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                                                             Italy

Italy, or the Italian Republic is a country in southern Europe. Italy shoe covers (boots) form the Apennine peninsula and two large islands in the Mediterranean Sea: Sardinia and Sicily, as well as many smaller ones. North of the country is based in the Alps, where the borders with France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. Independent of San Marino and the Vatican are enclaves Italy.
Italy is famous for its cuisine, fashions and design, fashion industry, architecture, art, music, and a great place for tourism. Italy are among the most developed in the world of the G8 group of industrialized countries.
Economy
 Italy has a diversified industrial economy with a similar total amount and per capita as France and D. Britain. Italian capitalistic economy remains divided into the industrial north, dominated by the private sector and less developed agricultural south who rely on the 20% unemployment.

Speech
People speak a variety of Italian dialects and minority languages. In addition to the Italian language in the regions official languages ​​are German, French, Ladin and Slovenian language. In addition, there are a number of minority languages ​​have special status (according to the Constitution and the provisions of the revising 1999. Law): Albanian, Catalan, Greek, Croatian, Occitan, Sardinian and poksitanų.
In addition, according to the 2005. survey, 25% of Italy's population could speak English, and 17% - in Spanish and 14% - in French. [5]
waist did not exist as a state until the country's unification in 1861. Due to this relatively late unification, and the historical autonomy of areas that include Apeninųpusiasalį, many traditions that we now recognize as an Italian, can be derived from their origin. Despite these areas of political and social exclusion of the Italian contribution to the cultural and historical heritage of Europe remain immense. Currently, Italy has the most UNESCO heritages in the world (44).
Art
From Italy come many important artistic and intellectual movements that have spread across Europe, such as the Renaissance and the Baroque. Italy had one of the most famous artists of all time, like Leonard da Vinci, Džotas, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Fra Angelica, Tintoretto, Donatello, Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael, Bernini, Tiepolo and many others.

Many languages - one reason

GREECE

Greece has it all! And everyone knows that. And it is no surprise that Greece is known by everyone, because it exists for people.

It is a country, where Eastern and Western cultures meet. A country, where  democracy, art and the Olympic Games were born. Greece is historical.
Greece was given its by the Romans. The real name of the country is "Ellas" or "Elada". This name comes from the ancient Greek people - the Helens, who created their civilization called Helada in the III - II millennium before Christ. Lithuanians called Helens - "People of the Sun" In other words the current state may be called  for example. "The cradle of culture and democracy", "Wonders of the World the homeland. "
In Greek history, one can distinguish at least two striking cultural flowering periods. The first period is ancient Greece, which existed before it was connected to the Roman Empire in 146 m. BC.  The second - from 395 m. BC. when the Roman Empire split into Eastern and Western empires until 1453., when the Eastern, or Byzantine empire was conquered by  the Turks Ottomans.
New Greek history started when it  received liberty from the Turkish yoke in 1830. In 1952 Greece was accepted by NATO and in 1981 joined the European Community. 

Capital: Athens, 3 million people (2001.)

Geographic position. The country lies in the south of the Balkan Peninsula and has many islands (more than 1400). The largest islands are: Crete (Mediterranean Sea), Euboea, Lesbos, Chios, Cyclades, South and North Sporades (Aegean Sea), Ionian archipelago (Ionian Sea). Greece has borders with Albania, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Turkey in the north and in the west it is washed by the Ionian seas, in the south - Mediterranean sea and inn the east - Aegean sea. The total land border length: 1210 km. Length of coastline: 13,676 km.

Climate. Greece's climate is a typical Mediterranean coast climate - wet and mild winters, hot and humid summers.
The largest Greek island - Crete - is the warmest. In southern coast swimming is available from mid-April till November. July and August are the warmest months of the year, then the temperature across the country rises to 40 degrees Celsius.
Rainy season in many regions of Greece begins around mid-October and lasts until February.

Language The most popular language - Greek. The current language (the new Greek) significantlydifferent from the one spoken in ancient times. Today Greeks learn two languages ​​- ancient written and spoken present. In resorts you can easily communicate in English, French, German or Italian.

Religion. The vast majority - Greek Orthodox - 98% Muslim - 1.3% Other - 0.7%.

Money. Greek currency - the euro.

 Holidays and events. Greeks like to celebrate a lot. Here life is buzzing all year round. In addition to traditional religious and cultural celebrations there is a variety of other festivals.  Holidays are often associated with wine-making. Of course,  they can not do without the folk dances, songs, regale. During the holidays traditionally mutton is eaten. Carnival season lasts from February to March. Attributes - luxury clothing, traditional dances, matchmaking. Easter - one of the most spectacular festivals in Greece, with indispensible banquets, fireworks.
In summer the ancient Greek Festival takes place.  It starts from the middle of June and lasts until September. This festival attracts a very large number of people, who want to enjoy performances in ancient theaters and dive into the endless fun.

