Vèneto

Véneto, known in Italian as Veneto, is a region in northeastern Italy. Its capital is Venice (Venezia). Covering about 18,000 square kilometers, it is home to roughly five million people. It borders Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol to the north, Friuli-Venezia Giulia to the east, the Adriatic Sea to the southeast, and the regions of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna to the west and southwest.

Geography and environment: The region encompasses the Venetian Plain, the Dolomites and parts of the Alps. The Adige and Piave are among its major rivers, and the western area reaches Lake Garda. The coastline along the Adriatic includes historic ports and resort towns that complement a diverse landscape from mountains to plains.

Economy and culture: Veneto has a diversified economy with manufacturing centers in Verona, Padua, Vicenza and Treviso, and a strong agricultural sector known for wines such as Prosecco and Valpolicella. Tourism is a key industry, anchored by Venice, Verona’s Roman amphitheater, Padua’s historic university, and the Palladian villas of the Veneto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The region preserves a rich artistic and architectural heritage, including works by Andrea Palladio.

History and governance: The area has ancient roots and became a major maritime power as the Republic of Venice until 1797. It later passed under Austrian rule and joined Italy in 1866. In the modern period Veneto has been an ordinary region with its own Statute, executive, and regional council.

Administration and demographics: The region is divided into seven provinces: Belluno, Padua (Padova), Rovigo, Treviso, Venice (Venezia), Verona, and Vicenza. Official language is Italian, with local Venetian dialects widely spoken. Notable UNESCO sites include Venice and its Lagoon and the Palladian Villas of the Veneto.