Sardinija

Sardinija, also known as Sardinia in English, is an autonomous region and the second-largest island of the Mediterranean, covering about 24,090 square kilometers. It lies off the western coast of Italy and is surrounded by the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north and the western Mediterranean to the south and west. The capital and largest city is Cagliari, with other major centers including Sassari, Olbia, and Alghero.

Geography and environment: The interior is predominantly mountainous, featuring the Gennargentu massif and Monte Limbara. The island offers rugged coastlines, extensive beaches such as those along the Costa Smeralda, and several lagoons. It includes multiple protected areas and nature reserves, including the Arcipelago di La Maddalena and the Asinara Island National Park.

History: Sardinia hosts a long prehistory, notably the Nuragic civilization, which built thousands of nuraghi during the Bronze and Iron Ages. It subsequently came under Phoenician, Carthaginian, and Roman influence, followed by Byzantine rule and the era of the Giudicati, four medieval kingdoms. It later became part of the Crown of Aragon and, from the 18th century, the Kingdom of Sardinia under the House of Savoy, joining Italy in 1861. In 1948 it gained autonomous regional status with a special statute.

People and culture: Italian is the official language, while Sardinian is widely spoken and recognized as a minority language. Catalan is present in Alghero. Sardinian cuisine features pecorino sardo and casu marzu, among other dishes, and regional festivals and dances remain important.

Economy: Tourism is a major sector, particularly along the coastline and at archaeological sites. Agriculture (wine, olive oil, cheese) and some mining contribute to the economy, complemented by services and transportation anchored in its towns and ports.