Basilicata

region of Italy

Basilicata is a region in the south of Italy. The capital is Potenza. The population was about 597,768 in 2004. The region is very mountainous. Because of this, communication in the area was very difficult until modern times. This has also caused Basilicata to be one of the least developed areas of Italy. Basilicata borders the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Taranto at its lowest elevations. The highest point in the area is Monte Pollino at 2233m (7325ft). The area also includes a dead volcano, Monte Vulture. The region has an area of 9,992 km2 (3,858 sq mi).

Basilicata
Flag of Basilicata
Coat of arms of Basilicata
CountryItaly
CapitalPotenza
Government
 • PresidentVito De Filippo (Democratic Party)
Area
 • Total9,995 km2 (3,859 sq mi)
Population
 (2007-12-31)
 • Total591,001
 • Density59/km2 (150/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
GDP/ Nominal€10.5 billion (2006)
NUTS RegionITF
Websitewww.regione.basilicata.it

Basilicata also used to be one of the poorest regions in Italy. It has become richer over the past couple of years because of the discovery of oil.

Provinces change

Basilicata is divided into two provinces.

Other websites change