Family life is very important to Italian culture. On average there are 4 or 5 kids per household. This means the father has to work for a long time to pay for his kids. The standard of living is high. There are many farmers in the south, but also business men in the north. It is about the same as the US. Homes in the city are like american apartment basically, but with an Italian fell of course. Houses in the countryside are like villas, and usually very expansive. With a storehouse and a grain room , you have all your farming storage needs satisfied. Meals in Florence are very large and are almost always eaten with family and friends. Meals can last for hours and start late at night. A large percentage of Italians are Roman Catholic, and with the Vatican city so close, Florence is no different. With many churches and parishes, the Italians are very religious. Their religion affects their life on Sundays, but most people just carry on and don't act on their religion. Italians in general love sports and love to eat and cook.