Liguria

I

Introduction

Liguria, region in north-west Italy, bordered on the west by France, on the north-west by Piedmont, on the east by Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, and on the south by the Gulf of Genoa (an arm of the Ligurian Sea). Liguria is divided into the provinces of Genoa, Imperia, La Spezia, and Savona and has a total land area of 5,421 sq km (2,093 sq mi).

II

Physical Geography

Liguria enjoys a mild climate and great natural beauty. The region is a mountainous, arc-shaped coastal strip. The coastline stretches for some 300 km (186 mi), and features coves and beaches, interspersed with rocky shores and sheer cliffs. Inland, the terrain is mountainous, with the Ligurian Alps in the west and the foothills of the Apennines rising to the east. The region’s highest point, Monte Saccarello (2,200 m/7,218 ft) straddles the international border with the French region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. The most heavily forested of Italy’s regions, more than 50 per cent of Liguria is covered by woodland.

III

Population

Liguria has 1,607,878 inhabitants (2007 estimate), with an average population density of 294 people per sq km (761 sq mi). The major centres of population are found along the coast, while further inland, the foothills of the Ligurian Alps and the Apennines are dotted with isolated villages. Genoa (population, 2007 estimate, 615,686), the regional capital, is the largest city and the location of the region’s leading cultural and educational institutions. Other large settlements include La Spezia (2007 estimate, 94,192); Savona (2007 estimate, 61,735); San Remo (2007 estimate, 56,269); Imperia (2007 estimate, 41,055); and Rapallo (2007 estimate, 30,313).

The University of Genoa (founded in 1471), with campuses in Genoa, Imperia, La Spezia, Santa Margherita Ligure, Savona, and Ventimiglia, is Liguria’s leading institution of higher education. Genoa was the birthplace of Italian-Spanish navigator Christopher Columbus. The Strade Nuove (“new streets”) and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli in Genoa’s historic centre were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006, as an outstanding example of urban development. An annual popular music festival has been held in San Remo since 1951.

IV

Economy

Liguria is mostly agricultural: olives and grapes are produced from the groves and vineyards that cover the mountain slopes. Genoa and Savona are the major industrial centres; manufactured goods include iron and steel products, motors and vehicle parts, refrigeration equipment, munitions, chemicals, soap, and leather goods. Genoa rivals Marseille as the as the leading European port of the Mediterranean Sea. La Spezia is the location of Italy’s main naval base. Liguria is a popular resort area of the Italian Riviera, which is divided into the Riviera di Ponente (Coast of the Setting Sun), extending west from Genoa, and the Riviera di Levante (Coast of the Rising Sun), east of Genoa. Notable resort towns include Ventimiglia, San Remo, Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, and Rapallo.