Study, work and live in Italy

Italy is one of the founding members of the European Economic Community (now European Union) and has been at the forefront of European integration. It has one of the world’s largest economies and is a member of the G8 group of countries. In recent times however, Italy has struggled with sluggish economic growth coupled with a budget deficit and high inflation, but there are still arguably more tourists than local inhabitants in some cities such as Venice, and Italy continues to be known both at home and abroad as the ‘bel paese’ (beautiful country). Italy is home to more UNESCO world heritage sites than any other country.

Italy is widely regarded as the birthplace of the Renaissance in the 15th century which led Europe out of the Middle Ages, and as such, has been home to some of the greatest artists of the time. The artwork of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Rafael are universally acclaimed. Italian literature also has several big names, such as Dante and Petrarch. In the mid-twentieth century Italian cinema was one of the most dynamic in the world and spawned such directors as Federico Fellini, Roberto Rossellini, and Vittorio de Sica.

Quick facts:

• Population- 58,133,000 (est 2006)
• Principal Language(s)- Italian
• Capital- Rome
• Other major cities- Milan, Naples, Turin
• Monetary unit- 1 Euro = 100 cents
• Internet domain- .it
• International dialling code +39