Italy Facts & Information

Location	Southern Europe, a peninsula extending into the central Mediterranean Sea
Climate	Mediterranean, Alpine in far north, hot, dry in south
Terrain	Mostly rugged and mountainous, some plains, coastal lowlands
Population	58,103,033
Nationality	Italian
Ethnic groups	Italians
Religions	Roman Catholic with mature Protestant and Jewish communities
Languages	Italian
Government Type	Republic
Capital	Rome
Currency	Euro (EUR)
Description of Flag	Three equal vertical bands of green, white, and red.
Italy Flag

More Information
 www.cia.gov

Venice Culture

bridges, waiting to cater to visitors. The demeanor of the gondoliers represents a mixture of pride for their work and the city they represent. Another such custom is the yearly Carnevale. A few weeks before Easter, Venetians and curious visitors alike enjoy a ten-day festivity that culminates with a lavish display of fireworks above the Grand Canal. During Carnevale, Venetians dress in 18th century costume and famously wear elaborate masks, completely disguising their identities. Balls take place in the Doge Palace and other areas around the city, and tickets are expensive and difficult to obtain. For a more casual, and nonetheless thrilling, Carnevale experience, keep in mind that various musical and theatrical events occur in the streets and the many piazzettas, celebrating Venice’s past and present.

Venice Culture

bridges, waiting to cater to visitors. The demeanor of the gondoliers represents a mixture of pride for their work and the city they represent. Another such custom is the yearly Carnevale. A few weeks before Easter, Venetians and curious visitors alike enjoy a ten-day festivity that culminates with a lavish display of fireworks above the Grand Canal. During Carnevale, Venetians dress in 18th century costume and famously wear elaborate masks, completely disguising their identities. Balls take place in the Doge Palace and other areas around the city, and tickets are expensive and difficult to obtain. For a more casual, and nonetheless thrilling, Carnevale experience, keep in mind that various musical and theatrical events occur in the streets and the many piazzettas, celebrating Venice’s past and present.

Venice Shopping

St. Mark’s Cathedral. The most common and widely purchased items include Carnevale masks and Murano glass. A broad selection of each item exists, but not every piece is genuinely handcrafted. Only after familiarizing yourself with a few different versions, will you be able to discern the authentic from the replicas. If you are on a budget, keep in mind that you can often buy the same souvenirs further from the Grande Canal at a less expensive price. Quality shops and dining exist even in the more remote areas of the city.

Venice Shopping

St. Mark’s Cathedral. The most common and widely purchased items include Carnevale masks and Murano glass. A broad selection of each item exists, but not every piece is genuinely handcrafted. Only after familiarizing yourself with a few different versions, will you be able to discern the authentic from the replicas. If you are on a budget, keep in mind that you can often buy the same souvenirs further from the Grande Canal at a less expensive price. Quality shops and dining exist even in the more remote areas of the city.

Venice Travel Guides
 Frommer's Venice
 Lonely Planet Venice
 Let's Go Venice
 Fodors Venice