Italy
Pictures
Agrigento, Sicily ©
Fast Facts
- 301,230 square kilometres, slightly bigger than the UK
- 58.1 million people, with an average life expectancy of almost 80 years
- Official language is Italian
- 0.5% of the adult population is HIV-positive
- Almost 50% of Italians are internet users
- There are more mobile phones than people in Italy
- 484,688km of roads, all of them paved
Lay of the land
Italy is shaped like a boot, with the Appennine mountains running like a backbone down the country and joining the Alps in the north. Italian roads are generally good, although Italian driving can be a little hair-raising.
And on the way...
Rome - modern Italy's capital and the capital of the Roman Empire, as well as the site of the Vatican, epicentre of the Roman Catholic church, known as the Eternal City.
Other highlights
Sicily - Sicily is known, among other things, for its volcano, Etna, which is one of the world's most active.
The people
Italy's position in Europe has meant frequent invasions and migrations from Greece, northern Europe and Spain. More recently, there has been immigration from eastern Europe, North Africa and Asia.
Did you know...
The Italian national football team has won the World Cup four times, most recently in 2006.
Comments
Comments 1 - 10 of 19
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At 01:52:43 PM on 14/05/2007, Martina (Parma Italy) wrote:
nice place
Please, come here. It's a nice city, food is great and there are nice sites near.
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At 02:33:49 PM on 16/05/2007, David Kenny (Dublin) wrote:
Exploring the City of the Dead in Rome
Beneath St. Peter's Basillica is the ancient cemetery and tomb of St. Peter. The area is known as the Scavi. It is a fascinating place and is laid out like a city, with individual streets and tombs that look like houses. An undiscovered part of Rome that's well worth a look, if you can get in.
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At 02:57:15 PM on 18/05/2007, Denisa (Rome) wrote:
When do you come to Rome
I've read "Long Way Round", I'm half czech and half italian living in London, you've passed through Prague and I missed...now I'm in Rome and I would like to know where do you plan to pass through the "Eternal City"?
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At 12:16:58 AM on 22/05/2007, celticgirl (Dayton ,Ohio) wrote:
Are we there yet?
Can't wait until you guys write about Italy and the sites. Living vicariously through you two. Just got out my LWR DVD to watch again...your journey is awesome. Stay safe.
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At 01:54:56 AM on 25/05/2007, Bill Conner (San Antonio, Texas) wrote:
If you pass through Venice
Make sure you stop at Harry's Bar, a historically famous place, I believe it was a favorite of Ernest Hemingway. Order a Campari and orange juice. I started riding motorcycles this year because of you two, God bless and ride safe!
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At 02:03:38 AM on 25/05/2007, Craig Dixon. (Tathra. Land Down Under.) wrote:
World Travel
yep, doin the same as celticgirl. Rewatchin LWR. Mate, you guys are so lucky, travelling the world on bikes. Every riders dream adventure.Living in Australia it's great to see the rest of the world, in a way i would do it.If i had the chance. Stick with the LWR format, you will have another hit show with LWD. Mates your Aussie adventure awaits, 2009. Stay upright, stay safe. Dicko.
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At 02:25:18 AM on 25/05/2007, Hannah (Boise, ID (USA)) wrote:
Have a great time!
Hey guys I watched Long Way Round and I absolutely loved it! It is fun to hear that you guys are going on another trip! Hope you have fun and be safe no more car accidents!!!!!
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At 11:24:28 AM on 25/05/2007, Elliot (Leeds) wrote:
capri and herculanium
both well worth checking out on the trip
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At 12:58:27 PM on 25/05/2007, Chris (Huddersfield) wrote:
bike sold?
Heard Ewan saying his bike raised £85k at auction but that Charleys went back to BMW? I'd have thought Charleys a better bet...after all Ewan crashed his a lot more! ;-) Be careful!
At 10:17:49 AM on 10/05/2007, Nathan (London) wrote:
Twists and turns
If you've got time for a side trip on your way past, there are some great bendy mountain roads in northern Italy around Turin - loads of fun on a bike. I'm sure you can find an excuse for a bit of alpine action ;)
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