Corsica
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2008-07-16T01:28:10Z
Botteville
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{{Infobox French Région
|native_name = Collectivité territoriale de Corse
|common_name = Corse
|image_flag = Flag of Corsica.svg
|flag = [[Flag of Corsica|Territorial Collectivity flag]]
|image_flag_size = 130px
|image_logo = Corse-Logo.jpg
|logo = Territorial Collectivity logo
|image_logo_size = 64px
|capital = [[Ajaccio]]
|area = 8,680
|area_scale = 9
|executive = [[Ange Santini]]<br>([[Union for a Popular Movement|UMP]]) (since [[2004]])
|population_rank = 25th
|population_census = 260,196
|population_census_year = 1999
|population_estimate = 281,000
|population_estimate_year = 2007
|population_density = 32
|population_density_year = 2007
|arrondissements = 5
|cantons = 52
|communes = 360
|departments = [[Corse-du-Sud]]<br>[[Haute-Corse]]
|image_map = Corse map.png
|footnotes =
|
|}}
[[Image:Corsica topo.png|thumb|270px|Topography]]
'''Corsica''' ([[French language|French]]: ''Corse''; [[Corsican language|Corsican]] and [[Italian language|Italian]]: ''Corsica'') is the [[Mediterranean islands#By area|fourth largest island]] in the [[Mediterranean Sea]] (after [[Sicily]], [[Sardinia]], and [[Cyprus]]). It is located west of [[Italy]], southeast of [[France]], and north of the island of [[Sardinia]].
Corsica is considered one of the 26 ''[[région]]s'' of [[France]], although strictly speaking Corsica is designated as a "[[territorial collectivity]]" (''collectivité territoriale'') by law. As a territorial collectivity, it enjoys greater powers than other French ''régions'', but for the most part its status is quite similar. Corsica is referred to as a "région" in common speech, and is almost always listed among the other ''régions'' of France. Although the island is separated from the [[continental]] [[mainland]] by the [[Ligurian Sea]] and is much closer to the Italian than to the French mainland, [[Political geography|politically]] Corsica is considered part of [[Metropolitan France]].
Corsica is famed as the birthplace of [[Napoleon I of France|Napoléon Bonaparte]]. His ancestral home, [[Casa Buonaparte]], is located there still.
==Geography==
===Statistics===
Corsica is {{convert|183|km}} long at longest, {{convert|83|km}} wide at widest, has {{convert|1000|km}} of coastline, more than 200 beaches, and is very mountainous, with [[Monte Cinto]] as the highest peak at {{convert|2706|m}} and 20 other summits of more than {{convert|2000|m}}. Mountains comprise {{frac|2|3}} of the island, forming a single chain. Forest comprises {{frac|5}}. Approximately {{convert|3500|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} of the total surface area of {{convert|8682|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} are dedicated to nature reserves ([[Parc Naturel Régional de Corse]]), mainly in the interior.<ref name=walk9>{{cite book|first=Gillian|last=Price|title=Walking on Corsica: Long-Distance and Short Walks|publisher=Cicerone Press Limited|id=ISBN 1-85284-387-x|pages=page 9}}</ref>
The island is {{convert|90|km}} from [[Tuscany]] in [[Italy]] and {{convert|170|km}} from the [[Côte d'Azur]] in [[France]]. It is separated from [[Sardinia]] to the south by the [[Strait of Bonifacio]], a minimum of {{convert|11|km}} wide.<ref name=walk9/>
===Major rivers===
Corsica has several rivers, some with tributaries. They originate in inland lakes or mountain passes, flow through [[gorge]]s featuring [[rapids]] and [[waterfall]]s, then [[meander]] through coastal [[alluvium|alluvial deposits]] before discharging into the sea rather than into one of the many coastal étangs or "pools". The rivers and [[tributary|tributaries]] are as follows:<ref>{{cite web|first=Simon|last=Dawson|coauthors=Edward Carpenter|title=Corsica River Guide|url=http://www.simondawson.com/crsindx.htm}}</ref>
* [[Golo River|Golo]] ([[Latin language|Latin]] Tavola): From Col de Verghio eastward to the [[Tyrrhenian Sea]] south of [[Mariana, Corsica|La Marana]]; {{convert|82|km}}.
