Europe Chronicle |
ItalyItaly is a country in southern Europe. It is known for its cultural heritage, which is rich and varied, and the natural beauty of its landscape. Its cities have spectacular churches and large central squares. Their museums contain some of the world's best-known art. The countryside has warm, sandy beaches; high, glacier-topped mountain peaks; and rolling hills covered with green fields and vineyards....More Information on Italy. Full country name: Italian Republic History of ItalyItaly is largely homogeneous linguistically and religiously but is diverse culturally, economically, and politically. Italy has the fifth-highest population density in Europe–about 200 persons per square kilometer (490 per sq. mi.). Minority groups are small, the largest being the German-speaking people of Bolzano Province and the Slovenes around Trieste. Other groups comprise small communities of Albanian, Greek, Ladino, and French origin. Immigration has increased in recent years, however, while the Italian population is declining overall due to low birth rates. Although Roman Catholicism is the majority religion–85% of native-born...More on Italian History. Also Read: Italy: A short Background Overview of Italy's EconomyGDP: US$1.45 trillion Also Read: Our special feature on Economy of Italy Political System of Italy- Military and Defense of Italy Climate, Vegetation and FaunaThe flora of the central and southern lowlands of Italy is typically Mediterranean. Among the characteristic vegetation of these regions are trees such as the olive, orange, lemon, palm, and citron. Other common types, particularly in the extreme south, are fig, date, pomegranate, and almond trees, and sugarcane and cotton.Italy has fewer varieties of animals than are found generally in comparable areas of Europe. Small numbers of marmot, chamois, and ibex live in the Alps. The bear, numerous in ancient times, is now virtually extinct, but the wolf and wild boar still flourish in the mountain regions. The quail, woodcock, partridge, and various migratory species abound in many parts of Italy. Reptiles include several species of lizards and snakes and three species of the poisonous viper family. Scorpions are also found. Population:According to the 1991 census, Italy had a population of 56,778,031. The 2001 around population is 57,679,825...Italy's people and population. Envoirnment:Italy's instantly recognisable boot shape kicks its way into the Adriatic, Ionian, Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas...More. Education: The Italian impact on European education dates back to the ancient Roman educators and scholars...more on education in Italy Languages: The overwhelming majority of the people speak Italian, one of the Romance group of languages...more on languages spoken in Italy Lifestyle: The capital and largest city of Italy is Rome (population, 2000 estimate, 2,644,000), which is a famous cultural and tourist center...more on life and lifestyle of Italy Facts for the TravelerVisas: EU citizens require only a passport or ID card to stay or work in Italy for as long as they like. They are, however, required to register with a questura (police station) if they take up residence and obtain a permesso di soggiorno (permission to remain for a nominated period). Citizens of many other countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Switzerland and Japan, do not need a visa if entering as tourists for up to three months. Passports may not be stamped upon entry, so that three-month rule can be interpreted with a certain flexibility. If you are entering for any reason other than tourism (for instance, study) or plan to remain for an extended period, insist on having the entry stamp. Without it you could encounter problems when trying to obtain a permesso di soggiorno. Non-EU citizens who want to study at a university or language school must have a study visa. These can be obtained from your nearest Italian embassy or consulate.
Health risks: rabies (This is only found in the Alps), Leishmaniasis (This is found in coastal regions), Lyme disease Time Zone: GMT/UTC +1 (+2 in summer) (Central European Time) Dialling Code: 39 Electricity: 230V ,50Hz Weights & measures: Metric Also Read: Money and Cost Required When to Go in ItalyItaly is at its best in spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November). During these seasons, the scenery is beautiful, the temperatures are pleasant and there are relatively few crowds. Try to avoid August, as this is the time that most Italians take their vacations, and many shops and businesses are closed as a result. Also Read: Getting Around Italy | Italy: Getting There and Away What to See in ItalyMajor Tourist Attractions in Italy Other Tourist Attractions in Italy
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