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Europe
QuickFacts
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Official Website:
www.czechtourism.com
CIA Background Notes:
After World War I, the closely-related Czechs and Slovaks of the
former Austro-Hungarian Empire merged to form Czecho-slovakia.
Following WW II, a truncated Czecho-slovakia fell to the Soviets. In
1968, an invasion by Warsaw Pact troops ended the country's efforts to
liberalize Communist rule and create "socialism with a human face."
Anti-Soviet demonstrations the following year ushered in a period of
harsh repression. With the collapse of Soviet authority in 1989,
Czechoslovakia regained its freedom through a peaceful "Velvet
Revolution." On 1 January 1993, the country underwent a "velvet
divorce" into its two national components, the Czech Republic and
Slovakia. The Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999 and the European
Union in 2004.
»» More demographic, political, and statistical info
Climate: Temperate; cool summers; cold, cloudy, humid winters.
Geographic Notes: Landlocked; strategically located on some of
Europe's oldest and most significant land routes.
Dress:
Europeans tend to dress with flair. Bring stylish but comfortable
clothing that's suitable for the weather conditions and activities
you'll encounter. Sturdy but comfy shoes are a must on cobblestone
streets. Pack a dress-up
outfit for nights on the town.
Driving:
If you're from the US, you'll need to obtain a temporary Czech license
to drive here.
Think twice about driving in this crowded, poorly-marked city,
though—or in the Czech Republic in general. It has one of the highest
traffic-accident-per-capita rates in all of Europe. Read the US State
Department's
warning about driving in the Czech Republic.
Voltage:
Voltage230 volts. If coming from
the US, you'll need a voltage converter and plug adapter to use
non-dual voltage
appliances.
Language:
The official language is Czech, spoken by 96% of the population.
English is widely spoken, particularly in cities.
Taxes, Tipping,
Other Fees: Czech law dictates that service be included in a
restaurant bill, so don't tip twice—leave extra change from payment,
if you like.
Time Zone:
Central European Time (GMT+1). Daylight Savings Time is
observed.
Geographic
Coordinates: 49 45 N,
15 30 E.
What to Buy:
Crystal, wooden toys, garnets,
puppets, a popular national herbal liqueur
called Becherovka.
»» Back to Prague on WGH.
Official Website:
www.francetourism.com
CIA Background
Notes: France today is one of the most modern countries in the
world, a leader among European nations. Since 1958, it has constructed
a presidential democracy resistant to the instabilities experienced in
earlier parlia-mentary democracies. At present, France is at the
forefront of efforts to develop the European Union's military
capabilities to supplement progress toward an EU foreign policy.
»»More demographic, political, and statistical info
Climate: Generally cool winters and mild summers, but with mild
winters and hot summers along the Mediterranean. Occasionally strong,
cold, and dry winds known as the mistral.
Dress:
Europeans—and the French in particular—tend to dress with flair. Bring stylish, comfortable
clothing that's suitable for the weather conditions and activities
you'll encounter. Sturdy but comfy shoes are a must on cobblestones,
which you'll encounter frequently. Pack at least one dressy outfit for
restaurants and clubs.
Driving: Your valid
license from home is valid here, too.
Driving is on the right side of the road, same as in the US.
Voltage: 220V,
60Hz. If coming from
the US, you'll need a voltage converter and plug adapter to use
non-dual voltage
appliances.
Language:
French is spoken 100%. Regional dialects (Provençal, Breton, Alsatian,
Corsican, Catalan, Basque, and Flemish) are on the decline.
Taxes, Tipping,
Other Fees: Tips are almost always included as a 15% service
charge, but nothing prevents you from leaving a bit more on the table
if you've had exceptional service. Be sure to collect your receipts in
stores and fill out the appropriate form at the airport to get your
VAT refunded.
Time Zone:
Central Europe Standard Time (GMT+1). France observes
Daylight Savings Time.
Geographic
Coordinates: 46 00 N, 2
00 E
What to buy:
Couture, perfume, French music CDs, wine.
»» Back to Paris on WGH.
Official Website: www.visitgreece.gr
CIA Background
Notes: Greece achieved indepen-dence from the Ottoman Empire in
1829. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of
the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and
territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. In World War II,
Greece was first invaded by Italy (1940) and subsequently occupied by
Germany (1941-44); fighting endured in a protracted civil war between
supporters of the king and Communist rebels. Following the latter's
defeat in 1949, Greece joined NATO in 1952. A military dictatorship,
which in 1967 suspended many political liberties and forced the king
to flee the country, lasted seven years. The 1974 democratic elections
and a referendum created a parliamentary republic and abolished the
monarchy. In 1981 Greece joined the EC (now the EU); it became the
12th member of the euro zone in 2001.
