# Alto

> Italian comune

**Wikidata**: [Q18344](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18344)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alto,_Piedmont)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alto-q18344-2

## Summary
Alto is a small Italian *comune* (municipality) located in the Province of Cuneo, within the Piedmont region of Italy. It is a rural administrative division with a population fluctuating around 130–150 residents, situated at coordinates 44.116666666667° N, 8° E. As a *comune*, it represents one of Italy's smallest local governance units, contributing to the country's decentralized administrative structure.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Italian *comune* (municipality).
- **Location:** Province of Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy.
- **Coordinates:** 44.116666666667° N, 8° E.
- **Population:** 126 (earliest record), 130, 149 (latest record).
- **Website:** [http://www.comune.alto.cn.it](http://www.comune.alto.cn.it).
- **Wikidata Description:** Italian *comune*.
- **Wikipedia Title:** "Alto, Piedmont."
- **Sitelink Count:** 53 (indicating moderate digital presence).
- **Parent Administrative Units:**
  - **Province:** Cuneo.
  - **Country:** Italy.
- **Related Classification:** Part of the broader category of *comuni* in Italy.

## FAQs

**Where is Alto located?**
Alto is situated in the Province of Cuneo, which is part of the Piedmont region in northwestern Italy. Its precise coordinates are 44.116666666667° N latitude and 8° E longitude.

**What is the population of Alto?**
The population of Alto has been recorded at three different points: 126, 130, and 149 residents. These figures reflect its status as a small, rural municipality typical of Italy's lesser-known *comuni*.

**What type of administrative unit is Alto?**
Alto is classified as an Italian *comune*, the smallest administrative division in Italy, equivalent to a municipality or township. It operates under the governance of the Province of Cuneo and the broader Italian state.

**How does Alto fit into Italy's administrative structure?**
Alto is one of thousands of *comuni* that form the foundation of Italy's local governance. These municipalities handle day-to-day administration, public services, and local policymaking, reporting to higher-tier provinces and regions.

**Does Alto have an official online presence?**
Yes, Alto maintains an official website at [http://www.comune.alto.cn.it](http://www.comune.alto.cn.it), though its digital footprint (53 sitelinks) suggests limited but established online documentation.

## Why It Matters
Alto exemplifies the role of small-scale governance in preserving Italy's cultural and administrative diversity. As one of the country's numerous *comuni*, it ensures localized decision-making, community representation, and the maintenance of rural traditions. While not a major economic or political hub, municipalities like Alto are vital for sustaining Italy's decentralized governance model, ensuring that even the smallest populations have a voice in regional and national affairs. Their existence also highlights the importance of preserving Italy's geographic and demographic diversity, from bustling cities to remote villages.

## Notable For
- **Small-Scale Governance:** Represents Italy's decentralized administrative system at the municipal level.
- **Rural Identity:** Reflects the demographic and cultural characteristics of Italy's lesser-populated areas.
- **Geographic Precision:** Located at a specific coordinate (44.116666666667° N, 8° E), marking its place in Piedmont's landscape.
- **Digital Documentation:** Despite its size, it has a dedicated municipal website and a Wikidata entry, ensuring visibility in Italy's administrative records.

## Body

### Administrative Classification and Governance
Alto is an Italian *comune*, the smallest administrative unit in Italy's hierarchical governance structure. *Comuni* are responsible for local services such as waste management, public transportation, and civil registration. Alto operates under the jurisdiction of the **Province of Cuneo**, one of Italy's 107 provinces, which in turn is part of the **Piedmont region**. This structure ensures that Alto's local governance aligns with regional and national policies while retaining autonomy over community-specific matters.

### Geographic and Demographic Profile
Alto is located in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, a area known for its Alpine landscapes and agricultural heritage. The municipality's coordinates (44.116666666667° N, 8° E) place it within the broader geographic context of the Province of Cuneo, which borders France and is characterized by mountainous terrain. Population records indicate a small community, with figures ranging from **126 to 149 residents**, typical of Italy's rural *comuni*.

### Digital and Informational Presence
Despite its small size, Alto has an **official municipal website** ([http://www.comune.alto.cn.it](http://www.comune.alto.cn.it)), which serves as a resource for local governance, public notices, and community information. Its **Wikidata entry** and **Wikipedia page** ("Alto, Piedmont") further document its existence, with a **sitelink count of 53**, indicating moderate but established digital recognition. This presence ensures that Alto is accessible in Italy's administrative databases and online directories.

### Relationship to Broader Italian Governance
As a *comune*, Alto is part of Italy's **** classification, which encompasses all Italian municipalities. This classification underscores its role in Italy's decentralized governance model, where local entities manage community affairs while adhering to national laws. The Province of Cuneo provides oversight, ensuring that Alto's administration aligns with regional development plans and national policies.

### Comparative Context
Alto's demographic and administrative profile is representative of thousands of small *comuni* across Italy, particularly in rural and mountainous regions. These municipalities are essential for maintaining Italy's cultural diversity, local traditions, and geographic identity. While larger cities like Rome or Milan dominate economic and political discourse, *comuni* like Alto ensure that Italy's governance remains inclusive and responsive to all its citizens, regardless of population size.

### Historical and Cultural Significance
Though specific historical details about Alto are not provided in the source material, its existence as a *comune* reflects Italy's long-standing tradition of local self-governance, dating back to medieval city-states and evolving through the unification of Italy in 1861. Municipalities like Alto preserve regional languages, customs, and heritage, contributing to Italy's status as a culturally rich and diverse nation.

### Infrastructure and Services
As a *comune*, Alto is responsible for providing basic public services, including:
- **Civil registration** (births, marriages, deaths).
- **Local infrastructure** (roads, public spaces).
- **Environmental management** (waste collection, recycling).
- **Community programs** (cultural events, local festivals).

These services are tailored to the needs of its small population, ensuring efficient and personalized governance.

### Connections to National and Regional Networks
Alto is part of Italy's broader administrative and political framework, connected to:
- **National Government:** Through the Italian Republic.
- **Regional Government:** Via the Piedmont region.
- **Provincial Government:** Under the Province of Cuneo.

This integration ensures that Alto benefits from national policies, regional funding, and inter-municipal cooperation while retaining its local identity.

### Future Outlook
The sustainability of small *comuni* like Alto is a topic of ongoing discussion in Italy, particularly regarding depopulation, aging demographics, and economic viability. Initiatives to promote rural tourism, digital connectivity, and regional development may play a role in securing the future of municipalities like Alto, ensuring they remain vibrant parts of Italy's administrative and cultural landscape.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. MusicBrainz
3. Italian National Institute of Statistics
4. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2018/index3.html)
5. [Source](https://demo.istat.it/?l=it)
6. GeoNames
7. [Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011. Italian National Institute of Statistics](https://www.istat.it/it/archivio/156224)
8. Wiki Loves Monuments Italia
9. Seismic classification in Italy
10. [Source](https://rischi.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/sismico/attivita/classificazione-sismica)