Population: approximately 2,778,000. Estimated visitors annually: 15 million.

Area: 577 square miles (within this area is Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent sovereign state, comprising 100 acres and 200 residents)

Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time plus one hour: Time in Rome is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in New York.(7 hours ahead of central time in Chicago, etc.)

International Dialing Code: Rome’s city code is 06. The country code is 39. Calling cards can be purchased at tobacco stores, post offices and some bars in Rome to use in placing calls from public or private phones. To call the operator: dial 10.

Emergency: police: 113(local) 112 (national); fire: 115; ambulance: 113 Emergency calls are free from phone booths.

Currency : Currency is the Euro (EUR). The notes are in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5 euro. The denominations of coins are 2 euro, 1 euro, 50 euro cent, 20 euro cent, 10 euro cent, 5 euro cent, 2 euro cent, and 1 euro cent.

The easiest method of securing cash at the best exchange rate is to make withdrawals using a US credit card from the ATM machines found at the major banks and stores.

Customs Regulations: Telephone (in Rome): 06 49711 for information.

Temperatures:

Rome is at its best weather wise in April and May and again from September – mid October. The heat can be intense in July and August. Winters are rainy and cool, rather than cold. Many businesses close in August.

Public rest rooms: In short supply except in museums, restaurants and large department stores

Smoking: Smoking is not allowed in museums, churches, and art galleries. It is discouraged, but allowed, in restaurants. Trains have separate non- smoking compartments.

Electricity: 220volt A/C). Most hotels have 110V shaver outlets. Plugs have 2 round pins or sometimes 3 pins in a vertical row. American appliances will need a plug adapter and will require a transformer if they do not have a dual voltage capability.