Natural Resources

Although Italy imports more than 80 percent of the energy resources and raw materials needed for its manufacturing needs, it does have its own natural resources, including deposits of pumice, feldspar, and marble. Italy also has some natural gas reserves, located in the Po Valley and in the Adriatic. U.S. Department of State says Italy's economic strength is in the processing and the manufacturing of goods, primarily in small/medium-sized family-owned firms.