# Andalo Valtellino

> Italian comune

**Wikidata**: [Q39070](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q39070)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andalo_Valtellino)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/andalo-valtellino

## Summary
Andalo Valtellino is a small Italian *comune* (municipality) located in the Province of Sondrio, within the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Known for its alpine setting in the Valtellina valley, it is a rural community with a population of approximately 550–590 residents, situated at coordinates 46.1167° N, 9.4667° E.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Italian *comune* (municipality).
- **Location:** Province of Sondrio, Lombardy, Italy.
- **Population:** Estimated between 550 and 590 residents (varies by source).
- **Coordinates:** 46.116666666667° N, 9.4666666666667° E.
- **Administrative Division:** Part of the 20 regions of Italy, under Lombardy.
- **Official Website:** [http://www.comune.andalovaltellino.so.it](http://www.comune.andalovaltellino.so.it).
- **Sitelink Presence:** 51 Wikipedia sitelinks across languages.
- **Wikidata Description:** "Italian comune."
- **Related Entity:** One of thousands of *comuni* in Italy, the primary municipal divisions of the country.

## FAQs
**Where is Andalo Valtellino located?**
Andalo Valtellino is situated in the Province of Sondrio, within the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It lies in the Valtellina valley, a scenic alpine area known for its vineyards and mountainous terrain.

**What is the population of Andalo Valtellino?**
The population fluctuates slightly between sources, with estimates ranging from 550 to 590 residents. It is a small, rural municipality typical of Italy’s alpine *comuni*.

**What administrative role does Andalo Valtellino play?**
As a *comune*, Andalo Valtellino is the smallest administrative division in Italy, responsible for local governance, public services, and community management under the broader provincial and regional authorities of Sondrio and Lombardy.

**How does Andalo Valtellino connect to Italy’s broader administrative structure?**
It is part of the Province of Sondrio, which is one of the 20 regions of Italy. Like all *comuni*, it operates under Italy’s unitary state framework, adhering to national laws while managing local affairs.

## Why It Matters
Andalo Valtellino exemplifies the decentralized governance model of Italy, where thousands of small *comuni* preserve local identity, culture, and administrative autonomy. As part of the Valtellina valley, it contributes to Lombardy’s reputation for alpine tourism, agriculture (particularly wine production), and traditional rural life. Its existence highlights the importance of municipal divisions in maintaining Italy’s diverse regional character, from the Alps to the Mediterranean.

## Notable For
- **Alpine Geography:** Located in the scenic Valtellina valley, known for its mountainous landscapes and vineyards.
- **Small-Scale Governance:** Represents Italy’s *comune* system, where even tiny municipalities retain administrative independence.
- **Cultural Preservation:** Contributes to Lombardy’s rural heritage, including traditional architecture and local dialects.
- **Low Population Density:** A rare example of Italy’s sparsely populated alpine communities, contrasting with urban centers.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Andalo Valtellino is nestled in the Province of Sondrio, Lombardy, within the Valtellina valley—a region renowned for its dramatic alpine scenery, terraced vineyards, and historic villages. The municipality’s coordinates (46.1167° N, 9.4667° E) place it in northern Italy, near the Swiss border. The area is characterized by its elevation, with the surrounding Alps influencing its climate, economy, and lifestyle.

### Administrative Structure
As a *comune*, Andalo Valtellino is the smallest administrative unit in Italy, governed by a mayor (*sindaco*) and a municipal council. It operates under the jurisdiction of the Province of Sondrio and the Lombardy region, adhering to Italy’s hierarchical governance model. The *comune* is responsible for local services such as waste management, road maintenance, and cultural preservation.

### Demographics
The population of Andalo Valtellino is small, with estimates ranging from 550 to 590 residents. This aligns with the broader trend of rural depopulation in Italy’s alpine regions, where younger generations often migrate to urban centers for employment. The community’s demographic profile reflects Lombardy’s aging population, with a focus on traditional agriculture and tourism.

### Economy and Livelihood
The local economy is tied to the Valtellina valley’s primary industries: viticulture, dairy farming, and tourism. The region is famous for its Nebbiolo-based wines (e.g., Valtellina Superiore) and alpine cheeses. Andalo Valtellino’s economy benefits from seasonal tourism, including hiking, skiing, and cultural festivals that attract visitors to Lombardy’s alpine landscapes.

### Cultural and Historical Context
Andalo Valtellino is part of Lombardy’s rich cultural tapestry, where Italian is the official language but local dialects (e.g., Lombard) persist. The municipality’s history is intertwined with the broader Valtellina region, which has been influenced by Swiss, Austrian, and Italian rule over centuries. Traditional stone houses and Catholic churches dot the landscape, reflecting its alpine heritage.

### Infrastructure and Connectivity
The *comune* is connected to Italy’s broader infrastructure through provincial roads and public transport links to Sondrio, the provincial capital. Emergency services follow Italy’s national system (e.g., 112 for general emergencies). The municipality’s official website ([http://www.comune.andalovaltellino.so.it](http://www.comune.andalovaltellino.so.it)) serves as a digital hub for local governance and community updates.

### Relationship to Italy’s Administrative System
Andalo Valtellino is one of Italy’s 7,904 *comuni*, each functioning as a self-governing entity under the Italian Constitution. Its existence underscores Italy’s commitment to decentralized administration, where even the smallest villages retain political and cultural autonomy. The *comune* system ensures that local needs—from land use to cultural events—are managed by residents rather than distant regional or national authorities.

### Notable Features
- **Wine Production:** The Valtellina valley is a designated DOCG wine region, and Andalo Valtellino likely contributes to this industry.
- **Alpine Tourism:** Proximity to ski resorts and hiking trails (e.g., Stelvio National Park) makes it a gateway for outdoor activities.
- **Historical Sites:** The area may include medieval churches or ruins, common in Lombardy’s alpine *comuni*.

### Digital Presence
The municipality maintains an official website, a standard practice for Italian *comuni* to provide transparency and services. Its Wikidata entry and 51 Wikipedia sitelinks ensure global visibility, though detailed digital resources (e.g., SEO data) are limited, reflecting its small size.

### Comparison to Other *Comuni*
Unlike larger Italian *comuni* (e.g., Rome or Milan), Andalo Valtellino lacks urban infrastructure but offers a quintessential rural Italian experience. Its governance, economy, and culture are shaped by Lombardy’s alpine identity, distinguishing it from coastal or southern *comuni*.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2018/index3.html)
3. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2017. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2017/index3.html)
4. [Source](https://demo.istat.it/?l=it)
5. GeoNames
6. [Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011. Italian National Institute of Statistics](https://www.istat.it/it/archivio/156224)
7. Wiki Loves Monuments Italia
8. Seismic classification in Italy
9. [Source](https://rischi.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/sismico/attivita/classificazione-sismica)