Hours. Shop opening hours: 8.30 - 21.00. (Monday - Friday), lunch and siesta: 13.30 - 17.00.
Most banks are open weekdays from 8:00 am. to 14.00. Saturdays - from 8.00 pm. to 12.00. Tourist season, most of the banks are open and in the afternoon.

 SPAIN

Spain, warm sun, noisy fun, wide smiles, amazing wine, extraterrestrial energy giving majestic mountains, breathtaking, fascinating modernist buildings. Flamenco dancing, bullfighting, snack Bars, solemn Easter celebrations-just a tiny part of the country's diversity. Here you will see the snowy peaks of the Pyrenees, green Galicia meadows, Valencias' orange groves and deserts of Almeria. Various excursions, picnics and activities will enrich your holidays by the sea.

Capital: Madrid.

Geographical position. Spain - the second largest country in Europe after France. Country occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula. Spain is bordered by Portugal in the West, the North East - with France and Andorra booted, the South - with Gibraltar. The coast is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The shore stretches 3200 km. The country's territory includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, Ceuta and Melilla Northern Morocco.

 Time. The country in the winter time is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, and in the summer - one hour ahead of British time. 1 hour in the afternoon equals 13 hours, because the spanish use a 24 hour clock. Morning (manana), Spaniards continue till late afternoon - till 14 PM.

Climate. Spain has three different climate zonesand therefore a large country with high plateaus and ridges, as well as the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea affect the climate vary enormously especially in winter. Wettest point in the country - north, the sky is clouded over here all year round, especially in Galicia. The eastern and the southern coasts have mild winters, sometimes rain and sunny and dry summers. The central part of the continent experience maximum temperatures, where winter temperatures drop below zero, and in the summer it is especially hot and dry. In spring and autumn come the rain and in the summer it is everywhere except the mountain areas. Skiers are invited when the mountain slopes are covered with snow, then in the lowlands olives and oranges are picked. The climate in Spain is very tempting: summer temperatures are around 25-30 degrees Celsius, in the autumn of 18 - 22, and in winter - about 12 degrees Celsius.

Average temperature in ° C

° C	May	June	July	August	September	October
AIR	21.	24.	28	30	27	22.
WATER	17.	20.	23.	25 %	22.	17.

Language Spanish language is used almost everywhere, there are Castilian (spoken by 74% of the population). Catalonia comes catalan, Galician language - Galicia, Basque - Basque Country. In Valencia is used the Catalan dialect. English language is understood only in the larger resorts, and tourist service staff also know English.

Religion. 99 percent. of the population is Catholic.

Working hours Work hours in Spanish institutions differ from other European countries. Lunch break in between 13.30 and 16 hours and lasts for 2-3 hours. This time is given for siesta, then the Spaniards go home or to a restaurant to dine or to relax.
Siesta is especially popular in southern Spain, where the noon in the summer is the hottest time of the year. Large Stores and shopping centers work without a lunch break.
Monday to Friday Spaniards usually open from 9 am to 20 pm., And Saturday - from 9 to 13:30. (public bodies on weekdays from 9 up to 13 hours.). Banks are open weekdays from 8:30 or 9 am to 14.30 pm. and Saturdays from 9 to 13h. On Sundays, banks, like any other offices and shops are closed, and museums - only till lunch. Mondays most museums are closed in Spain. Department and other Shops are generally open weekdays from 9 am until 13:30 pm. and from 17 to 20 P.M., some remain open during siesta.

Holiday and weekend days. Spaniards celebrate eleven public holidays:
January 1st. - New Year
January 6. - Three Kings
March or April - Easter
May 1. - Labor day
June 24. - St. John Day
July 25. - St. James Day
August 15. - The Virgin Mary's Ascension
October 12. - National Day (Columbus Day, since the day of 1492m. Columbus discovered America)
November 1. - All Saints Day
December 6. - Day of the Spanish Constitution
December 25 - 26. - St. Christmas
Each Spanish town celebrates its patron day. For example., Madrid - St. Isidore (May 15th.), Palma de Mallorca - St. Sebastian (January 20d.), Barcelona - St. MERS (September 28th)..

Cash and cash replacement. Spanish Monetary unit - euro, consisting of 100 cents (2005. October. rate: 1 EUR - 3.44 EUR). Used circulation is 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euro banknotes of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and 1 and 2 euro coins. You will be able to exchange currency in all branches of the banks, who work 8 to 14 hours, weekdays (Saturdays do not work all banks), ATM and currency exchange points or hotel. If you change money in the bank, you will be required a passport. Exchange rate offices tend to differ and depend on the modified cash amount. Therefore, take a walk around a few offices and find a suitable one. Money exchange is open until late at night, they do not require personal documents. Since on a Sunday, only one other office works, so ty to exchange your money any other day. In addition, the exchange rate on Sundays is lower. The best course is usually in banks. Most larger town shops, restaurants and hotels are able to accept credit cards or travelers' checks (with payment a credit card will need to provide identification document).

