Map
Source: CIA World Factbook
Summary Data
| summary data |
|
| Total Area (km2) |
301,230 |
| Land (km2) |
294,020 |
| Water (km2) |
7,210 |
| Population |
58,145,321 |
| Population Density (/km2) |
198 |
| Capital |
Rome |
| Religion (%) |
Roman Catholic 90%,
Protestant, Jewish and Muslim 10% |
| Time |
GMT+1 |
| Climate |
Italy has a Mediterranean/Continental climate that varies
between regions. The length and intensity of the
summer/dry season increases the further south you go. |
Source: CIA World Factbook
Geography
Italy is a long peninsula shaped like a boot, surrounded on the
west by the Tyrrhenian Sea and on the east by the Adriatic. It is
bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia to the
north. The Apennine Mountains form the peninsula's backbone; the
Alps form its northern boundary. Several islands form part of
Italy, the largest being Sicily and Sardinia.
Government
Italy has had a bicameral parliament since 1948. The government
underwent major changes from 1992-1997 due to significant
challenges from voters who were disenchanted with the government
debt, corruption and the influence of organized crime; they
demanded political, economic and ethical reforms. The chief of
state is President Giorgio Napolitano and recently appointed Prime
Minister Silvio Berlusconi is head of government. A cautious policy
of liberalization and reduction of public debt has been introduced
to the country in the last few years.
Language
Standard Italian is the official language of Italy, however
other languages are spoken including French, German and Slovenian
near the borders of the respective countries. The largest group of
non-Italian speakers in Italy is the 1.3million who speak
Sardinian. There are also some Italian dialects considered as
completely separate to Italian, examples being Venetian, Neapolitan
and Sicilian.
Electricity
220v 50Hz. Plugs are of the European two pin style. Italian
plugs can be of two different sizes, with smaller prongs for common
appliances, and large prongs for more demanding appliances.
Passports/Visa
Passports valid for at least three months beyond the length of
stay are required by all nationals: EU nationals are only required
to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order
to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the
form of a valid national passport or national identity card, either
of which is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length
of validity on their document and sufficient funds for the length
of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Visas
Visas are not required by all nationals for the following
durations: nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period apart
from nationals of Bulgaria and Romania who may stay for up to 90
days; nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to
90 days
Passport/Visa Information
Italian Consulate General in the UK
38 Eaton Place,
London
SW1X 8AN
UK
Visa section
136 Buckingham Palace Road,
London
SW1W 9SA,
UK
Tel: (020) 7235 9371 or (020) 7823 6519
Website: www.conslondra.esteri.it
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1200.
Airports and Airlines
Rome Leonardo Da Vinci Airport
(FCO)
- Location: 26km southwest of Rome
- Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in
March to last Sunday in October)
- Contacts: Via dell'Aeroporto di Fiumicino 320,
PO Box 68, 00050, Fiumicino, Italy
- Tel: (06) 65951
- Web: http://www.adr.it/
- Terminals: 3
- Transfer between terminals: A free shuttle
service links the terminals with the long-term car parks that are
available.
- Car rental: Auto Europa, Avis, Europcar,
Hertz, and other companies are available at the airport
- Facilities: Banks, bureaux de change, ATMs,
post offices, internet access, bars and restaurants, duty-free and
other shops, left-luggage, First Aid facilities, a chapel, prayer
room and nurseries are also available.
- Parking: Multi-storey, short and long term
parking is all available
Standard of Living
Italy was ranked as the seventh largest economy in the world and
fourth largest in Europe in 2006 and offers an excellent standard
of living. The major metropolitan areas are considered to be Milan,
Rome, Naples and Turin. The country has a high life expectancy and
in a 2005 worldwide quality of life survey by the Economist
Intelligence Unit, Italy ranked at 8th in the world ahead of the
US, UK, Canada and New Zealand taking into account factors
including health, family and community life, job security and
political freedom.
Principal commercial centres and towns
Rome, with c2.70 million people is the capital of Italy, and one
of the main tourist attractions. Other important cities are:
| population by city/town 2007 |
|
| Rome |
2,705,603 |
| Milan |
1,303,437 |
| Naples |
975,139 |
| Turin |
921,485 |
| Palmero |
666,552 |
| Genoa |
620,316 |
| Florence |
366,468 |
Source: Wikipedia
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