IOTA

EU014 Corsica, June 1996

When: from 03 to 19 June 1996

Corsica

Corsica is largely mountainous; high cliffs and rocky inlets characterise much of its coast. The interior boasts deep forests, glacial lakes, gorges, maquis-covered slopes and snow-capped granite peaks, Wilderness areas attract walkers and nature-lovers.

Napoleon Bonaparte, emperor of the French, was born in Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica's southern departement.

Corsica is one of France's least-developed regions and receives large subsidies from Paris. Tourism is an important part of the island's economy, but large stretches of the seaboard remain undeveloped. Much of the population is concentrated in the main towns of Bastia and Ajaccio.

Population: 260,000
Regional capital: Ajaccio
Major languages: French (official), Italian, Corsican
Major religion: Christianity
Monetary unit: euro
Main exports: Cheese, fruit, wine, olive oil, tobacco