Natural gas reserves, mainly in the Po Valley and offshore Adriatic, have grown in recent years and constitute the country's most important mineral resource. Italy's economic strength is in the processing and the manufacturing of goods, primarily in small, family-owned firms. Its major industries are precision machinery, motor vehicles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electrical goods, and fashion and clothing. Nonresidents can leave the country with only 1 million lire and 5 million lire worth of other currencies. Larger amounts may be exported as long as they have been declared upon entering the country.
Medical facilities are available in cities.
No special immunizations are necessary. Tap water is safe. Meat, fruit, vegetables, and shellfish should be well-prepared. Telephone and telegraph connections within Italy and to international points are good. Rome is six standard time zones ahead of eastern standard time.