General Information on Italy

For the lucky group of expats planning to live and work in Italy, they will be spoiled with a combination of stunning scenery, historically outstanding architecture, top fashion stores, famous artwork and some of the best cuisine in the world.

The Italians are well-known for holding tight family values, and so when it comes to food and drinks in Italy, these values are expressed through their love for food.It is tradition to have large extended family gatherings on a weekly basis, with an abundance of fresh and healthy ingredients dispersed across a large table. Typical Italian ingredients would include fresh pasta, good quality olive oil, fresh tomatoes and olives, home-made breads and home-grown herbs. Pizzerias litter the streets of Italy with many family traditions battling it out over who has the best pizza in town. 

Living in Italy is seen as a serious luxury. Along with their passion for good food, love for art and what appears to be an obsession with fashion industry, Italy’s geographical location also allows for a beautiful climate in the summer season. With the whole west coast side by side with the Mediterranean Sea, temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius. However, be aware that predicting the weather in Italy is almost impossible. Italy is divided into 20 different regions, so predicting weather may be easier if narrowed down into regions.

The majority of the nation is strong Roman Catholic followers, with the Vatican City, home to Pope Benedict, a strong icon in the country itself.

The paintings, sculptures, and architecture contributed by giants such as da Vinci, Raphael, Botticelli and Michelangelo had a lasting influence on the subsequent development of Western civilization, which was inspired from the Renaissance era in the 14th and 15th century. Italy’s passion for football is also internationally recognised, with some of the world greats coming from this land of tradition like Paolo Rossi, Roberto Baggio, Franco Baresi, Alessandro Del Piero, Andrea Pirlo to name a few.

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