Italy republic in southern Europe, bordered
on the north by Switzerland and Austria; on the east by
Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea; on the south by the Ionian
Sea and the Mediterranean Sea; on the west by the Tyrrhenian
Sea, the Ligurian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea; and
on the north-west by France. It comprises, in addition
to the Italian mainland, the islands of Sardinia and Sicily,
in the Mediterranean Sea; Elba in the Tyrrhenian Sea;
and many lesser islands. Enclaves within mainland Italy
are the independent countries of San Marino and Vatican
City; the latter is a papal state mostly enclosed by Rome,
the capital of Italy.
The
charm of Italy is such that most visitors fall in love
with it at first sight. Added to its extraordinary variety
of climates and landscape is unique architectural heritage
reflecting centuries of history in the course of which
the Etruscans, Ancient Romans, popes and artist of Renaissance
endowed Italy with an enduring. Infinitely rich heritage.
Rome, Venice and Florence dazzle the visitor with a thousand
splendours, while humbler towns disclose a modern, beautiful
Italy exuding a welcoming tranquillity. Those who love
art, the sea and the mountains will be eager to return.
Italy is also a gourmet's paradise with its choice of
delicious regional specialities, accompanied by exquisite
wines such the famous Chianti.
|
Major
Tourist Cities / Areas Information |
|
Visa
Requirement |
| |
| ITALY
Map |
|
|
Country Fact*: |
|
Full
country name:
Italian Republic
Area: 301,230 sq km
Population: 58,057,477
Capital city: Rome (pop 3.6 million)
People: Italian (includes small clusters
of German-, French-, and Slovene-Italians in the north
and Albanian-Italians and Greek-Italians in the south)
Language: Italian (official), German
(parts of Trentino-Alto Adige region are predominantly
German speaking), French (small French-speaking minority
in Valle d'Aosta region), Slovene (Slovene-speaking
minority in the Trieste-Gorizia area)
Religion: predominately
Roman Catholic with mature Protestant and Jewish communities
and a growing Muslim immigrant community
Government: Republic
Business Hours: Banks are open weekdays
8:30 to 1:30 and 2:45 to 3:45. Most churches are open
from early morning until noon or 12:30, when they
close for three hours or more; they open again in
the afternoon, closing about 7 PM or later
Major
industries: Tourism, engineering, textiles,
chemicals, food processing, motor vehicles, clothing
& footwear
Major trading partners: EU (esp.
Germany, France, UK, Spain, Netherlands), USA
Internet
domain: .it
International dialling code: +39
|
 |
|
Calendar of Events*: |
|
January:
1st - New Year's Day
6th - Epiphany
March/April:
Good Friday and Easter (dates Vary)
1st - Easter Monday
25th- Anniversary of the Liberation
May:
1st - Labor Day
June:
2nd - Foundation of the Italian Republic
24th - St. John's Day (Florence only)
29th - St. Peter and St. Paul's Day (Rome only)
July:
11th - St. Rosalia Day
August:
15th - Assumption Day
September:
19th - St. Gennaro's Day (Naples only)
November:
1st - All Saints' Day
4th - National Unity Day
December:
6th - St. Nicholas Day
7th - St. Ambrogio's Day (Milan only)
8th - Feast of the Immaculate Conception
25th - Christmas Day
26th - St. Stephen's Day
|
|
|
