Italy
Italy is a parliamentary democratic republic with 59.8 million people and it is a founding member of the European Union. The capital city is Rome and the native language is Italian. Most Italians are Roman Catholic.
Italy occupies an elongated boot-shaped peninsula, surrounded by theTyrrhenian Sea and the Adriatic Sea. The Apennine Mountains form the peninsula's backbone and the Alps form the northern boundary. The largest of its lakes is Garda. The Po is Italy's principal river. There are several islands, the largest are Sicily and Sardinia.
Italian contribution to the cultural and historical heritage of Europe is huge and Italy is home to the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The school year starts in September. There is a two-week holiday at Christmas. There is a one-week holiday at Easter. The school year is over by the beginning of June.
Italians have three main meals a day. Breakfast can be quite light. Lunch is substantial and it is eaten around 13.00 - 14.00 and evening meals are eaten around 19.00 - 20.00.
Tips for foreigners
- A simple "grazie" (thank you) will be helpful in every situation.
- Don't mind full gaps. Italians speak a lot!
- Italians kiss each other twice on the cheek.
Essential Italian
Hello! = Ciao
Bye! = Ciao/ Arrivederci
Yes. = Si
No. = No.
Thank you. = Grazie.
You're welcome. = Prego
How are you? = Come stai?
I'm fine, thanks. = Bene, grazie.
Excuse me... = Mi scusi...