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Umbria Regional Administration (Italy)
Covering an area of only 8456 square Km, Umbria is among the smallest regions in Italy with a population of 811.831 inhabitants; it has an extraordinary variety of landscapes, due to a wide range of environmental factors and to the thousands of years inhabitancies by diverse populations that have left traces of their cultures and traditions.
It has a very central, and therefore strategic location, acting both as a north/south crossroads and as a gateway between two seas, the Adriatic and the Tirrenian. As with many other areas of the country, Umbria has historically integrated and adapted to many diverse cultures, from Etruscans through to Romans, Longobards and on to the Pontifical state and becoming a destination for pilgrims from all over the world.
Its placement in the heart of the peninsula confers a central position; Umbria is in fact entirely landlocked and often referred to as being the 'green heart of Italy, located between Tuscany to the west and north west, the Marches to the east and north east and Lazio to the south. It is divided into two Provinces: Perugia and Terni. Administrative borders lie on physical elements in only very few tracts. Characterized by green rolling hills, which continue south to Lazio and north to Tuscany, the only natural border is with the Marches region, formed by the massive Apennine mountains.
The continuing history of Umbria, up until the 16th century, is marked by internal conflicts and sparring (notably Guelph versus Ghibelline) alongside steady economic, artistic and spiritual growth. The region was a centre of learning courtesy of numerous Benedictine and Franciscan monasteries, and the University of Perugia was established in 1308. The Papacy 'took' Umbria in the 16th century, with Perugia, the main city, being the last to fall in the year 1540. Umbria was briefly help by France from 1798 to 1800 and again later from 1808 to 1814, after which it again reverted to Roman rule. Several anti-Papacy revolts later, Umbria joins the Italian state in 1860.
Umbria is the region of one hundred cities, smaller centres and true urban areas rich with history and artistic, wine, food, and cultural events that make up tourist proposals, distributed in 92 municipalities located throughout the region. Umbria is also considered a Region that is built for people, keeping up with modern definitions of accessible tourism and disability. Attention to accessibility is a quality trademark that is a business card for the tourism sector. Attention that refers to the basic principle sanctioned by the recent Regional statute according to which the Region of Umbria acts in protection of the weaker segments of the population, to overcome the causes that determine inequalities, working in favour of people in disadvantaged situations. To this end, the Region insures respect of the rights of people with special needs and favours full participation to the community life, to guarantee autonomy, free access, social and professional inclusion.
