Umbria

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Mountainous or hilly landlocked region of Italy in the central Apennines, including the provinces of Perugia and Terni; area 8,456 sq km/3,265 sq mi; population (2001 est) 815,600. Its capital is Perugia, and the River Tiber rises in the region; it is on the Nera, the region's other principal river, at Terni that several hydroelectric plants supply power for local industries. Manufacturing includes textiles and clothing, chemicals, processed food, and metalworking. Wine is produced (Orvieto), and tobacco, grain, grapes, and olives (Lake Trasimeno) are grown. This is the home of the Umbrian school of artists (15th-16th centuries), including Pinturicchio, Perugino, and the latter's pupil, Raphael.

History
Ancient Umbria lay between Etruria on the west, the territory of the Sabines on the south, Picenum on the east, and Gallia on the north. The Umbri, who settled in the region by 600 BC, joined first with Etruria, and later with Etruria and Samnium against Rome, but were eventually conquered by the Romans by 295 BC. Following the fall of Rome, Umbria passed to the Goths and then to the Byzantines. It was included, for the most part of the 6th to 11th centuries, within the territory of the Lombard duchy of Spoleto. Most cities developed into free communes during the 12th century. The region was then conquered by the papacy in the 16th century. Aside from 1798–1800 and 1808–1814, when Umbriawas held by the French, the region remained under papal rule until the region voted to join the kingdom of Sardinia and a united Italy in 1860.

Features
The region is well-known for its artisans, including those producing ceramics at Deruta, Gualdo Tadino, and Gubbio; and wood furniture in the Tevere and Tuderte valleys. The region is rich is artistic and architectural treasures; its most popular tourist spots include Assisi, Gubbio, Spoleto, Perugia, and Orvieto.

The white saltire comes from the flag of Scotland. The St Patrick's Cross was, in fact, taken from the arms of the powerful Geraldine family. The red cross of St George is taken from the flag of England. Effective date: 1 January 1801. >>