Corsica

Corsica
TUBS · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Corsica
Native name	Corse
Location	Mediterranean Sea
Coordinates	42°9′N 9°5′E
Archipelago	Tyrrhenian Islands
Area	8,680
Highest elevation	2,706
Country	France
Largest settlement	Ajaccio
Population	343,000
Density	39

Corsica is a French island in the Mediterranean Sea, located west of the Italian Peninsula and southeast of the French mainland. It is separated from Sardinia by the Strait of Bonifacio and is part of the Tyrrhenian Sea region, which also includes the Island of Elba and the Tuscan Archipelago. The island is known for its diverse landscape, which includes the Gulf of Ajaccio and the Scandola Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The capital city, Ajaccio, is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte and is home to the Ajaccio Cathedral and the Fesch Museum.

Geography

The island of Corsica is characterized by its rugged terrain, with mountains such as Monte Cinto and Monte Rotondo dominating the landscape. The Golo River and the Tavignano River are the two main rivers on the island, flowing through the Corsican Mountains and emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. The island's coastline is marked by numerous bays and coves, including the Gulf of Porto and the Gulf of Sagone. The Corsican Regional Park covers nearly 40% of the island and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the Corsican red deer and the Bechstein's bat. The park is managed by the French National Park Authority and is part of the Natura 2000 network, which also includes the Lavezzi Islands and the Cerbicale Islands.

History

The history of Corsica dates back to the Mesolithic era, with evidence of human habitation found in the Corsican Mountains and the Sartenais region. The island was later colonized by the Phoenicians and the Greeks, who established cities such as Aléria and Mariana. The Roman Empire conquered the island in the 3rd century BC and it became a Roman province, with Corsica et Sardinia being a single administrative unit. The island was later invaded by the Vandals and the Ostrogoths, before being conquered by the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century AD. The Republic of Genoa ruled the island from the 11th century to the 18th century, when it was sold to France through the Treaty of Versailles. The island played a significant role in the French Revolution, with Pasquale Paoli leading the Corsican Revolution against the Kingdom of France. The island was also a key location during World War II, with the Allies invading the island in 1943 and the Free French Forces playing a significant role in the Italian Campaign.

Climate

The climate of Corsica is Mediterranean, with warm summers and mild winters. The island is affected by the Sirocco wind, which brings hot air from the Sahara Desert and can cause significant temperature increases. The Mistral wind, which blows from the French mainland, can also have a significant impact on the island's climate, particularly in the winter months. The island's mountainous terrain creates a range of microclimates, with the Corsican Mountains creating a rain shadow effect and resulting in a drier climate in the eastern part of the island. The University of Corsica has conducted research on the island's climate, in collaboration with the French National Center for Scientific Research and the European Space Agency.

Economy

The economy of Corsica is primarily based on tourism, with the island's beautiful beaches and rugged landscape attracting visitors from around the world. The island is also known for its production of Corsican wine, with the Patrimonio and Ajaccio regions being particularly renowned for their wines. The island's agriculture is also significant, with the production of chestnuts, olives, and citrus fruits being important to the local economy. The Port of Bastia and the Port of Ajaccio are the two main ports on the island, with the Corsica Ferries company operating ferry services to the French mainland and Sardinia. The island is also home to a number of significant companies, including the Corsican Railways and the Société des Autobus Corse.

Culture

The culture of Corsica is unique and reflects the island's history and geography. The island has a strong tradition of folk music and dance, with the Corsican polyphonic song being a significant part of the island's cultural heritage. The island is also home to a number of festivals, including the Festival de Musique de Bastia and the Festival du Film de Ajaccio. The Corsican language is an important part of the island's culture, with it being recognized as a regional language by the French government. The island is also home to a number of significant cultural institutions, including the Museum of Corsica and the Corsican Library. The University of Corsica is also an important cultural institution, with it being a center for research and learning on the island.

Politics

The politics of Corsica are complex and reflect the island's history and geography. The island is a territorial collectivity of France, with the Corsican Assembly being the island's governing body. The island has a significant degree of autonomy, with the Corsican Executive Council being responsible for the island's economy, education, and culture. The island is also represented in the French National Assembly and the French Senate, with the Corsican nationalists playing a significant role in the island's politics. The European Union has also had a significant impact on the island's politics, with the island being part of the European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund. The Council of Europe has also recognized the island's unique cultural and linguistic heritage, with the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages being applied to the Corsican language.