Italy
The word "Italy" alone apparently posses the magical power to fascinate us, ever since those early childhood days spent at the school desk. One thing certain –according to some estimates, between forty and sixty percent of the world’s cultural heritage is concentrated in Italy. Only in Italy will you be able to cross a river over a bridge that was built in the BC era. Only in Italy will you be able to walk into a small random church and witness the works of an artist whose name will make you shiver in reverence. Dante was born here, St. Peter is buried here. The most talented designers live here and the most expensive cars in the world are made also here. Right here is where you will find the most original cinematography and most discerning theatre. Here, we have the whole history of art and magnificent architecture. Only here can you taste heavenly delicious wines and until your legs can still hold –shop, at stores filled with top quality goodies. History is in every stone, every village, every flower of Tuscany and every gleam of the Neapolitan Bay.
By geographic positioning Italy occupies an extended peninsula in the Mediterranean, known as the Apennine or Italian Peninsula. The northern part of Italy lies in Padana Valley, encircled by a mountain arc called Alps. Italy is surrounded by small archipelagos and single standing islands, the biggest of which are Sicily and Sardinia. The total area of the Italian territories reaches 301.262 sq. km, their length — over 1300 km, and width — 600 km.
Italy has a predominantly rocky landscape: 78,4% of the land is occupied by mountains or hills, and only 21,6% are left for Padana Valley and flat coastal regions. From the north Italy is separated from the rest of the European continent with the tallest Alpine range. The highest peaks are Mont-Blanc (4807m above sea level), Monte-Rosa (4634m a.s.l.) and Monte-Cervino (4478m a.s.l.). All peaks above 2800m are covered with massive glaciers. The mountain ranges of the Alps intersect with blooming valleys.
Since 1948 the political structure of Italy is a parliamentary republic, the president is considered head of the state and is elected by the Parliament to serve a seven year term. The parliament is the supreme legislative body, consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and a Senate of the Republic, both elected for five year terms. The executive power is vested in the government, namely the Council of Ministers, appointed and led by the President. The territorially-administrative division of Italy is into 20 regions, subdivided into 103 provinces containing 807 communes. The capital of Italy is the city of Rome. Settled within Italian territory are two more countries –Vatican and San-Marino.
Currently, the number of people living in Italy amounts to 57 million. However, the distinctive side of Italy’s demographics is the fact that many Italians live abroad. For example, in Argentina Italians are represented by figures of 10 million, in the US –around 8 million, in Brazil –around 5 million, and in Australia –around 2 million people. Practically there is no such country in the world where Italians wouldn’t be represented. It is believed that there are just as many Italians living in Italy as there are living abroad.
The official language is Italian. There are a number of dialects widespread in Italy. The north, for instance, speaks a dialect remotely discernible as the Italian language. You will be perfectly understood if you speak English or French, perhaps you will find German less popular.
There are no limitations for amount of cash currency that can be brought into or out of the country. You can freely carry out up to 10 thousand Euros in cash, or the equivalent in other currencies. The export of larger sums has to be approved by the customs authorities. Due to EU limitations per person during border crossing not more than 200 cigarettes (or 100 small cigars) or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco can be carried through; another limit of 2 liters, 1 liter of alcohol with 22% proof, or 2 liters of beverages of less than 22% proof, or 2 liters of sparkling wines, up to 250 ml of toilet water and 50 ml of perfume.
During border crossing from within the EU up to 800 cigarettes, 400 small cigars, 200 "standard" cigars, up to 1kg of tobacco, up to 10 liters of liquors with above 22% proof, up to 20 liters of beverages with less than 22% alcohol, up to 60 liters of sparkling wines, up to 90 liters of table wines and up to 110 liters of beer. To bring a hunting weapon you will need a special permission from an Italian consulate that has to be validated upon entry. The transit of historical valuables or documents without assisting permission forms is strictly prohibited unless such transit is authorized by the Ministry of Performing Arts of Italy.
Phone booths can be found just about anywhere. From a post office or an occasional bar you can call using the "skatti" system –pay after you call. The preferable method of phone conversation payment is with a carte telefonica, which can be purchased at any tobacco kiosk; you can also use coins, but most payphones work with cards. International calls can be ordered at communication designated centers. The price of the call varies by country and time of day (after 20:30 the tariffs are significantly lower). Inside of Italy the cheapest time for making a call is from 20:00 to 8:00; take advantage of discounts from 18:30 to 22:00.
Churches open as early in the morning and stay open until 12:00 to 12:30, close for 2-3 hours, and then reopen again until 19:00 or later. The main cathedrals and bazilic type churches are open all day. Sightseeing inside the church is not recommended during ceremonies. Stash up plenty of 50 cent coins for the machines that light the church interiors. Watching the frescos and art on the walls and ceilings of cathedrals and churches is best accomplished with the aid of a pair of binoculars. During excursions light sports shoes are recommended, because normally there will be a lot of walking.