»»
More demographic, political, and statistical info
Climate: Temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers.
Dress:
In summer wear light, comfortable clothing, especially if traveling in
the islands. Winters can be cold, so bring warm clothing. Sturdy and comfy shoes are a must.
If you'll be dining in upscale restaurants, bring something a bit
dressy.
Driving: You'll need both a
valid US license and an international driving permit (obtainable from
the American Automobile Association before you leave home). Driving on
the right side of the road, same as in the US. Please keep in mind
that Greece has the highest accident rate in all of Europe—in other
words, be very careful.
Voltage:
220V, 50Hz. Plugs accept two round prongs. If coming from
the US, you'll need a voltage converter and plug adapter to use
non-dual voltage
appliances.
Language:
Greek is the official language, spoken by 93% of the population.
Non-Greek languages make up the remaining 7%.
Tipping: Always
ask if the service charge is included (different than a "cover charge"
that may appear on your bill, which does not go to the waiter—it
"covers" the cost of bread, butter, etc.). If the service charge is
included, feel free to leave a bit extra. If it isn't, tip 10-15%.
Taxi drivers don't usually expect tips. Tip public toilet attendants
(small change).
Time Zone:
Eastern European Time (GMT+2).
Geographic
Coordinates:
39 00 N, 22 00 E
What to buy:
Pottery, lace, rugs, ceramics, silver jewelry with precious stones.
»» Back to
Santorini
or
Greek Island
Overview
Official Website:
www.discoverireland.ie
CIA Background
Notes: Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600-150 BC.
Invasions by Norsemen began in the late 8th century. English invasions
began in the 12th century, the beginning of more than 7 centuries of
Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellion and harsh repression.
In 1948 Ireland withdrew from the British Commonwealth; it joined the
European Community in 1973. Irish governments have sought the peaceful
unification of Ireland and cooperated with Britain against terrorist
groups. In 2006 the Irish and British governments developed and began
to implement a peace agreement.
»»More demographic, political, and statistical info
Climate: Temperate maritime, modified by North Atlantic
Current. Mild winters, cool summers, consistently humid, overcast
about half the time. Temperature range: summer, 60-70°F;
spring/autumn, 50°F; winter, 40-46°F.
Dress:
People in Ireland are well dressed, particularly in big cities like
Glasgow and Dublin. Bring stylish but comfortable
clothing suitable for the weather conditions/activities
you'll encounter. Sturdy, walk-happy shoes are a must. Pack a dress-up
outfit for special evenings.
Driving:
A valid driver's license is
accepted. Driving is on the left side of the road. In the Republic of
Ireland, road signs are in kilometers; in Northern Ireland, however,
measurement is in miles.
Strict rules apply to
drinking and driving; what works best is to simply not do it.
Voltage:
Voltage220 volts in the Republic of Ireland; 240 volts in Northern
Ireland.
Language:
In Northern Ireland, English is the official language; the Irish
language, Gaelic, is taught in many schools. In the Republic of
Ireland, both English and Gaelic are official languages—street and
road signs are bilingual.
Taxes, Tipping,
Other Fees: A service charge is usually included on the restaurant
bill; if it's not, 10-15% is appropriate. For taxi drivers, give 10%
of the fare; porters,
$1-2 per bag. It's not customary to tip
in pubs.
Time Zone:
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT
0). Daylight Savings Time is observed.
Geographic
Coordinates:
53 00 N, 8 00 W
Getting
Married in Ireland: It's a bit complicated for non-residents to marry in the
Irish Republic, but it can certainly be done. Plan far ahead, giving at
least 3 months' notice to the marriage registry in the district where
you'll be wed (civil weddings require you to apply in person after a
short period of residence; religious weddings have less stringent
rules). For a thorough overview of what's required in the Irish
Republic, read the General Register's rules
here.
Note: Different
currencies are used in the Irish Republic (the Euro, common currency of
the European Economic Union) and Northern Ireland (the Pound Sterling,
same as Great Britain). These currencies are not interchangeable.
»» Back to Ireland on WGH.
