New ReviewAlthough myth indicates that Japan was founded in 660 BCE by Emperor Jimmu, the first clear records concerning Japan are provided by the Chinese almost one thousand years later, in the third century CE. Since its beginnings, Japan has...

New ReviewBy Western standards, the way the Japanese make decisions may seem slow and tedious. The Japanese tend to be cautious and thorough, with a tendency toward kiken kaihi, or risk avoidance, and prefer to conduct business by using a group of...

New ReviewCorporate Japan has been going through a significant transition. Overall, the Japanese business culture is characterized by formal interpersonal relations, group orientation, structured processes, and defined protocols with a...

New ReviewItaly is a feast for the senses, wherever your travels take you. Explore the highlights of the north and south with a cultural heritage that spans centuries. But Italy is more than its past. It's also a vibrant modern economy, a key...

New ReviewItalians shop with a passion. Nevertheless, shopping in Italy can sometimes feel like a challenge. It's not always convenient or easy, but it's always an interesting experience no matter what you're looking for. It may be frustrating to...

New ReviewItalian citizens voted out the monarchy in 1946, and the last Italian dynasty ended with King Umberto II being forced into exile. The constitution of the Italian republic went into effect in 1948, and since then, governments have changed...

New ReviewMost schoolchildren can find Italy on a map—it’s the “boot” that’s kicking an island into the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. The island is, of course, Sicily, and the boot is Italy’s mainland. Without a doubt, Italy’s complex natural...

New ReviewDespite an economic turnaround in recent decades, Italy is split into two very different halves. Northern Italy is the country’s economic powerhouse, and the Lombardy region, which produces about 40 percent of Italy’s GDP, is at its...

New ReviewItalians tend to be innately curious about people from other cultures, although some project an attitude of suspicion toward certain foreigners. Despite their feelings about some foreigners, Italians tend to be charming toward visitors,...

New ReviewBuilding relationships is critical to doing business in Italy—even more important than the quality of your product or service. In fact, unless you can establish solid relationships based on mutual respect and friendship, your business...

New ReviewHaggling over prices is a national Italian pastime. So be prepared—Italians tend to relish the art of negotiating. In general, negotiations take place among managers of equal rank. The Italians may seem informal, but take care not to...

New ReviewNorthern Italy—and Milan in particular—has been a hub of economic activity since the Middle Ages and is one of the most important financial and industrial centers in the world today. Many businesses have been in families for generations....

New ReviewAs in many parts of the world, Italians usually greet each other with a fairly firm handshake. Men sometimes clutch each other’s arms, embrace, or pat each other on the back. To an Italian, a greeting should have a tone of respectful...

New ReviewItalians spend much of their leisure time socializing with friends in restaurants, indulging in a good meal, and enjoying a fine wine. Restaurants are always filled with people, and, regardless of the day of the week, patrons are there...

New ReviewItaly has no official religion, and freedom of religion is protected under the country’s constitution. At the same time, more than 90 percent of Italians claim to be Roman Catholic, and the Catholic Church tries to exert a strong...

New ReviewItalians are lively communicators and literally speak with their hands—at times, they use their entire bodies! They generally stand close together and often touch each other’s arms or shoulders while talking. In fact, touching someone is...

New ReviewItaly is ranked among the top nations in the world for its standard of living. Even so, a constant refrain that’s heard when people talk about Italy is how divided the country is between north and south. For centuries, northern Italy has...

New ReviewItaly offers some of the most stunning architectural living spaces, whether you’re looking for a downtown palazzo or a cozy farmhouse nestled in a small village. Availability, of course, varies by area. Explore the options by region and...

New ReviewItalians take great pride in their food. Quite simply, they think it’s the best in the world, and certainly the number of Italian restaurants across the globe is testimony to the food’s appeal. For Italians, every meal’s a...

New ReviewThe banking sector is a lynchpin of the Italian economy. The Banca d'Italia is the central bank of Italy, and all banks are subject to its authority. Also known as Bankitalia, it's part of the European System of Central Banks. Until...

New ReviewIt may come as no surprise that in the Italian workplace, the dress code tends to be formal—and casual Fridays don’t exist. Italians tend to dress up when they go out, as socializing is all about making a good impression. Part of who you...

New ReviewItaly is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. While parts of Italy are highly urbanized, it might surprise you to learn that the interior of the country is underpopulated; in fact, this part of the country continues...

New ReviewTurin is the capital of the Piedmont region and an important business and cultural center in northern Italy. Explore the city's origins as a Roman municipality, whose ancient influence can still be seen in the chessboard-grid layout of...

New ReviewWith 2.7 million inhabitants, Rome is Italy's most populated city. It is also the nation's capital, and all international embassies are located here. Rome also contains Vatican City, the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Home to...