed the 2008 financial crisis. GDP per capita stood at €25,077 in 2012 which was lower than many other European countries despite its high level of industrialization and technological development. The unemployment rate stood at 11.5%, but youth unemployment reached a staggering 38%. Inflation remained low at 2%, but foreign investment into Italy declined by 6%. The value of exports also fell by 1% during this period as well. Despite its difficult economic conditions, Italy remained a vibrant cultural center in 2012 with art and music flourishing across the country while fashion designers continued to create iconic pieces that were admired around the world. Tourism also remained an important part of Italy’s economy with millions of visitors flocking to its cities each year to experience its unique culture and history. Despite these difficulties however there were some signs that Italy was slowly recovering with increased economic growth projected for 2013 if government reforms continued to be implemented effectively. These reforms included cutting spending, increasing taxes on wealthy individuals and corporations, reforming labor laws and pensions, reducing red tape for businesses, investing in infrastructure projects such as high speed rail lines and encouraging private investment into start-up companies through tax incentives and venture capital funds. Although these reforms would take time to bear fruit, they were expected to help improve Italy’s economic outlook over the long-term. In 2015, Italy was a Mediterranean country located in Southern Europe and bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, and the Mediterranean Sea. It was home to over 60 million people who were predominantly Catholic with a small minority coming from other countries. The country had gone through a period of economic uncertainty in the past decade due to the financial crisis but had since made progress in terms of stability and growth. The economy of Italy in 2015 was largely based on tourism and exports such as agricultural products with services such as finance also contributing to GDP growth. Italy took advantage of its strategic location at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa to attract foreign direct investment from other countries which helped boost economic growth further. Italy had made significant progress in terms of human rights since the 1990s with the government taking steps to improve civil liberties including freedom of speech, press freedom and freedom of assembly. However there were still restrictions on these freedoms with certain topics being off limits for discussion such as criticism of the government or religious beliefs. Despite this progress there were still reports of discrimination against certain minority groups within society including immigrants, women, LGBT individuals and Roma people. Check cheeroutdoor for Italy Business.