Cheques and cards. Travellers' checks can buy American Express, Thomas Cook or the loader in the bank. The country has made all the checks. You can buy vouchers in all banks. Spain, the mostly accepts Visa card. Also Mastercard (Access) / Eurocard Card and American Express. Big banks give cash for credit cards.

Visa. The EU citizens need only a passport. If you want to see Spain stay for a longer period of time, a few months before contact the nearest Spanish Embassy.

 CROATIA 

 

Adriatic sea coast, sun, beautiful beaches, mountains, spectacular scenery in national parks and architecture leave an incredible impression on every traveler. Not only can you enjoy your holiday, but also become familiar with the culture of the country and learn some more about its history by exploring monuments. There are many wonderful resorts in Croatia that travelers choose for the mild climate, clean and warm water, beautiful beaches and unspoilt nature.

General Information

The official name of the country - the Republic of Croatia

The geographical position. Croatia - South-Eastern European country that has a coastline by the Adriatic sea and boarders with Bosnia and Herzegovina (932 km), Slovenia (670 km), Hungary (329 km), Serbia (266 km).

Climate. Oceanic - continental. Summers are hot, winters are cold, rains a lot. In the coastal area the summers are more humid and winters are milder.
In the western part of Croatia the climate is continental, in the central - mountain climate and in the coastal - marine. Winter temperatures range from -1 ° C to 30 ° C in the continent, from -5 ° C to 0 ° C mountains, 5-10 ° C at the coast. In summer, the continent temperature returns to 22-26 ° C, 15-20 ° C in the mountains and 26-30 ° C by the Mediterranean Sea.

Residents. 4,495,904. 89.6% of Croats, Serbs, 4.5%, other 5.9% (Bosniaks, Hungarians, Slovenes, Czechs, Italians).

Language Croatian language is spoken by 96.1%, Serbian - 1%, others - 2.9% (Italian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, German).

Religion. Roman Catholic - 87.8%, Orthodox 4.4%, other - 2.6%, 1.3%, irreligious 5.2%

Currency. Kuna (HRK)

Time. +1 Hour.

History. The current Croatian territory has been inhabited long ago and various cultures have lived here throughout history. The Romans and the Greeks mostly influenced the development of the country. 400 m. BC. BC. the Roman Empire established a colony in the coast of Croatia. Illyria was separated into two provinces: Pannonia and Dalmatia, which in the VI century were seized by the Guns and Ostrogoths. Slavs settled down in the coast of the Adriatic Sea in VII century and restored the old provinces. From the X century Croatia became a monarchy, but in the XI century it was seized again and became a part of Hungary.In 1526 Croatia was ruled by the Hapsburg dynasty (until the end of the First World War) In 1920, Hungary formally gave up Croatian territories. Since 1939 Croats thought for separation from the Yugoslavic Republic, but remained part of it untile they gained independence. Some parts of Croatia had autonomy. In 1946 People's Republic of Croatia was created, and in 1963 - Croatia Socialistic Republic. In 1990 a referendum was held on Slovenian and Croatian independence. In 1991 this resulted in Croatia announcing independence and a month later was formally withdrew from the Yugoslavic Republic. In 1992 Croatia became a member of the United Nations.

Politics. The country is managed by the president and the parliament. It is a democratic country. The capital is Zagreb. The Constitution was released on December 22, 1990, and supplemented - in 2000.
Independence Day is celebrated on 8 October (1991); June 25, 1991 - the Parliament voted for independence approval.

Economics. The economy rebounded in 2000 because of tourism, banking and investment. Unemployment is falling. Agriculture: corn, sunflower, olive, citrus fruits, soybeans, potatoes, and so on.
Industries: chemicals and plastics, tools, metal, electronics, paper, wood products, textiles, ships, fuel, food.

Culture. The twentieth century sculptor Ivan Mestrovic is an artist worthy of pride of Croatia His work can be seen in various cities and resors squares all over the country. The sculptor has also designed the History Museum of Croatia in Zagreb. The history of Croatian literature dates back to the sixteenth century, when a significant playwright Marin Drzic was creating. Twentieth century novelist, playwright and poet Miroslav Krleza wrote a saga about life in Croatia at that time.
Croatian folk music is a combination of various styles. Kolo is a Slav dance, accompanied by a Roman style violin and Croatian drums.
Most of Croats are Roman Catholics, but all Serbian residents are Eastern Orthodox. According to the doctrines of faith, Orthodox priests can marry. Many churches are abundantly visited on Sundays. Muslims make up to 1 percent of the population and Protestants - 0.4 per cent. There is a small number of jews in the country.