Italy
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Capital
Rome
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Local time
21:53
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Population
60.5 m
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Driving side
Right
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Calling code
+39
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Currency
€ EUR (euro)
Italy
-
Capital
Rome
-
Local time
21:53
-
Population
60.5 m
-
Driving side
Right
-
Calling code
+39
-
Currency
€ EUR (euro)
-
Average Salary
$ 2 671
-
Petrol price
€ 2.14 pl
-
Precipitation
832mm /year
Geography & travel
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Country Area
301 230 km2
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Protected Area
22%
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Forest Area
32%
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Agricultural area
44%
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Railways
16724km
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Annual air passengers
28.86 m
Population
-
Ethnicity
Italian
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Religion
Roman Catholic approx. - 90 %
Protestant
Jewish
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Literacy rates
98.8%
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Languages
Italian
German
French
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Armed Forces
356 850
-
Murders
1 per 100k
-
Alcohol consumption
6.1 l/person
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Smoking
28.3%
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Diabetes
5.1%
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Tuberculosis
6 per 100k
-
HIV
0.3%
Economy
-
Industries
tourism, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, food processing, textiles, motor vehicles, clothing, footwear
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Agriculture
fruits, vegetables, grapes, potatoes, sugar beets, soybeans, grain, olives, beef
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Natural Resources
coal, mercury, zinc, potash, marble, barite, asbestos, pumice, fluorspar
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Energy Import
75%
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Natural Resources
coal, mercury, zinc, potash, marble, barite, asbestos, pumice, fluorspar
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Renewable Energy
17%
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CO2 Emissions
320 411kt
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Ease of Business
46 (Best=1, Worst=200)
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ATMs per 100k people
96
What not to do when visiting Italy
Don't point with your index finger and pinkie finger at the same time - it's extremely vulgar in Italy.
Don't forget to dress properly - clothes and appearance is important to Italians.
Don't order a cappuccino after 11 AM. Seriously. Only in the morning.
Did you know?
"Topolino" is the name for Mickey Mouse in Italy.
Don't be shy to speak up if you are interrupted - not doing so can be seen as a sign of weakness, not politeness.
Don't give anything in quantity of 17, as 17 is considered to be bad luck or a doomed number.
Don't forget to give your host a nice gift such as gift-wrapped chocolate, a wine or flowers, but not in black or gold, as those colours are reserved for funerals.
Don't give a brooch, handkerchiefs, or knives as they connote sadness.
Don't forget to cover your shoulders, knees and midriff when visiting churches. You can wear a scarf, but don't wear a hat inside.
Did you know?
The coins thrown into the Trevi fountain in Italy are collected for charity.
Don't hide your hands when dining - keep both hands (but no elbows) above the table when dining, even when you are finished.
Don't add ketchup to pasta or cut it.
Don't make comments about the state of the South if you're in the North or vice versa.
Don't exchange business cards at social occasions, but it's a norm at business functions and meetings.
Don't forget to insist repeatedly that you don't want more food once you are full. Place your fork and knife on the right side of the plate when finished.
Did you know?
The first city to mint its own gold coins was Florence, Italy in 1252.
Don't eat with your hands and don't leave the table during dinner - it's considered rude.
Don't talk about religion, Vatican, Mafia and politics, or questions about private family concerns.
Don't talk about fascism.
Don't mention you're Juventus fan if you're in Florence or Milan, a Roma fan if you're in Naples or a Bologna fan if you're in Fiorentina.
Don't get involved in any drugs and trafficking of illegal drugs - there are severe jail sentences and fines.
Did you know?
Italy was home to the Republic of Venice, the world’s longest continuously operating republic.
Don't give even number of flowers, don't give chrysanthemums - they are used for funerals.
Don't enter a taxi without a meter.
Don't keep wallets in pockets or handbags. Carry only what is needed for the day.
Don't use first names in Italian business. Personal and professional titles are used constantly in either causal conversation or formal writing.
Don't show up 10 minutes early - Italians are not always super punctual. Be ready to wait few minutes before Italian counterpart appears.
Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Don't bring up the Mafia in Italy, especially in the South.
Don't order Pizza Hawaii nor ask for any fruit on your pizza.
Don't say "Ciao" to everyone - it's generally used between the friends. Use "Buon Giorno" or "Buona Sera" when entering/leaving shop or restaurant.
Don’t forget to make an excellent first impression and behave - the first impressions guide Italians.
Don’t get offended by Italian communication style - Italians are very expressive communicators. They tend to be wordy, emotional and demonstrative, using facial and hand gestures, often interrupting others when speaking.
Don't ask for Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano) - always wait for the waiter to offer you some "formaggio".
Don't swim in the fountains.
Don’t give Chrysanthemums - they are used for funerals. Red flowers usually indicate secrecy, and yellow flowers mean jealousy.
Don’t wrap gifts in black (used for mourning) or purple (bad luck) colours.
Don’t forget to handshake when greeting (men). Women usually greet with light kisses on both cheeks (”air kisses” where you just touch cheeks and kiss the air), a handshake is common on first meeting. Eye contact is important.
Don't order a 'large coffee'. Drink espresso like a local.
Don't smack or slurp - it's not appreciated.
Don't avoid eye contact business and personal conversations. It's a sign of courtesy.
Don't enter buses, trains or similar before everyone who wants to get out has done so.
Don't forget to wear reflectors when riding a bike or walking at dark.
Don't rely only on museums to see the art - you can see plenty of beautiful arts in churches and admission is for free.
Don't order non-Italian wine or don't stick only to the wines you know. Order the local wine.
Don't take photos in the Sistine Chapel.
Don't assume everyone speaks English.
Don't expect public transportation to run on time always.
Don't take taxis everywhere - better to bring comfortable shoes and discover the best parts of the city.
Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Don't stick only to the most popular attractions, you shouldn't overlook more under-the-radar spots that locals love.
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