About Italy

Everyone has their own story, but many of us are united by the fact that due to circumstances, we ended up in a new country where we need to build a new life as soon as possible. We hope that our Expaterra portal can help you!

 

So, Italy: a country of opportunities and warm hospitality, where everyone will find their home among picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

 

Culture and Lifestyle

Living in Italy offers a blend of tradition, modern life, and a rich cultural environment that influences the lifestyle of both locals and foreigners.

Italy is known for its openness and hospitality. Italians value family ties and social connections, so communication and time spent with loved ones play a key role in everyday life. Evening strolls through the city and family dinners are important elements of Italian culture.

Italian cuisine is renowned for its diversity and quality. Food is not just nourishment but an important part of the culture. Dining at the family table, enjoying local dishes such as pasta, pizza, and seafood, is an integral part of the Italian lifestyle. Markets with local products and farm shops make it easy to have fresh and quality ingredients on hand at all times.

The working week in Italy typically comprises 5 days, from Monday to Friday, but working hours can vary depending on the region and company. It's important to remember that many shops and establishments close for a siesta, usually from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM, especially in the southern regions. This lunch and rest break is a part of Italian culture that maintains a balance between work and personal life.

Italy has a well-developed sports infrastructure, including stadiums, sports centers, and schools. The country regularly hosts major international sporting events that attract the attention of both residents and tourists.

Football is undoubtedly the most popular sport in Italy. The Italian football league Serie A is one of the strongest in the world, and the Italian national football team has repeatedly become the world champion (in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006) and European champion (in 1968 and 2021). Football is not just a sport but an important part of Italian identity.

Italy is also the homeland of legendary brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini, and motorsport holds an important place in the country's sports culture. "Formula 1" is especially popular, and the Italian Grand Prix at the Monza circuit is one of the oldest and most prestigious stages of the championship. Cycling is also highly popular in Italy. The "Giro d'Italia" race is one of the most significant events in the world of cycling.

Italy ranks among the top countries in terms of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The country boasts more than 50 such sites, including the historical centers of Florence, Rome, and Venice, the archaeological areas of Pompeii and Herculaneum, and much more. This makes Italy one of the most culturally enriched countries in the world.

Italy consistently ranks in the top 5 most popular tourist destinations globally. The country attracts millions of tourists with its historical landmarks, natural beauty, gastronomy, and fashion. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Italy is among the leaders in terms of international tourist arrivals.

Italy holds leading positions in the global fashion capital rankings. Milan is considered one of the world’s fashion capitals alongside Paris, New York, and London. Italian brands like Gucci, Prada, Versace, and Armani are known worldwide.

Italy ranks first in the world in wine production. The country is the largest producer by volume, surpassing France and Spain.

Italy also holds high positions in rankings of the best culinary traditions. Italian cuisine is among the most popular worldwide, with dishes like pizza, pasta, and tiramisu becoming global symbols of gastronomic art.

Italy is among the countries with a high life expectancy. The average life expectancy in Italy is about 83 years, putting the country in the top 10 for this measure. A high healthcare level, Mediterranean diet, and favorable climate contribute to these results.

Italy holds leading positions in the production and export of luxury goods, including cars, clothing, shoes, and accessories. Brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, as well as leading fashion houses, emphasize the country's reputation as one of the global leaders in this sector.

While Italy ranks highly in many areas, there are aspects where the country is at the lower end of the rankings. Here are some examples where Italy faces challenges:

Government efficiency: According to the World Bank, Italy is at the bottom among EU countries in the "Government Effectiveness" indicator, reflecting issues with bureaucracy, corruption, and inefficient management. In 2022, Italy ranked 41st out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perception Index, making it one of the most corrupt countries in Western Europe. In 2023, Italy ranked 69th out of 177 countries in the Index of Economic Freedom, highlighting high taxes, a complex regulatory environment, and significant barriers to entrepreneurship. In the Global Innovation Index, Italy is average among EU countries due to a lack of investments in science and technological developments, as well as a shortage of skilled workers in the IT sector. Italy has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in Europe. Italy faces one of the lowest birth rates in the world, placing the country at the bottom of demographic rankings. This poses serious challenges for future economic growth and the sustainability of the pension system.

These aspects highlight the need for reforms in key areas to improve Italy's position in these rankings and promote the country's sustainable development.

 

 

Local Language

Learning Italian for foreigners can present a number of challenges, which are related to the peculiarities of the language itself as well as the cultural and social aspects of life in Italy. 

Italy is rich in dialects that differ significantly from each other and from standard Italian. Although standard Italian (based on the Tuscan dialect) is used in official speech and educational institutions, in everyday life, many Italians speak their regional dialects. This can create difficulties for foreigners, especially if they live in regions with strong dialect influence, such as Sicily, Naples, or Veneto.

Italian grammar can also be complex for language learners. The Italian language has a large number of verb tenses and moods that need to be mastered to properly convey thoughts. All nouns in Italian have gender (masculine or feminine), and many adjectives and verbs agree with nouns in gender and number. Italian pronunciation can be challenging for foreigners, especially when it comes to sounds that do not exist in their native language. 

Italians are known for their fast speech pace and use of gestures to enhance meaning. This can complicate comprehension and language acquisition, particularly in the early stages of learning. Informal speech often includes abbreviations and colloquial expressions that may not appear in textbooks.

Language learning is closely linked to integration into the local community. Some foreigners may encounter cultural barriers or feelings of isolation, making language practice more difficult. In some cases, locals may switch to English to facilitate communication, reducing opportunities for practicing Italian.

As with any other language, success in learning Italian depends on motivation and access to quality resources, such as courses, textbooks, and conversation clubs. Without regular practice and support, the learning process may be prolonged.