South Tyrol

South Tyrol (Italian: Alto Adige, German: Südtirol; official in Italian: Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano-Alto Adige, official in German: Autonome Provinz Bozen-Südtirol) is an autonomous province of Italy that belongs to the region of Trentino-Alto Adige, of which it is a subdivision. South Tyrol's extensive autonomy makes it de facto comparable to an autonomous region of Italy. The province itself is divided into 116 municipalities called communes. {{ref|communes}} The capital of the province is Bolzano-Bozen. It has an area of 7,400 sq km, and a total population of 476,023 (2004). South Tyrol is known for their mountains, which compose a portion of the Italian Alps and the main alps chain located in Europe.

Related Topics:
Italian - German - Province - Italy - Region - Trentino-Alto Adige - De facto - Communes - Bolzano-Bozen - Mountains - Alps - Europe

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The province was part of the Austria-Hungary Empire until the end of World War I when it was ceded to Italy together with the southern italian-speaking province of Trent (Trento). After World War II, the German-speaking minority requested a possible reunification with Austria, but the idea was rejected by the Allied Powers in 1945 and in 1946. Due to the rejection, Austria and Italy agreed on autonomy for South Tyrol and now the province enjoys a degree of self rule from the Italian Government and lively relations with Austria.

Related Topics:
Austria-Hungary - World War I - Austria - Allied Powers - 1945 - 1946 - Autonomy - Italian Government

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