Liguria

Liguria, region, northwestern Italy, on the Gulf of Genoa (an arm of the Ligurian Sea), divided into the provinces of Genoa, Imperia, La Spezia, and Savona. The region, a mountainous, arc-shaped coastal strip, enjoys a mild climate and great natural beauty. It is a popular resort area of the Italian Riviera. Liguria is mostly agricultural; olives and grapes are produced from the groves and vineyards that cover the mountain slopes. Genoa, the regional capital, and Savona are the major industrial centers.

The region was settled about the 6th century bc by the Ligurians. They were driven north and the coastal area was later colonized by the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Carthaginians. During the 2nd century bc, Liguria was conquered by the Romans. In the Middle Ages, the area passed to Piedmont (Piemonte) and Lombardy (Lombardia) while the coastal area became subject to Genoa. The Genoese remained in control until 1797, when Napoleon organized Liguria as a republic. In 1805 the republic was made part of the French Empire; in 1814 it was renamed the duchy of Genoa and transferred to the kingdom of Sardinia. Following Italian independence in 1861, Liguria became part of the kingdom of Italy. The modern borders of the region were defined by a treaty concluded after World War II. Area, 5,421 sq km (2,093 sq mi); population 1,592,309 (2005 estimate).