Official Website:
www.italiantourism.com
CIA
Background Notes: Italy became a nation-state in 1861, when the
regional states of the peninsula, along with Sardinia and Sicily, were
united under King Victor Emmanuel II. An era of parliamentary
government came to a close in the early 1920s when Benito Mussolini
established a Fascist dictatorship. His disastrous alliance with Nazi
Germany led to Italy's defeat in World War II. A democratic republic
replaced the monarchy in 1946 and economic revival followed. Italy, a charter member of NATO and the European Economic Community (EEC), has been at the forefront of European economic and political
unification, joining the Economic and Monetary Union in 1999. Italy's
persistent problems include illegal immigration, organized crime,
corruption, high unemployment, sluggish economic growth, and low
incomes and technical standards, particularly in southern Italy.
»»More demographic, political, and statistical info
Climate: Predominantly Mediterranean; Alpine in the far north;
hot and dry in the south.
Dress:
Europeans tend to dress with flair. Bring stylish but comfortable
clothing that's suitable for the weather conditions and activities
you'll encounter. Sturdy but comfy shoes are a must. Pack a dress-up
outfit for nights on the town.
Driving: Obtain an
International Driving Permit before leaving the US.
Drive on right side of road, as in US. Car speedometers and road signs
are in kilometers, not miles.
Voltage:
220V, 50Hz. Sockets accept round prongs. Unless your appliances are
dual voltage, you will need a converter, as in the U. S. Regardless,
you will need a plug adapter.
Language:
Italian is the official language. In parts of Italy, German, French,
and Slovene is also spoken.
Tipping:
Service is usually included in restaurant and bar bills. By all means
add a few Euros if you've had exceptional service. You may likely find
a mysterious "cover" charge added to the check (also known as a "table
charge"). A few countries—Italy and Germany, for example—impose this
fee to cover "extras" like butter, home-made bread, and other items on
the table. It goes directly to the owner, not the waiter. It's less
usual to tip cab drivers, but always appreciated—especially if
they've assisted with luggage. Ditto hotel porters. If you use the
services of a hotel concierge, show your appreciation with a tip.
Time Zone:
Central Europe Standard Time (GMT+1).
Geographic
Coordinates: 42 50 N,
12 50 E
What to buy:
Clothing, shoes, leather goods.
»» Back to Italy on WGH.
Official Website:
www.visitbritain.us
CIA Background Notes:
As the dominant
industrial and maritime power of the 19th century, the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Ireland played a leading role in developing
parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science. At
its zenith, the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the
earth's surface. The first half of the 20th century saw the UK's
strength seriously depleted in two World Wars and the Irish republic
withdraw from the union. The second half witnessed the dismantling of
the Empire and the UK rebuilding itself into a modern and prosperous
European nation. As one of five permanent members of the UN Security
Council, a founding member of NATO, and of the Commonwealth, the UK
pursues a global approach to foreign policy; it currently is weighing
the degree of its integration with continental Europe. A member of the
EU, it chose to remain outside the Economic and Monetary Union for the
time being. »»
More demographic, political, and statistical info
Climate: Temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds
over the North Atlantic Current. More than one-half of the days are
overcast.
Dress:
Britons are well dressed, particularly in London. Bring stylish but comfortable
clothing suitable for the weather conditions and activities
you'll encounter. Sturdy, walk-happy shoes are a must. Pack a dress-up
outfit for special evenings.
Driving: To rent a car, you
will need to show a valid license. Driving is on the left side of the
road;
speedometers and road signs are in kilometers. Obey the white markings
on the road itself. At roundabouts, give way to traffic entering from
the right.
Strict rules apply to
drinking and driving—don't do it.
Note: It's illegal to use a cell phone while driving.
Voltage:
Voltage240, 50Hz. You will
need a voltage transformer and plug adapter; UK plugs have two flat
blades and one flat grounding blade.
Language:
English, Welsh, Scottish form of Gaelic.
Taxes, Tipping,
Other Fees: If service isn't included in the check,
by all means leave a 10-15% tip. The check will indicate whether a
service fee has been added. Oddly for Americans, tipping isn't
expected in bars; offer instead to buy the waitperson or bartender a
drink...since they can't drink on the job, they'll put the money aside
for later (either buying themselves a drink or keeping the money. Most
people tip in taxis, though it's not a "rule."
Time Zone:
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT
0). Daylight Savings Time is observed.
Geographic
Coordinates: 54 00 N, 2
00 W
»» Back to London on WGH.
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