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Italy

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Italy is a country located in Southern Europe, known for its rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes. It is a peninsula shaped like a high-heeled boot, jutting into the Mediterranean Sea. This country is home to some of the world's most famous historical sites, including the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the ruins of Pompeii. Italy's capital, Rome, was once the heart of the Roman Empire and is now the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, housing the Vatican City and its treasures. Italy's diverse regions offer a range of experiences: from the fashion capital Milan in the north to the sun-drenched beaches of the Amalfi Coast in the south. The Italian countryside is dotted with vineyards and olive groves, producing some of the finest wines and olive oils in the world. The Italian Alps, including the Dolomites, are renowned for skiing and mountaineering, while the central Apennines offer scenic beauty and outdoor adventures. Italian cuisine, characterized by its simplicity and quality ingredients, is a cornerstone of the cultural experience, with each region boasting its own specialties. The country's artistic legacy is evident in its architecture, paintings, and sculptures, with works by great masters such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio on display. Italy's influence on music is also notable, being the birthplace of opera and housing some of the oldest music conservatories. The Italian language, with its melodic rhythm, is widely studied and admired. Italy's economy is the third-largest in the Eurozone, with a focus on manufacturing and export of high-quality consumer goods. Despite regional disparities, Italy's quality of life is generally high, with a strong emphasis on leisure, family, and social cohesion. The Italian lifestyle, known as "la dolce vita," or "the sweet life," is one that many around the world aspire to emulate.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Italy is considered high, especially in major cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence. Housing, utilities, and transportation can be particularly expensive, although this is often offset by the quality of life and public services available.

Weather

Italy experiences a varied climate. The north has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers, while the central regions enjoy a milder temperate climate. The south and coastal areas typically have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

Educational System Italy

The educational system in Italy is known for its structure that emphasizes both academic and vocational training. Education is compulsory from the age of 6 to 16, covering primary and lower secondary education. The system is divided into five main stages: Scuola dell'infanzia (pre-school), Scuola primaria (primary school), Scuola secondaria di primo grado (lower secondary school), Scuola secondaria di secondo grado (upper secondary school), and higher education. Primary school lasts five years, and upon completion, students receive a diploma di licenza. Lower secondary school, also known as middle school, lasts three years, culminating in the diploma di licenza media. Upper secondary school offers various types of programs, including classical, scientific, and vocational, lasting five years and leading to the Maturità, which is required for university admission. The Italian education system is known for its historic and well-established institutions, with a strong emphasis on the humanities and sciences. The quality of education is generally high, with a focus on critical thinking and creativity. Children typically start school at age 6 and graduate at age 19 if they follow the traditional path without repeating any years.

Healthcare in Italy

The healthcare system in Italy is a regionally based national health service known as Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) that provides universal coverage, largely free of charge at the point of service. Public healthcare is funded by a combination of national and regional taxes. Private healthcare is also available and is often used as a complement to public services, offering faster access to treatment and more luxurious facilities. The quality of healthcare in Italy is generally high, with a good ratio of doctors to patients and modern facilities, although there can be regional disparities with the north typically better served than the south. Expats and digital nomads who are residents in Italy and make social security contributions can access public healthcare. Those with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can use it during temporary visits. Non-EU nationals may need private insurance to cover their healthcare needs until they are registered with the SSN.

Best Places to Live in Italy
Discover the top-ranked towns in Italy. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.
Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Universities in Italy

The university system in Italy is one of the oldest in the world, with its roots stretching back to the University of Bologna founded in 1088. Italian universities are divided into public and private institutions, with the majority being public. The academic year is usually divided into two semesters, and the language of instruction is predominantly Italian, although there are programs offered in English, especially at the postgraduate level. Undergraduate degrees (Laurea Triennale) typically take three years to complete, while a master's degree (Laurea Magistrale) requires an additional two years. There is also the Laurea Magistrale a Ciclo Unico for certain professions like law, pharmacy, and architecture, which is a single-cycle five or six-year program. Doctoral programs (Dottorato di Ricerca) usually last three to four years. The university system in Italy is part of the Bologna Process, aiming to ensure comparability in the standards and quality of higher-education qualifications across Europe. Foreign students considering attending university in Italy should be aware of the entrance exams and language proficiency requirements. The cost of education is relatively low compared to other Western European and North American countries, and there are scholarships and financial aid options available for international students.

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Living in Italy

Healthcare in Italy

The healthcare system in Italy is a regionally based national health service known as Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) that provides universal coverage, largely free of charge at the point of service. Public healthcare is funded by a combination of national and regional taxes. Private healthcare is also available and is often used as a complement to public services, offering faster access to treatment and more luxurious facilities. The quality of healthcare in Italy is generally high, with a good ratio of doctors to patients and modern facilities, although there can be regional disparities with the north typically better served than the south. Expats and digital nomads who are residents in Italy and make social security contributions can access public healthcare. Those with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can use it during temporary visits. Non-EU nationals may need private insurance to cover their healthcare needs until they are registered with the SSN.

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