Abruzzi

Abruzzi, region in south central Italy, on the Adriatic Sea, comprising four provinces named after their chief towns—L’Aquila, Chieti, Pescara, and Teramo. Topographically, the region includes two distinct areas. The western portion, almost contiguous with the province of L’Aquila, consists of three ranges of the Apennines, including their valleys and basins. Extending in a northwestern-southeastern direction, the highest range culminates at 2,912 m (9,554 ft) above sea level in Monte Corno, a peak of the Gran Sasso d’Italia section. In the east, sand and clay hills slope gradually downward to a broad coastal plain on the Adriatic Sea encompassing the provinces of Chieti, Pescara, and Teramo. The coastline lacks good natural harbors. The Pescara River, an important source of hydroelectric power, and the Sangro, Trigno, and Biferno rivers irrigate the lower valleys; all drain into the Adriatic Sea. Traditionally, the primary economic activities of the region have been sheep- and cattle-grazing and raising potatoes and wheat in the highlands; raising corn, olives, grapes, and citrus fruits in the coastal valleys; and sugar beets in the drained basin of Lake Fucino.

In the 4th century bc the inhabitants of the region were conquered by the Romans. From the 6th to the 11th century ad the area was under the control of the Lombards, and in the 12th and 13th centuries it was part of the Norman kingdom of Sicily. Governed as part of the kingdom of Naples from about 1240 to 1861, it was then incorporated into the unified kingdom of Italy. The region of Abruzzi e Molise became the two separate regions of Abruzzi and Molise in 1963. Area, 10,795 sq km (4,168 sq mi); population 1,309,797 (2007 estimate).