**Calasima: From Calasima village; {{convert|8|km|0}}.
**Asco: From [[Monte Cinto]] at [[Asco, Haute-Corse|Asco]] village; {{convert|16|km}}.
**Tartagine.
**Casaluna.
* Tavignano; {{convert|75|km}}
**Restonica
**Vecchio
**Manganello
*Fium Orbo
*Travo
*Rizzanese
*Taravo
*Gravona; {{convert|45|km}}
*Prunelli
*Liamine; {{convert|40|km}}
**Fiume Grosso
**Cruzzini
*Porto
*Fango: from a ravine at Paglia Orba northwest to the Gulf of [[Galéria]]; {{convert|23.7|km}}
*Ostriconi ([[Corsican language|Corsican]] Ustriconi): from the hill of Santa Maria on Monte di Reghja Pozzu in [[Pietralba]] commune northwest to the Plage d'Ostriconi in the Cove of Perajola and the Désert des Agriates near [[L'Île-Rousse|Isula Rossa]]; {{convert|23.2|km}}.
===Major communities===
{{main|Communes of the Haute-Corse department|Communes of the Corse-du-Sud department}}
In 2005 the population of Corsica was settled in approximately 360 communities.<ref>{{cite web|first=William|last=Keyser|title=Corsican Villages and Towns|publisher=Corsica Isula|date=2005|format=pdf|accessdate=2008-04-29|url=http://www.corsica-isula.com/downloads/Corsican_Villages_and_Towns.pdf}}</ref>
[[Image:Corsica-calvi-panorama.jpg|thumb|center|800px|The Bay of [[Calvi, Haute-Corse|Calvi]]: Corsica is the most mountainous Mediterranean island.]]
==Ecology==
===Zones by altitude===
The island is divided into three major ecological zones by altitude.<ref>{{cite book|pages=page 16|title=The ungovernable rock: a history of the Anglo-Corsican Kingdom and its role in Britain's Mediterranean strategy during the Revolutionary War, 1793-1797|first=Desmond|last=Gregory|date=1985|publisher=Fairleigh Dickinson University Press|location=London|id=ISBN 0838632254}}</ref> Below {{convert|2000|ft}} is the coastal zone, which features a [[Mediterranean climate]], with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The natural vegetation is Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and shrubs. The coastal lowlands are part of the [[Tyrrhenian-Adriatic sclerophyllous and mixed forests]] [[terrestrial ecoregion|ecoregion]], in which forests and woodlands of [[evergreen]] [[sclerophyll]] [[oak]]s predominate, chiefly [[Holm Oak]] ''(Quercus ilex)'' and [[Cork Oak]] ''(Quercus suber)''. Much of the coastal lowlands have been cleared for [[agriculture]], grazing and logging, which have reduced the forests considerably.
From {{convert|2000|to|6000|ft}} is a temperate [[montane]] zone. The mountains are cooler and wetter, and home to the [[Corsican montane broadleaf and mixed forests]] ecoregion, which supports diverse forests of [[oak]], [[pine]], and broadleaf deciduous trees, with vegetation more typical of northern Europe. The population lives predominantly below {{convert|3000|ft}}, with only shepherds and hikers at {{convert|2000|to|3000|ft}}.
From {{convert|6000|to|9000|ft}} is a high alpine zone. Vegetation is sparse. In spite the southern location, the highest elevations are snow-capped with small glaciers. This zone is uninhabited.
