Occitania Region of France
Occitania, known in French as Occitanie and in Occitan as Occitània, is the southernmost administrative region of France. It is a culturally rich and historically significant area characterized by the Occitan language and culture. This region is one of the eighteen administrative regions in metropolitan France and was formed in 2016 through the merger of Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi-Pyrénées.
Geography
Occitania is the second-largest region in mainland France, covering an area of 72,724 square kilometers (28,079 square miles). It is characterized by its diverse landscapes, which range from the Pyrenees Mountains in the south to the Mediterranean Sea in the east. The region includes parts of the historical provinces of Guyenne and Gascony, although only the eastern regions of these provinces are part of modern-day Occitania.
History
Historically, Occitania was known for its distinct cultural identity, which was a center of the Occitan culture during the Middle Ages. This culture is a manifestation of Romance culture in France. Much of the territory that became known as Languedoc was integrated into the Kingdom of France in the 13th century following the Albigensian Crusade.
Culture
The Occitan language is a key cultural element of the region, historically used across what is now southern France, westernmost Italy, and a small valley in Spain. Despite the prevalence of French today, Occitan remains a symbol of regional identity and is used in cultural and educational activities.
Administration
The Regional Council of Occitania is the governing body of the region. Occitania's strategic location and historical background render it significant in French municipal politics, as seen in movements like Bastir Occitània, which participated in elections to promote Occitanian identity.
Demographics
As of 2017, Occitania had a population of approximately 5,845,102 people. The region is noted for its cultural diversity and demographic variety, resulting from its historical status as a cultural and trade crossroads in southern Europe.