Calabria (region)

Calabria (region)
Name	Calabria
Native name	Calabria
Settlement type	Region of Italy
Capital	Catanzaro
Area km2	15723
Population	1940000
Population as of	2020
Gdp nominal	42 billion EUR
Leader	Roberto Occhiuto
Iso code	IT-78

Calabria (region) Calabria is the southernmost mainland region of Italy, forming the "toe" of the Italian Peninsula. Bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ionian Sea, Calabria's capital is Catanzaro, while its largest city is Reggio Calabria. The region has a long history involving Magna Graecia, the Roman Republic, the Byzantine Empire, the Kingdom of Naples, and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Geography

Calabria occupies the tip of the Italian Peninsula between the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west and the Ionian Sea to the east, separated from Sicily by the Strait of Messina. Major mountain systems include the Apennine Mountains and the Sila plateau; peaks such as Monte Cocuzzo and La Sila define inland topography. Rivers like the Crati and the Allaro traverse valleys used since Roman Republic times for agriculture. Coastal features include the Gulf of Squillace and the Gulf of Saint Euphemia, and protected areas include the Aspromonte National Park, Pollino National Park, and the Sila National Park.

History

Calabria was a core region of Magna Graecia with colonies such as Rhegion and Locri Epizephyrii; archaeological sites include Crotone and Sibari. Control passed through the Roman Republic and Roman Empire, later becoming part of the Ostrogothic Kingdom and the Byzantine Empire; medieval periods saw Lombard incursions and the rise of Norman rule under figures linked to the Hauteville family. The region formed part of the Kingdom of Naples and later the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies until Italian unification under the Kingdom of Italy. Calabria experienced brigandage after Italian unification and waves of emigration to Argentina, United States, and Australia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During World War II, operations such as the Allied invasion of Italy affected coastal zones and towns including Reggio Calabria.

Government and Politics

Calabria is one of Italy's 20 regions with a regional council seated in Catanzaro and a president of the region; recent administrations involve politicians connected with parties such as Forza Italia, Democratic Party, and center-right coalitions. The region sends representatives to the Italian Parliament in Rome and participates in European Parliament elections through the Southern Italy (European Parliament constituency). Calabria's administrative subdivisions include the provinces of Cosenza, Crotone, Catanzaro, Vibo Valentia, and Reggio Calabria.

Economy

Calabria's economy historically relied on agriculture with products like Bergamot, olive oil, and citrus fruits; important crops include olive groves and fallow lands reclaimed since Roman Republic agronomy. Fishing in ports such as Crotone and Reggio Calabria remains significant alongside emerging sectors including renewable energy projects funded by the European Union and national development programs tied to the Cassa per il Mezzogiorno legacy. Industrial activity clusters around metallurgy and small manufacturing in areas near Catanzaro and Gioia Tauro, whose port is one of the largest container hubs in Mediterranean Sea logistics. Tourism based on sites like the Archaeological Park of Locri and beach resorts contributes seasonally to regional GDP.

Demographics and Society

The population includes communities concentrated in urban centers such as Reggio Calabria, Cosenza, Catanzaro, and Crotone, with rural areas experiencing depopulation trends mirrored across Southern Italy. Calabria's demographic history shows emigration waves to United States, Argentina, and Belgium in the 19th and 20th centuries. Cultural minorities and historical linguistic communities include speakers of Calabrian Greek (Grecanic) in areas like Bovesia and Arbëreshë Albanian settlements such as Piana degli Albanesi style communities, while dialects of the Calabrian Romance continuum persist. Social issues include infrastructure disparity addressed by European Union cohesion funds and national regional development initiatives.

Culture and Tourism

Calabrian culture blends influences from Magna Graecia, Byzantium, and Norman and Spanish epochs; notable sites include the Riace bronzes now displayed in the National Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria, the medieval Cosenza Cathedral, and the Certosa di Serra San Bruno. Festivals such as Holy Week rites in Catanzaro and the Festa della Madonna celebrations attract visitors. Gastronomy features specialties like nduja from Spilinga, fileja pasta, and bergamot-flavored products; wineries produce Gaglioppo and Greco Nero varietals. Coastal tourism centers on the Tropea cliffs, the beaches of Capo Vaticano, and boating in the Aeolian Islands nearby.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Calabria is served by airports including Lamezia Terme Airport, Reggio Calabria Airport, and Crotone Airport, linking the region to domestic and European destinations. Major road arteries include the A2 motorway (Autostrada del Mediterraneo) and state roads connecting to the Strait of Messina ferry services toward Sicily. Rail lines such as the Salerno–Reggio Calabria railway and regional services connect cities like Cosenza and Catanzaro. Ports like Gioia Tauro and Reggio Calabria handle freight and passenger traffic, with Mediterranean shipping routes connecting to hubs including Genoa and Naples.

Category:Regions of Italy