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The Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol
The Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol is located in Northern Italy, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. It is the largest province in the country, covering an area of over 7,000 km² and a population of approximately 533,175 inhabitants. The province has a strong cultural identity, tied to linguistic, historical and cultural factors and is situated in the center of the Tyrol-South Tyrol-Trentino Euregio. In this summary, we will explore the toponymy of the province and other relevant information.
Toponymy
The province is known as the "Province of Bolzano" or "Autonomous Province of Bolzano" in state implementation rules. According to the Italian Constitution, presented in the 2001 reform, the province is "Alto Adige/Sudtirol". The institution uses the dual nomenclature, "Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol" and "Autonome Provinz Bozen – Südtirol". The inhabitants of the province, who speak German, are generally referred to as South Tyroleans. In Italian, the area is often called "Sud Tirolo", "Sudtirolo" or "South Tyrol". The Ladin form is not included in the statute of autonomy, but in provincial acts, the province is rendered as "Provinzia Autonoma de Balsan – Südtirol" or "Provinzia Autonoma de Bulsan – Südtirol".
History
During the Habsburg rule, the territory of present-day Bolzano province was known as "Mitteltirol" or Central Tyrol, while "Südtirol" (South Tyrol) was often used to refer to the current Trentino or the entire southern part of Tyrol, that is Trentino-Alto Adige. The use of the term "Südtirol" to indicate the territory between Brenner and Salorno has been the subject of discussions due to its possible ambiguity. In any case, the London Pact of 1915 specifically referred to the "Trentino" and "Cisalpine Tyrol" (south of Brenner) separately.
Territory
The province of Bolzano extends from Brenner to the Resia Pass and includes the mountainous areas of the Eastern Alps. The province is surrounded by Austrian territories to the north and Venetian territories to the south, and by other Italian provinces to the east and west. The territory is characterized by a strong geological and climatic variety, with several mountain ranges and numerous natural environments of extraordinary beauty.
Economy
The economy of the Bolzano province is very diversified and based on various economic sectors. Tourism is an important source of income, thanks to the natural beauty of the territory and the high-value cultural heritage. The province is also known for the production of prestigious wines, such as Gewürztraminer and Schiava, as well as having a solid artisan tradition in the production of wooden objects, ceramics, and fabrics.
Culture and language
The province of Bolzano is characterized by a strong cultural identity, related to the historical events that have shaped its history. The province is inhabited by a significant percentage of German-speaking people, although other linguistic structures such as Ladin and Italian are also present. The province is a multicultural area, with Italian and Austrian influences still visible in the local culture.
Conclusions
The Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol is an area rich in history and culture, nestled in a splendid mountain landscape. The dual naming reflects the variety of cultures and influences that meet in the region, while the local languages and traditions give the development of the province a unique spirit. Those who come to South Tyrol are not disappointed, as they find everything they could desire from a region: beauty, hospitality, and an interesting mix of cultures.