===Zones by region===
===Parc Naturel Régional de Corse===
The island has a natural park ([[Parc Naturel Régional de Corse]]), which protects thousands of rare animal and plant species. The park was created in [[1972]] and includes the [[Golfe de Porto]], the [[Scandola Nature Reserve]] (a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]]), and some of the highest mountains on the island. This park is protected and cannot be reached on foot, but people can gain access by boat. Two endangered subspecies of hoofed mammals, the [[mouflon]] ''(Ovis aries musimon)'' and [[Corsican red deer]] ''(Cervus elaphus corsicanus)'' inhabit the island; the Corsican red deer is [[endemic (ecology)|endemic]].
===Extinguished animals===
Corsica, like all the other Mediterranean islands, was home to indigenous animals of the [[Pleistocene]], some endemic to it and some to it and [[Sardinia]] (as Sardinia was joined to Corsica for much of the Pleistocene). After the proliferation of man in the [[Mesolithic]], these began to disappear, partly from extinction of the species, and partly from eradication only from Corsica. Blaming the extinctions on Mesolithic man is now known to be in error, as many survived well into historical times.<ref>{{cite book|pages=page 179|title=Extinctions in Near Time: Causes, Contexts, and Consequences|date=1999|publisher=Springer|id=ISBN 0306460920|first=R.D.E.|last=MacPhee|coauthors=Hans-Dieter Sues}}</ref>
The totally extinct species are [[Cynotherium sardous]], [[Megaloceros]] cazioti, [[Soriculus]] corsicanus, [[Prolagus sardus]], [[Bubo (genus)|Bubo]] insularis and [[Athene (owl)|Athene]] angelis. Birds were especially hard-hit. Some that were eradicated from the vicinity are [[White-tailed Eagle|Haliaeetos albicilla]] and [[Eastern Imperial Eagle|Aquila heliaca]].
==History==
{{main|Prehistory of Corsica|History of Corsica|Medieval Corsica}}
[[Image:Ajaccio Plage.jpg|thumb|300px|Coastal boulevard in [[Ajaccio]], the island's capital and [[Napoleon I of France|Napoleon]]'s birthplace.]]
Corsica has been occupied continuously since the [[Mesolithic]]. It acquired an indigenous population that was influential in the [[Mediterranean]] during its long prehistory. After a brief [[colonization]] by the [[ancient Greeks]] and an only slightly longer occupation by the [[Etruscans]] it was preempted by the [[Roman Republic]] and became with [[Sardinia]] a province of the [[Roman Empire]]. After the fall of the empire it was invaded by number of short-lived powers before being rescued by the [[March of Tuscany]]. As a medieval state speaking a Romance language it became an object of contention between the [[Republic of Pisa]] and the [[Republic of Genoa]]. The [[Genoa|Genoese]] again took possession of the island in 1347, and governed it until 1729 - interrupted only by a brief intervention of the French in 1553.
In 1729 the Corsican [[Revolution]] for [[independence]] began. After 26 years of struggle the independent [[Corsican Republic]] was formed in 1755 under the leadership of [[Pasquale Paoli]] and remained sovereign until 1768. The first [[Corsican Constitution]] was written in [[Italian language|Italian]] (the language of culture in Corsica until the end of 19th century) by Paoli. He proclaimed that Italian was the [[official language]] of Corsica.
The Corsican Republic was unable to eject the Genoese from the major coastal cities. In 1764 Corsica was purchased secretly by France from the [[Republic of Genoa]]. After an announcement and brief civil war in 1768-69, Corsica was incorporated into France in 1770, marking the end of Corsican sovereignity. However, national feelings still run high.
==Administration==
[[Image:Corsica.jpg|thumb|left|120px|Map of Corsica]]
The capital of Corsica is [[Ajaccio]] (Corsican: ''Aiacciu''). The ruling body is the [[Corsican Assembly]]. The territorial collectivity is divided in two ''[[département in France|département]]s'': [[Corse-du-Sud]] and [[Haute-Corse]]. These two ''départements'' were created on [[September 15]], [[1975]] by splitting the hitherto united ''département'' of Corse.
