Province of Foggia

Province of Foggia
Province
Palazzo Dogana, the provincial seat.

Map highlighting the location of the province of Foggia in Italy
Country  Italy
Region Apulia
Capital(s) Foggia
Comuni 61
Government
 • President Francesco Miglio
Area
 • Total 7,007.54 km2 (2,705.63 sq mi)
Population (30 April 2017)
 • Total 627,102
 • Density 89/km2 (230/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code 71100
Telephone prefix 0881
Vehicle registration FG
ISTAT 071

The Province of Foggia (Italian: Provincia di Foggia [ˈfɔddʒa]; Foggiano: provìnge de Fogge) is a province in the Apulia (Puglia) region of southern Italy.

This province is also known as Capitanata, originally Catapanata, because during the Middle Ages it was governed by a catepan, as part of the Catepanate of Italy. Its capital is the city of Foggia.

Geography

The province of Foggia can be divided in two parts: the one centered in its capital Foggia called Tavoliere and the other one that represents the spur of the boot-shaped Italian peninsula called Gargano.

The Tavoliere is an important agricultural area: grapefruit, olives, durum wheat and tomato are the chief products. It is also called "the granary of Italy" because of its important production of wheat.

The Gargano is a peninsula partly mountainous and partly covered by a forest, Foresta Umbra with vegetation typical of Central Europe, the only lasting part in Italy of the ancient Black Forest. Allegedly its name comes from the word ombra (shadow) because of its thickness that prevents the light to enter in contrast with the typical flora. The coast of Gargano is rich in beaches and touristic facilities. In the north are two major salt lakes Lesina and Varano. It is also important for the production of olives, olive oil and both mountain and sea typical food products.

Population

It has an area of 7,007 square kilometres (2,705 sq mi) and a total population of 627,102 (2012). There are currently 61 comuni (singular: comune) in the province, see Comuni of the Province of Foggia.

Population centers

Mattinata.
Monte Sant'Angelo.
Daunian earthenware pot, 550–400 BC, found in Foggia.

Main centers in the province are:

Other centers of interest are:

Economy

Although less important than once before, the agricultural sector remains the mainstay of Foggia's economy, so much that its area is nicknamed the "granary of Italy". The few industries present are mostly devoted to food processing.

Almost every peeled tomato in Europe comes from the province of Foggia in southern Italy. Every year, two million tons of tomatoes are produced but the farmers get only eight cents per kilo. In order to survive in the free market economy most tomatoes-farmers recruit illegal immigrants.[1]

Tourism

Foggia receives many Catholic pilgrims each year to locations such as the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel in Monte Sant'Angelo which was visited by Pope John Paul II in 1987 and to nearby San Giovanni Rotondo the home of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina from 1916 until his death in 1968.

See also

  • Daunia, historical region and people in the 7th through 5th centuries BC

References

  1. ↑ (in Dutch) Angelo van Schaik, "Bureau Buitenland: de Italiaanse tomaat," Villa VPRO Radio1 (26 August 2010).


Coordinates: 41°28′N 15°34′E / 41.467°N 15.567°E / 41.467; 15.567

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