Area
301,333 sq km (116,345 sq mi)

Population
The population of Italy was estimated at 58,103,033 in 2005

Capital
Rome 2,628,000

Predominant Religion
Roman Catholic

Languages
Italian, German, French, Slovene

Literacy
99%

Life Expectancy
80

Currency
Euro

Economy
Industry: tourism, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals.

Agriculture: fruits, vegetables, grapes, potatoes; beef; fish.

Exports
Engineering products, textiles and clothing, production machinery, motor vehicles, transport equipment.

Weather
In general, Italy has a temperate Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and cool winters in the north and hot summers and mild winters in the south.

Passport/Visa Requirements
Passports are required by all visitors to Italy, except for citizens of the following countries, who may enter Italy with a National Identity Card: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. No visas are required for stays of less than 90 days.

Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required for visitors to Italy.

Child Travelers
Visitors to Italy accompanied by minor children should bring documentary evidence of relationship or permission for the child's travel from a parent or legal guardian of the child.

Medical Facilities
Good quality public hospitals and other medical facilities can be found in most urban areas and most prescription drugs available in the U.K. can also purchased in Italy.

Airport Departure Tax
There is no departure tax payable.

Time Zone
1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1).

Voltage Requirements
220 volts.