Recent attempts to gain greater autonomy for the territorial collectivity of Corsica have failed. A local referendum held in [[2003]], aimed at disbanding the ''départements'' and leaving only the territorial collectivity with extended powers, was voted down by a narrow margin.
==Economy==
[[Image:Propriano 1.jpg|thumb|300px|Corsica's spectacular coastline is a major drive for tourism (here by the town of [[Propriano]]).]]
Tourism plays a major role in the Corsican economy. The island's pleasant climate, beautiful mountains and breathtaking coastlines make it a popular destination among the French and other Western Europeans. However, the island has not had the same level of intensive development as other parts of the Mediterranean and is thus relatively unspoiled. Tourism is particularly concentrated in the area around Porto Vecchio and Bonifacio in the south of the island and Calvi in the northwest.
Corsica produces gourmet cheese, wine, sausages, and honey for sale in mainland France and for export. Corsican honey, of which there are six official varietals, is certified as to its origin ([[Appellation d'origine contrôlée]]) by the French National Institute of Origin and Quality ([[INAO]]).
==Transport==
===Railway===
Corsica has 232 kilometers (144 mi) of narrow-gauge railway. The main line runs between [[Bastia]] and [[Ajaccio]] and there is a branch line from [[Ponte-Leccia]] to [[Calvi]]. The trains are operated by [[Chemins de fer de Corse]] (CFC).
There is also a third line along the east coast that is no longer in use due to heavy damage during World War II. There has been talk of restoring it but yet nothing has happened.
==Politics==
Corsica is currently governed almost as any other ''[[région in France|région]]'' of France, as explained in the introduction. There are several movements on the island calling for some degree of Corsican [[self-governance|autonomy]] from France, or even full [[independence]]. Generally speaking, autonomist proposals focus on the promotion of the [[Corsican language]], more power for local governments, and some exemptions from national [[tax]]es in addition to those already applying to Corsica.
The French government is opposed to full independence, as it would threaten France's unity, but has at times shown support for some level of autonomy. There is support on the island for proposals of greater autonomy, but polls show that a large majority of Corsicans are opposed to full independence.
Some groups who claim to support Corsican independence have carried out a violent campaign since the 1970s that includes [[bombing]]s and [[assassination]], usually targeting buildings and officials representing the French government or Corsicans themselves for political reasons. A war between two rival independence groups led to several deaths in the 90s. The peaceful occupation of a ''pied-noir'' vineyard in [[Aléria]] in 1975 marked a turning point when the French government responded with overwhelming force, generating sympathy for the independence groups among the Corsican population. However, events such as the murder of ''[[préfet]]'' [[Claude Érignac]] on [[February 6]], [[1998]] (for which [[Yvan Colonna]] was arrested five years later) have only served to convince many in Corsica, as well as in the French government and the general French public, that Corsican nationalists cannot be trusted with more autonomy.
[[Image:Corse-04812-église de Aregno.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The influence of Pisa in Corsica can be seen in the Romanesque-Pisan style of the Church of Aregno]]
Some of the independence groups are known to practice [[extortion]] and other [[intimidation|intimidatory]] tactics, not dissimilar from [[mafia]] activity in [[Sicily]] and southern [[Italy]]. Non-Corsican homeowners may be threatened with the destruction of their home, which can be avoided only through paying a ransom. Journalists writing articles critical of the armed groups have sometimes been threatened. Prosecutions are made difficult by a pervasive "law of silence". It is sometimes suggested that such behavior could be directly related to longstanding cultural traditions of banditry in the rugged interior of the island.
