Abruzzo

Abruzzo (US: , UK: , Italian: [aˈbruttso]; Neapolitan: Aprùzzo [aˈpruttsə], Sabino: Aprùzzu [aˈpruttsu]), historically also known as Abruzzi, is a region of Southern Italy. It has a population of nearly 1.3 million in an area of 10,831.84 square kilometres (4,182.20 sq mi). It is divided into four provinces: L'Aquila, Teramo, Pescara, and Chieti. Its western border, shared with Lazio, lies 80 km (50 mi) east of Rome. L'Aquila is both the capital city of the Abruzzo region and of the Province of L'Aquila, and is the second largest city. The other provincial capitals are Pescara, which is Abruzzo's largest city and major port, Teramo, and Chieti. Other large cities and towns in Abruzzo include the industrial and high tech center Avezzano, as well as three important industrial and touristic centers, Vasto, Lanciano, and Sulmona. Abruzzo borders the region of Marche to the north, Lazio to the west and northwest, Molise to the south, and the Adriatic Sea to the east. Geographically, Abruzzo is divided into a mountainous area in the west, which includes the highest massifs of the Apennines, such as the Gran Sasso d'Italia and the Maiella, and a coastal area in the east, with beaches on the Adriatic Sea. Culturally, Abruzzo is considered a region of Southern Italy; however, geographically it is often considered part of Central Italy. Because of its historic association with the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, the Italian statistical authority ISTAT deems it to be part of Southern Italy. Abruzzo is known as "the greenest region in Europe" as half of the region's territory is protected through national parks and nature reserves, more than any other region in Italy. There are three national parks, one regional park, and 38 protected nature reserves. These ensure the survival of rare species, such as the golden eagle,...