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Corsica is commonly termed as one of
the 26 regions of France and it was sold to France in 1768.
However, by law, strictly speaking Corsica is actually a territorial collectivity and as a
territorial collectivity, it has slightly more far-reaching powers than other French
regions, but for the most part its status is quite similar to that of the other regions in
France.
The territorial collectivity is divided in two departments which are the Corse-du-Sud and
Haute-Corse.
Corsica has around 1,000km of coastline and more than 200 beaches, and is very
mountainous. This island has a highest peak of 2,706m and 20 other summits of more
than 2,000m.
The main towns in Corsica are Ajaccio, which is also known by its Latin name of Ajax,
Corte, Bastia and Sartene
It has a Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and mild yet rainy winters.
Unfortunately many of the mountain forests have been reduced quite considerably due to
much of the coastal lowlands being cleared for agriculture, grazing and logging.
However, the island has a natural park, kinown as Parc Naturel Regional de Corse, which
protects thousands of rare animal and plant species and was created in 1972.
Also, did you know that Corsica was the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, who was born in
Ajaccio in 1769!
Tourism plays a major role in the Corsican economy. With the pleasant climate
and breathtaking views of mountains and coastlines it has become 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.
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