A Bridge Between North and South
The Autonomous Province of Bolzano-Bozen, also known as South Tyrol, lies at the geographic and cultural crossroads of northern and southern Europe: it is Italy’s northernmost province and borders Switzerland and Austria.
South Tyrol was part of Austria until 1919, when Italy annexed the region. The German-speaking majority struggled for decades to achieve status as an autonomous province within the Italian state. Several Statutes of Autonomy achieved this goal over time: these laws guarantee that German and Italian are both official languages and that South Tyrol can pursue independent economic and political policies.
German speakers call the province Südtirol (South Tyrol) while the Italian name is Alto Adige, meaning ‘Upper Adige’ in reference to top of the Adige River.
Autonomy is Good for Business
Businesses in South Tyrol reap the benefits of an autonomous government: South Tyrol makes investments aimed at infrastructure and sustained economic growth, creating a stable environment. The province offers very attractive subsidies for businesses. South Tyrol can set its own tax rates, which are lower than in any other province in Italy.
The Sunny Side of the Alps
Although South Tyrol is situated in the Southern Alps, the climate is remarkably Mediterranean in feel: mild, dry, and sunny. Its dramatic Alpine backdrop makes the region extremely attractive to tourists. In fact, South Tyrol’s clean air, pristine nature, spectacular landscapes, and cultural charm made it a playground for Europe’s aristocracy over the centuries. Today, the tourism sector continues to play an extremely important role in the local economy.
Facts and Figures
Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol
Country: Italy
Region: Autonomous Province of Bolzano
Language Groups
| German | 69.0 % |
| Italian | 26.5 % |
| Ladin | 4.5 % |
| Official Languages: German, Italian | |
South Tyrol in Comparison
| Population of South Tyrol | 505,370 people (June 30th, 2010) |
| Population of Italy | 60,340,328 people (January 1st, 2010) |
| Capital of South Tyrol | Bolzano (102,880 on September 30th, 2009) |
| Capital of Italy | Rome (2,728,003 on May 3th, 2009) |
| Surface area of South Tyrol | 7,400 km2 |
| Surface area of Italy | 301,338 km2 |
|
GDP at market prices per inhabitant South Tyrol: |
34,421 (2009) |
|
GDP at market prices per inhabitant Italy: |
25,237 (2009) |
|
GDP at market prices per inhabitant Germany per the IWF: |
29,721.10 (2008) |
|
GDP at market prices; purchasing power standard per inhabitant in Italy: |
24,000 (2009) |
|
GDP at market prices; purchasing power standard per inhabitant in Germany: |
27,300 (2009) |
|
GDP at market prices; purchasing power standard per inhabitant in the EU (27 countries): |
23,600 (2009) |
| GDP at market prices; purchasing power standard per inhabitant in the Eurozone (17 countries): | 27,300 (2009) |
| Average Life Expectancy in South Tyrol | M 79.7, F 85.3 (2009) |
| Average Life Expectancy in Italy | M 78.9, F 84.1 (2009) |
| Average Expenditure for Medical Expenses in South Tyrol | 2,244 euro per person |
| Average Expenditure for Medical Expenses in Italy | 1,809 euro per person |
| Unemployment Rate in South Tyrol | 2.9 % (2009) |
| Unemployment Rate in Italy | 7.8 % (2009) |
| Unemployment Rate in Germany | 7.5 % (2009) |
| Unemployment Rate in Eurozone (17 countries) | 9.4 % (2009) |
| Unemployment Rate in EU | 8.9 % (2009) |
Distances
| Verona | 150 km |
| Munich | 280 km |
| Milan | 280 km |
| Zurich | 390 km |
| Vienna | 600 km |
| Rome | 650 km |
| Railway network in km: | 287 (2008) |
| Roads in km: | 8,407 (2008) |
| Cable cars | 376 (2009) |
Some additional Figures
| Apple harvest in tonnes: | 1,058,702 (2008) |
| Wine production in hl: | 315,520 (2008) |
| Tourist overnight stays per year: | 22,549,430 (2008) |
| A total of 83 museums visited by | 1,487,572 people (2008) |
| Total amount of companies in South Tyrol | 57,316 |
(Sources: Astat, Istat, Eurostat)