Welcome to Italy
Welcome to Italy - The Country of Art, History and Wine
Italy is located in Southern Europe and comprises the boot-shaped Italian Peninsula and a number of islands, Sicily and Sardinia. Rome is the capital of Italy and it is the only city in the world to contain in its interior a whole state; the Vatican City.
Italy's 'art cities' include Florence, Pisa, Naples, Rome, Milan and Genoa. Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci influenced the Renaissance; Bernini and Borromini belong to the baroque Italy. Italy is a paradise with an invaluable wealth of works of art. Italy also has a rich vinicultural heritage from more than two thousand years and the Greeks, Etruscans and Romans played a significant role in the development of different wine styles.
Information and facts
Transport
Italy has a well developed public and private transportation system. The Italian rail network is extensive, especially in the north. Italy is the fifth in Europe by the number of passengers using air transportation, with most passengers travelling on international flights (57%). A big share of domestic flights connect the major islands (Sardinia and Sicily) to the mainland. Italy has a total of 130 airports in 2012. Italy has loads of important ports, such as Genua.
Health
In the WHO's last health care ranking in 2000, Italy's healthcare system was rewarded as the 2nd best in the world after France, and according to the CIA World Factbook, Italy has the world's 10th highest life expectancy.
Emergencies
The European emergency number 112 is not the only emergency number in Italy. Alongside 112, the following emergency numbers are available: 113 - police,115 - fire brigade,118 - first aid.
Language
The official spoken language in Italy is Italian.
Money
The currency in Italy is Euro.
Passport/Visa
http://it.vfsglobal.co.uk/nonimmigrant_tourist_documents.html
Law Issues
Smoking is prohibited in all public accessible areas.
Sensitive Topics
You should try to avoid topics about politics and religion in a conversation with an italian person.
