Umbria

I

Introduction

Umbria, administrative region in central Italy, bordered on the north and east by Marche, on the south-east and south-west by Latium, and on the west by Tuscany. The region consists of the provinces of Perugia and Terni and has a total land area of 8,456 sq km (3,265 sq mi).

II

Physical Geography

The terrain is generally hilly, with the Apennines passing through the eastern part of the region. The highest point is Cima del Redentore, which rises to an altitude of 2,448 m (8,031 ft) above sea level in south-eastern Umbria, near the border with Marche. In the west, a short distance from the border with Tuscany, is Trasimeno, Italy’s largest lake. The lake—also known as the Lake of Perugia—is about 16 km (10 mi) long and 13 km (8 mi) wide, and has an area of 129 sq km (50 sq mi). The principal rivers are the Tiber and Nera. The picturesque Marmore Falls, near the city of Terni, were formed in Roman times—the diverted waters of the River Velino plunge into the River Nera from a height of 165 m (540 ft) and provide power for a large hydroelectric project.

III

Population

In 2007 Umbria had 872,967 inhabitants, with an average population density of 102 people per sq km (263 per sq mi). The regional capital and largest city is Perugia (population, 2007 estimate, 161,944). Other major cities include Terni (2007 estimate, 109,816); Foligno (2007 estimate, 55,645); Spoleto (2007 estimate, 38,645); Assisi (2007 estimate, 26,720); and Orvieto (2007 estimate, 20,865).

One of Italy’s oldest universities, the University of Perugia is located in Umbria. Originally founded as an arts school in the 13th century, the institution officially became a university in 1308. The Foreigners’ University of Perugia, one of two Italian institutions of higher education oriented towards overseas students, was established in 1921. Umbrian, an Italic language once spoken in the region, is now extinct. The Iguvian Tablets—seven bronze tablets inscribed with religious texts in the Umbrian language—were discovered in the northern city of Gubbio and contain one of the most extensive inscriptions known of an ancient dead language. Assisi is an important religious centre, famous as the birthplace of St Francis. The town’s 13th-century basilica and other historic monuments associated with St Francis were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. The Roman Catholic order of Franciscans was established in the town in 1208. Italian monk Matteo da Bascio founded the Capuchins, a branch of the Franciscan religious order, at nearby Montefalco in 1528.

IV

Economy

Umbria is a productive agricultural region: cereals, grapes, and olives are leading crops, and livestock raising is important. The region is Italy’s leading producer of truffles; the south-eastern town of Norcia is a particularly well-known source of black truffles. A hydroelectric project at Terni supplies power for much of the region's industry. Terni and Spoleto are the chief centre of industrial activity. Manufactured goods include chemicals, electronics equipment, cement, foodstuffs, printed materials, and metal products. Textiles and clothing are produced in Perugia. Large-scale tourism remains underdeveloped, although the city of Spoleto is the site of an annual arts festival started in 1958 by the Italian-American composer Gian-Carlo Menotti, which attracts thousands of international visitors.