Italy - a decentralized unitary state - is divided into 20 regions, each of which, in turn, is divided into provinces. The only exception is Valle d'Aosta, which is both a region and a province. Within the provinces, there are communes consisting of a central city and surrounding suburban villages. Large communes can be split into territorial parts (Italian frazioni).
Italy occupies the Apennine and part of the Balkan Peninsula, the Padan Plain, the southern slope of the Alps, as well as Sicily, Sardinia and several small islands. The total area of the state is 309.5 thousand square kilometers. Italy also has two micro-states: the Vatican and San Marino.
Italy is a decentralized unitary republic, divided into 20 regions or regions, with 5 of them - Valle d'Aosta, Sardinia, Sicily, Trentino - Alto Adige and Friuli Venezia Giulia recognized as autonomies. It is home to national minorities who are allowed to have their own local government and legislation. They are also allowed to use their native language along with the state language for all procedures.
Each region of Italy, except for the self-sufficient autonomous region of Valle d'Aosta, is divided into provinces, of which there are only 110. The provinces, in turn, are divided into communes, and the largest of them can be divided into territorial parts, called by the local population frazioni. Communes differ significantly from each other both in size and population.
Within the provinces and communes, there is a local parliament - junta, which regulates local issues of health care, urban planning, land use, and social security. Small juntas, for example, urban ones, are subject to larger and more significant ones. Also, a number of administrative issues lie with the mayors of cities.
List of Italian regions
- Abruzzo
- Puglia
- Basilicata
- Valle d'Aosta
- Veneto
- Calabria
- Campaign
- Lazio
- Liguria
- Lombardy
- Marche
- Molise
- Piedmont
- Sardinia
- Sicily
- Tuscany
- Trentino - Alto Adige
- Umbria
- Friuli Venezia Giulia
- Emilia-Romagna
Tourist features of the regions
Italian territory can be divided into north, center and south. In the north of the country, the influence of its neighbors is strong: Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia and France. The area is attractive for ski resorts and shopping. When traveling in northern Italy, be sure to visit Milan, Turin, Genoa, Rimini, Bologna, Verona and Venice.
Lovers of ancient and Catholic history should head to the center of the country, namely, the provinces of Abruzzo, Lazio, Marche, Tuscany and Umbria. Those who do not want either the glamorous boutiques of the north or the carelessness of the southern beaches make pilgrimages here. In these places, you will be inspired by strolling through the squares of Rome and Pisa, enjoying nature and feeling the spirit of the times.
For an Italian holiday, food, the best parties and the beaches of the Mediterranean, head to the south of Italy, where all these pleasures are concentrated. In the provinces of Puglia, Campania, Molise, Calabria and Basilicata and the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, you will find picturesque landscapes, famous cuisine, an atmosphere of unhurried life, relaxation on the coast and, of course, cultural monuments!
