How it is possible to fit so much in one country… Well, everything in is beyond the limits of human comprehension, but it does and it does so with style. Sitting – well, standing as a boot tends to – in the South of Europe, the country shares borders in the North with Austria, France, Switzerland and Slovenia, as well as border ties with San Marino and one of the most unique borders in the world – the 3.2km boundary of the Vatican City. The landscape of the country is as varied as would be expected, though an obvious Mediterranean air pervades the majority of the region, with mountain ranges stretching across the country, beautifully breaking the landscape up as they stretch into the distance. The people can be aggressive, friendly, passive or indifferent – even so, they always manage to pull things off with passion and style. Passionate indifference – a bona fide skill of the Italian.

Historically Italy has had a huge impact on the world around it, though not as the unified country it stands as today. Nevertheless, the peoples who sprang from the region were to have a huge influence on the way modern Europe works and left lasting legacies for all to see and experience. One of the most significant occurrences in Italian history was the settlement of the Etruscans and the ancient Greeks, whose separate influences and peoples went on to become the Roman Empire, conquering vast amounts of the region surrounding modern Italy, and spreading their own brand of laws, prosperity and culture. But what have the Romans ever done for us? Oh, classic comedy as well. The Roman Empire was dominant for centuries before splitting into East and West, which soon saw dwindling prospects and a failing empire – though their might was nothing like it had been at one point, the Roman Empire existed until it was overrun by the Turks in 1453. With the fall of Rome came a period of darkness for the region, and regular invasion from Northern countries left the area contested for many years, with it even falling under Napoleon at a point. Fortunately, things changed for the better – first the Renaissance, then a while later in 1861, unification. The fact that Italy has not been one nation for a great deal of time lends itself to the lack of real national pride its people have when compared to their regional pride – the stark contrast between the rich North and poor South is a reminder of how vastly different the regions in Italy were and are. The Second World War saw the Italians, under the leadership of Mussolini, allied with the Nazis – by 1943 their leader was under arrest (later killed in 1945 by communist partisans) and supporting the Allied efforts. The post-war years saw Italy become a republic and countless governments voted in and out by a soon-jaded public. Recent history in the country has seen strong economic reforms alongside numerous corruption allegations for the government to deal with, including most recently former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Italy is a country with a tumultuous history, even in recent times. The people remain genuinely friendly and the country itself stays as beautiful as ever, even if the politicians are constantly on trial. The economy is strong, if only growing slowly, and Italy is a country worth anyone’s time and investment, and an off plan buyer with money to spend should definitely look into Italy and her wonderful ways.

The standards of healthcare in Italy are generally very good, though hospitals in rural areas can prove under-equipped. A reciprocal agreement with the UK means British nationals are entitled to free treatment for accidents or illnesses on production of an E111 form – other charges may still apply, however. Health insurance is still recommended in case emergency evacuation is necessary and to cover the cost of treatment.

Mobile phone coverage stretches across most of the country, though obviously quality of service cannot be guaranteed in more rural areas. Landlines are widely available and lines are of an excellent standard. Internet cafes are also widespread in urban areas.