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Abruzzo (pronounced [aˈbruttso]) is a region of Italy, with an area of
about 10,763 square kilometres (4,156 sq mi) and a population of about
1.3 million inhabitants. Its western border lies less than 50 miles (80
km) east of Rome. The region, divided into the provinces of L'Aquila,
Teramo, Pescara and the Chieti, borders the region of Marche to the
north, Lazio to the west and south-west, Molise to the south-east, and
the Adriatic Sea to the east. Abruzzo is split into a mountainous area
in the west with the Gran Sasso D'italia, and into a coastal area on the
eastern side with the beaches of the Adriatic sea. Abruzzo is
considered part of Southern Italy, although geographically it is
arguably more central than southern. ISTAT (the Italian statistical
authority) considers it to be part of Southern Italy, as a vestige of
Abruzzo's historic association with the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
Abruzzo
boasts the title of "Greenest Region in Europe" thanks to one third of
its territory, the largest in Europe, being set aside as national parks
and protected nature reserves. In the region there are three national
parks, one regional park and 38 protected nature reserves. These ensure
the survival of 75% of all of Europe's living species and are also home
to some rare species, such as the small wading dotterel, golden eagle,
Abruzzo chamois, Apennine wolf and Marsican brown bear. Abruzzo is also
home to Calderone, Europe's southernmost glacier.
When the
Italian diplomat and journalist Primo Levi visited Abruzzo he described
it as “forte e gentile” (strong and gentle) which, he said, best
synthesized the beauty of the region and the character of its people.
The quote "forte e gentile" has since become the motto of the region and
its inhabitants.
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