In [[2000]], [[Prime Minister of France|Prime Minister]] [[Lionel Jospin]] agreed to grant increased autonomy to Corsica in exchange for an end to violence. The proposed autonomy for Corsica would have included greater protection for the [[Corsican language]] (Corsu), the island's traditional language (which is also considered to be a dialect of [[Italian language|Italian]]), whose practice and teaching, like other [[Languages of France|regional or minority languages in France]], had in the past been discouraged. According to the [[UNESCO]] classification, the Corsican language is currently in danger of becoming extinct. However, the plans for increased autonomy were opposed by the [[Gaullism|Gaullist]] opposition in the [[French National Assembly]], who feared that they would lead to calls for autonomy from other ''régions'' (such as [[Brittany]] or [[Alsace]]), eventually threatening France's unity as a country.
In a [[referendum]] on [[July 6]], [[2003]], a narrow majority of Corsican voters opposed a project from the government of [[Jean-Pierre Raffarin]] and then-[[Minister of the Interior (France)|Interior Minister]] [[Nicolas Sarkozy]] that would have suppressed the two ''départements'' of the island and granted greater autonomy to the territorial collectivity of Corsica.
==Notes==
<references />
== Bibliography==
*Loughlin, John. 1989. "Regionalism and Ethnic Nationalism in France: A Case-study of Corsica". Thesis. San Domenico, Italy: European University Institute.
*Loughlin, John, and Claude Olivesi (eds.). 1999. ''Autonomies insulaires: vers une politique de différence pour la Corse''. Ajaccio: Editions Albiana. ISBN 2905124474
*Saul, John Ralston. 1992. ''Voltaire's Bastards: The Dictatorship of Reason in the West''. New York: Free Press; Maxwell Macmillan International. ISBN 0029277256
==See also==
<div class="references-small">
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break|width=50%}}
*[[Corsica et Sardinia]]
*[[Corsica Nazione]]
*[[Corsica national football team]]
*[[Corsican immigration to Puerto Rico]]
*[[Corsican immigration to Venezuela]]
*[[Corsican Italians]]
*[[Corsican language]]
*[[GR 20]]
{{col-break|width=50%}}
*[[I Muvrini]]
*[[List of active autonomist and secessionist movements]]
*[[List of Corsicans]]
*[[Mariana, Corsica]]
*[[Music of Corsica]]
*[[University of Corsica Pascal Paoli]]
*[[Corsica wine]]
{{col-end}}
</div>
==External links==
{{commons|Corse|Corsica}}
* {{cite web|first=L.J.|last=Costa|coauthors=Cécile Costa|title=Préhistoire de la Corse|url=http://www.prehistoire-corse.org/|publisher=Kyrnos Publications pour l'archéologie|date=2005|format=html|accessdate=2008-04-26}} {{fr icon}}
* {{cite web|first=Alexandre|last=Dumas|authorlink=Alexandre Dumas|title=The Corsican Brothers|date=1845, 2003|publisher=Arthur's Classical Novels|url=http://arthursclassicnovels.com/arthurs/dumas/corsic10.html|format=html|accessdate=2008-04-27}} {{en icon}}
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* {{ODP|Regional/Europe/France/Regions/Corsica|Corsica}} {{en icon}}
* {{cite web|url=http://wikitravel.org/en/Corsica|publisher=Wikitravel|title=Corsica|date=2008|format=html|accessdate=2008-04-26}}
* {{cite web|title=National Geographic Magazine: Corsica Map|publisher=National Geographic Society|date=2003|url=http://yellowbordermagazine.com/ngm/0304/feature3/map.html|format=html|accessdate=2008-05-05}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe/07/06/corsica.poll/index.html|title=Corsica rejects autonomy offer by Paris|publisher=CNN.com|date=July 6, 2003|format=html|accessdate=2008-04-26}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.corsica-isula.com|first=Will|last=Keyser|title=Corsica from the inside!|publisher=Corsica Isula|format=html|accessdate=2008-04-26}}
* {{cite web|url=http://www.photoglobe.info/db_corsica/index.html|first=Hans|last=Lohninger|title=PhotoGlobe: Photos - Corsica|date=2004|format=html|accessdate=2008-04-26}}
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