The Italian Republic, founded on June 2, 1946, is part of the Schengen Agreement. It is a highly developed industrial-agrarian country with a large budget (5th place in the world). The leading industries are metallurgy, mechanical engineering, light, chemical and food industries. Italy is one of the largest suppliers of cars, mopeds, agricultural machinery, refrigerators, air conditioners and other household appliances, radio electronics, plastics, clothes and shoes, pasta, cheese, wine and canned food on the world market. In the agricultural industry, crop production predominates. Italy is rightfully considered the tourist mecca of Europe (the share of tourism in GDP is 12%) – architectural monuments, museums, history, cuisine, lifestyle are unlikely to leave a tourist indifferent. In one trip it is impossible to visit even the main places of pilgrimage for tourists, and this can hardly be attributed to the shortcomings of the country. This cradle of European civilization keeps about 60% of the historical and cultural monuments of the world included in the UNESCO register. And here the tourist should determine which part of Italy he would like to see, because almost every city is an open-air museum with a rich and unique history and culture.
Geography of Italy
According to collegesanduniversitiesinusa, Italy is located on the Apennine Peninsula and in the Padan Plain, it occupies the southern Alps, the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, as well as a number of small islands. The country borders France in the northwest, Austria and Switzerland in the north, and Slovenia in the northeast. On the territory of Italy, there are also two states – the Republic of San Marino and the Vatican. It is washed by the seas: Adriatic, Ionian, Tyrrhenian and Ligurian. The capital is Rome. Largest cities: Rome, Milan, Turin, Naples.
Area
The area of the country is 301.230 sq. km.
Population
About 60.6 million people live in Italy.
Currency
The official currency is Euro.
Language
Official language – Italian
Visa
Schengen visa
Climate
Due to its territorial extent, Italy’s climate varies from subtropical in the south to temperate continental in the north. The Apennine Peninsula and islands have hot, dry summers and mild, warm winters, which is typical of the Mediterranean climate. In the mountains (north of the country), the climate varies from temperate to cold. The air temperature on the coast (south) in winter is +10…+15 C, in summer up to +32 C, the water temperature at this time is +17…+25C. In the mountainous part of the country, the temperature in winter drops to slightly negative values, snow lasts up to 6 months a year, and on the tops of the mountains – all the time. In summer, the air warms up to +20…+30 C.
Currency exchange
When exchanging currency, you should pay attention not only to the current exchange rate, but also to the commission charged for the exchange. In exchange offices at railway stations, this commission can reach 10%. For currency exchange, you must provide proof of identity. The maximum exchange amount is no more than 500 US dollars. Banking hours are from 09.00 to 17.00 with a siesta break. In hotels, the exchange rate is usually lower than the bank rate. There are automatic exchange terminals that change the main currencies of the EU and US dollars to euros. In the cities, American Express, Diner’s Club, Visa and Master Card cards are accepted for payment, in the outback they prefer cash. It is recommended to use traveler’s checks and Visa Travel Money cards.
Electricity
230V/50Hz Type of outlets: C (European socket without grounding, ordinary Russian “Euro” plug with two round pins), F (European socket with grounding, plug type C with grounding plates), L (plug with three round pins in row).
Religion
About 97% of the population are Catholics. Other denominations: Orthodoxy, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Assembly of God in Italy, Federation of Evangelical Churches in Italy.
Security
The best way to pay for a product or service is cash. You should be careful when using plastic cards, because. There are many methods to reset a card account, and many locals know these methods. In large cities, homeless people and motorbikers can snatch a bag from their hands – the most common type of theft. The economically prosperous north of the country is generally safe for tourists. The south of Italy is much less prosperous, so you should be careful when walking around the southern cities.
Health
A great way to maintain your health is thermal and mud baths. The famous thermal center of Montecatine Terme is located near Florence. Another wonderful center is located on the island of Ischia. The thermal course is usually designed for 2 weeks. For those who prefer mud baths, there is the Abano Terme complex. If you feel unwell, contact your insurance agent and follow his instructions. All medicine in Italy is paid, including the state. The usual queue to see a doctor in a state institution lasts 2-3 weeks. If there is no desire to wait, then for an additional fee (70-100 euros) you can make an appointment for an urgent appointment. Ambulance teams are mainly transport function and are not always staffed with doctors.
