Hi, I'm a year 7 student in England and have completed quite a lot of research into the differences between north and south Italy in terms of socio-economic, geographical, population and climate. My assignment is considering these issues would I build these houses in the north or south? Having read so much, my instinct is to go for the south, as despite the ever warm climate and difficult terrain in places, there must be some flat land where there were villages that I understand were abandoned when there was a lot of migration to the north. Can anyone tell me if there are still abandoned villages there? I believe that my 'houses' could be 'villas' and that I understand there are strict planning laws in place there so my property wouldn't lose huge value in a short space of time. Ultimately I think it would benefit Italy as a country to begin to recognise the south and work on closing the huge gap that currently exists. Despite migration, unemployment is still 3 times higher than the north, and taking a new venture there would boost employment and economy. I expect there will be some seasoned real estate people sniggering at my naivity! However it's so hard to obtain all the info you need for this, I think I need a trip around Italy! Can anyone add anything or comment? WOuld it be possible to build such an amount of houses, what sort of damage can occur to buildings in southern italy, I guess subsidence? MAssive thanks to anyone who has any comments to put my thinking into perspective. Lozzi.