IN Italy, the people in 2008 are already growing more liberated in this country of mostly Roman Catholic which hosts the headquarters of Roman Catholicism itself at the Vatican. When Pope Benedict XVI attempted to visit University of Rome last week, he was jeered by students who do not like his seemingly anti-science views. As the chief of the Swiss Guards protecting the Pope lamented, it’s easier to visit a dangerous country such as Turkey rather than visiting the University of Rome.

This is just a testament to the fact that Italy is really a free country outside the influence of the Vatican City. In return, Vatican City is mum on the nation’s politics. Even during World War II at the height of Benito Mussolini’s reign when the dictator allied himself with the Axis Powers, Vatican City is tightlipped on the issue.

Right now, what Italy is doing is to protect its own economy from a credit crisis which has gripped the United States hard in 2007. Banks in Italy are shielded from the crisis because they do not follow the same credit structure implemented in the United States. Despite that, the central bank of Italy is not taking chances. This early, the Bank of Italy has urged its citizens to cut on spending for consumer items as well as other services if they want to avail of tax cuts. This is to protect their economy even though their constituency is that democratic – they can urge the government to cut their taxes. But that is certainly not a feasible measure right now as every euro in Italian hands must be let go so the economy can keep on revolving. But with the constant influx of tourists to such cities as Rome, Venice and Milan, the economy in Italy is still very robust and very vibrant to this day indeed.

These three cities have lots of tourists for a variety of reasons. Rome hosts the Vatican City whose Roman Catholic religion encompasses all around the globe as well as it is also the center of prehistoric European civilization. Do you know that Rome has long been there before Christ was born and it is the origin of contemporary European languages such as English, French and German? On the other hand, Venice stands out for two reasons – it is the only pedestrian city in the world as well as the only city on earth sitting on a lagoon. Milan is of course the fashion capital of the world - even those from London, Paris and Madrid are catching flights, vols and vuelos to get here!

Another strategic measure that the central bank of Italy has imposed is to encourage merger among local banks so their assets can be consolidated and they can withstand any possible economic outfall in the future. Another thing that the central bank of Italy has to look out for in 2008 is for prices of commodities in the nation not to fluctuate. So when you visit Italy, help us maintain the bullishness of our economy. Dump your cash here in return of memorable giveaways to your families back home.