he aging population is beginning to strain the ____________________ systems of countries, and governments must often provide the costs of caring for an older society.

The _______________ Republic, founded in Italy, was established on the rule of law and the balance of power. It was the foundation of the largest empire of the ancient world. The empire reached the height of its power in 27 B.C and experienced a resurgence around 200 years later, in A.D. 180.

Within the city of Rome, the modern capital of Italy, is ______________City. It is an independent country that is home to the Roman Catholic Church.

Beginning in Italy in the 1300s, a new era called the _________________ (from the French word for “rebirth”) signaled a major cultural revival. Much of Europe experienced a renewed interest in the arts, politics, science, and philosophy.

oday, Southern European countries have democratically elected governments. Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece are members of the ___________________

The city-state of ______________ introduced the concept of democracy to the world.

By the 1400s Southern Europe, led by Portugal and Spain, was exploring new opportunities beyond the Mediterranean. By the early 1500s, both countries had established footholds in the _____________ where they would build empires.

Spain, Italy, and Greece have experienced high unemployment rates, face credit problems, and are undergoing the transition to an industrial and, more recently, a ___________ economy.

As in most European countries, the populations of Italy, Spain, and Greece are _________.