Facts About Italy/Rome
This page has many important and interesting facts about Italy and Rome.
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GEOGRAPHY:
Italy is a peninsula located in Southern Europe extending into the central Mediterranean Sea, northeast of Tunisia . It covers an area
of 301,230 square kilometers (116,305 square miles). The size of Italy is slightly larger than the state of Arizona. It has 80% of its borders being
the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea. The other 20 percent of its borders is split between Austria, France, Holy See (Vatican City), San Marino, Slovenia,
and Switzerland. Italy's terrain is mostly rugged and mountainous; some plains, coastal lowlands.
POPULATION:
The current population of Italy is over 57 million people. Two thirds of the population is between the ages of 15 and 65.
CLIMATE:
Italy has a typical Mediterranean Climate-predominantly Mediterranean; Alpine in far north; hot, dry in south.
TIME:
Italy is one (1) hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (England) or six (6) hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the US.
CUISINE:
The main characteristic of Italian cooking is its healthy balance, the excellent basic ingredients being
simply cooked and retaining their original goodness and freshness. Simple and yet with such a variety of flavors and rich inventiveness in preparation,
that even the most demanding gourmet is delighted.
TIPPING:
Tipping is customary at hotels and restaurants and for guides and drivers during tours. Amounts may vary and therefore we can give specific
guidance when arranging the tour, as some tipping is included in the tour prices.
ELECTRICITY:
220 volts-- Converter needed for US, Adapter needed for British Style Plugs
CUSTOMS:
Italy has a antiquities law and prohibits exportation of certain items and works of art. One may need to clear some items with the appropriate
authorities if in doubt.
VISAS:
Italy is part of the European Union. All rules of that body apply.
RELIGION:
The Italian Population is predominantly Christian. Italy is a Republic headed by a President and Prime Minister, which grants freedom
of worship.
CURRENCY:
The currency in Italy is call the Italian lira . The new Euro is also accepted. Exchange rates are published daily and foreign
currency may be exchanged with exchange brokers, banks or at hotels. All major Credit Cards as well as Euro-checks are recognized and accepted in most
hotels, shops, travel and car rental agencies and restaurants. Stickers in the front windows will advise you as to which cards are acceptable. Traveler's
Checks issued by all the major companies are widely recognized. You can cash your traveler's checks in all Greek and foreign banks, exchange bureaus
and big hotels, but do not forget to have your passport with you. Identification is necessary for the transaction.
ECONOMY:
The economy of the country is based on tourism/services (68%), industry (20%), and agriculture (2%) with a gross domestic product of
1.483 trillion US$.
TRANSPORTATION:
Transportation is plentiful including airlines, trains, buses and taxies.
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