Province of Carbonia-Iglesias facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Province of Carbonia-Iglesias Carbonia-Iglesias
Province
Country	Italy
Region	Sardinia
Capital	Carbonia and Iglesias
Area
• Total	1,495 km2 (577 sq mi)
Population  (2001)
• Total	131,890
• Density	88.2/km2 (228/sq mi)
Postal Code	0781
ISTAT	107
Vehicle registration	CI
No. of communes	23

Carbonia-Iglesias was a special province located in Sardinia, an autonomous region of Italy. This area was known for its beautiful natural scenery and a long history, especially its important mining past. The province was officially created in 2005. Later, in 2016, it was dissolved and its towns became part of the larger Province of South Sardinia.

Exploring Carbonia-Iglesias: A Former Province

The Province of Carbonia-Iglesias was found in the southwest part of the island of Sardinia. It covered an area of about 1,495 square kilometers (577 square miles). The province was home to two main cities, Carbonia and Iglesias, which shared the role of capital.

What Made This Province Special?

This area had a unique mix of history and nature. It was famous for its mining industry, which played a big role in its past. The landscape included beautiful coastlines, ancient ruins, and interesting geological sites.

Key Cities: Carbonia and Iglesias

• Carbonia: This city was built in the 1930s to support the growing coal mining industry. Its name even comes from the word "carbon," meaning coal. It's a great example of a planned city from that time.
• Iglesias: With a much older history, Iglesias was a medieval town. It was also a major mining center, especially for lead and zinc. You can still see its historic churches and castles today.

The People and Their Lives

In 2001, about 131,890 people lived in the Province of Carbonia-Iglesias. The population density was around 88.2 people per square kilometer. Most people lived in the larger towns, but many also lived in smaller villages. The local economy was once heavily reliant on mining. After the mines closed, the area began to focus more on tourism and other industries.

How the Province Was Governed

Like other Italian provinces, Carbonia-Iglesias had its own local government. A president, like Pierfranco Gaviano, led the province. This government helped manage local services such as roads, schools, and environmental protection. There were 23 different towns, called communes, within the province. Each commune had its own local mayor and council.

Nature and Environment

The province had a diverse landscape. It included parts of the Sardinian coastline with sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. Inland, there were hills and valleys, often covered in Mediterranean scrubland. The area is also known for its unique geological formations, which are a result of its long mining history.

Protecting Local Wildlife

The natural areas of Carbonia-Iglesias were home to various plants and animals. Efforts were made to protect these natural habitats. The coastal areas, in particular, are important for many bird species.

Why the Province Changed

In 2016, the administrative structure of Sardinia was reorganized. Several smaller provinces, including Carbonia-Iglesias, were dissolved. Their territories were then merged into new, larger provinces. Carbonia-Iglesias became part of the Province of South Sardinia. This change aimed to make local government more efficient.