Italy has a highly developed and industrialized economy. The country has few natural resources, so it must rely on its manufacturing sector. Most of the industry is located in the prosperous northern half of the country, while the south is poorer and more agricultural. Many southerners come north to find work. Efficient factories in the north produce cars, computers, machinery and fashionable clothing. These products are exported worldwide. Italy's largest employer is Fiat, the car manufacturer. Fiat's headquarters is in Turin.
Italy is an important centre for fashion and industrial design. Italian furniture, appliances, household items and cars are known around the world for innovative design. While most Italians are industrious and work hard, they value the quality of life as much as their work. Most Italians work an average of 36 hours a week. Long lunch breaks are common. Shops and offices may close between 1 and 4 p.m. Workers take a break when the heat is most intense and enjoy a leisurely meal. It is not uncommon to take a short nap, called la pennichella, after the noon meal. Government offices and services close early in the afternoon but stores stay open late into the evening.	Did you know? Since the days of Ancient Rome, the marble quarries of the Apuane Alps of Tuscany have produced much of the world's marble. The region's best marble comes from Massa Carrara. This was the marble the Renaissance artist Michelangelo used to carve beautiful sculptures like La Pietà
Olive trees thrive in the south. Italy is one of the world's leading producers of olive oil. Figs, apricots and citrus fruits are also grown in the south. In the central and northern regions, apples, cherries, pears and peaches are grown and 6 million tonnes of tomatoes are picked every year. Grapes are grown all over the country and wine is another important export. Wheat is the main cereal crop. The wheat grown in the north is used for making bread, while the harder durum wheat used for pasta is grown in the south. Pasta is another major export product. Since the 1960s farming has become increasingly mechanized and many farmers have left the land to work in the cities. Along the coasts, fishing is also important.
Tourism is a major industry. Millions of people from all over the world come to Italy to visit the historic cities of Rome, Florence and Venice and to see the country's art treasures and beautiful scenery. Religious pilgrims who come to visit Italy's famous churches also bring money into the economy.