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Tuscany

Toscana
Region of Italy
Flag of Tuscany
Flag
 Coat of arms of Tuscany
Coat of arms
Italy Regions Tuscany Map.png
Country Italy
Capital Florence
Area
 • Total 22,990 km2 (8,880 sq mi)
Population
 (2007-12-31)
 • Total 3,677,048
 • Density 159.94/km2 (414.25/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)
GDP/ Nominal € 99.1 billion (2006)
NUTS Region ITC
Website www.regione.toscana.it

Tuscany, known as Toscana in Italian, is a beautiful region located in the center of Italy. It covers about 22,990 square kilometers and is home to around 3.6 million people. Its capital city is Florence. Tuscany is famous for its stunning natural beauty, its rolling hills, and its rich history of art.

Many places in Tuscany are so special that UNESCO has named them World Heritage Sites. These include the historic centers of Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, and Pienza. The famous square around the Cathedral of Pisa and the lovely Val d'Orcia area are also protected.

Exploring Tuscany: Geography and Landscapes

Tuscany shares its borders with several other regions. To the north, you'll find Emilia-Romagna and Liguria. The Tyrrhenian Sea is to the west, offering a beautiful coastline. To the east are Umbria and Marche, and to the south-east is Lazio.

Most of Tuscany's land is made up of hills, about two-thirds of the region. Another quarter is mountainous. The rest of the land is flat, forming the valley of the Arno River. This mix of landscapes makes Tuscany a very diverse and interesting place to visit.

What Makes Tuscany Special: Economy and Products

Tuscany is well-known around the world for its delicious wines. Some of the most famous types include Chianti, Morellino di Scansano, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Brunello di Montalcino. The region also has 120 protected areas, which are like special nature reserves.

Besides wine, Tuscany produces other great foods. They raise Chianina cattle, which are known for their tasty "Fiorentina" steak. Olive oil is another important product, especially from the Lucca area.

Tourism is a huge part of Tuscany's economy. Many people visit the "Cities of Art" like Florence, Arezzo, Lucca, Pisa, Siena, and San Gimignano. The coast and islands, such as Elba, are also popular spots for tourists.

People of Tuscany: Demographics

In the 1980s and 1990s, many people moved to Tuscany from other countries, especially from China and North Africa. There are also many people from the United Kingdom and the United States who live there. In 2006, about 5.9% of the people living in Tuscany were immigrants from other countries.

Major Cities in Tuscany

Here are some of the largest towns in Tuscany, with populations of 50,000 or more:

City Population (2006 estimate)
Florence 366,901
Prato 183,823
Livorno 160,534
Arezzo 100,455
Pisa 87,737
Pistoia 85,947
Lucca 84,422
Grosseto 76,330
Massa 69,399
Carrara 65,125
Viareggio 63,389
Siena 54,147

Regions of Tuscany: Provinces

Provinces of Tuscany map
Provinces of Tuscany

Tuscany is divided into ten smaller areas called provinces. Each province has its own main city. These provinces help manage the region.

Famous People from Tuscany

Tuscany has been the birthplace of many incredibly famous people throughout history. These include artists, scientists, writers, and even popes! Here are just a few:

Related Pages



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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Toscana para niños

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