# Balvano > Italian comune **Wikidata**: [Q52526](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q52526) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balvano) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/balvano ## Summary Balvano is an Italian comune located in the province of Potenza within the Basilicata region of southern Italy. While it functions as a standard administrative municipality with a population of approximately 1,800 residents, it is historically distinguished by the tragic Balvano train disaster, a significant railway wreck that occurred within its territory. ## Key Facts * **Classification:** Italian comune (municipal division of Italy). * **Location:** Province of Potenza, Italy. * **Coordinates:** Latitude 40.65° N, Longitude 15.516666666667° E. * **Population:** Recorded figures include 1,828, 1,831, and 1,722 residents. * **Official Website:** https://www.comune.balvano.pz.it/ * **Wikipedia Title:** Balvano. * **Wikidata Description:** Italian comune. * **Sitelink Count:** 50 language versions on Wikipedia. * **Historical Event:** Site of the Balvano train disaster (a major train wreck). * **Country Context:** Located in Italy, a country established as a republic on June 18, 1946, following a constitutional referendum, though the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed on March 17, 1861. ## FAQs **What is the administrative status of Balvano?** Balvano is a comune, which serves as a fundamental municipal division within the Italian state. It falls under the jurisdiction of the province of Potenza and is part of the broader administrative structure of Italy. **Where is Balvano located geographically?** The comune is situated in southern Italy, specifically within the province of Potenza. Its precise geographic coordinates are 40.65° North latitude and 15.516666666667° East longitude. **What historical event is Balvano known for?** The town is notably associated with the Balvano train disaster, a catastrophic railway wreck that took place within its boundaries. This event is a significant historical marker for the location in the context of Italian railway history. **What are the demographic details of the comune?** The population of Balvano fluctuates slightly in recorded data, with specific counts listed as 1,722, 1,828, and 1,831 inhabitants. These figures represent the residential count within the municipal limits. **How can one access official information about Balvano?** Official communications and administrative details for the comune are available through its dedicated website at https://www.comune.balvano.pz.it/. The entity also maintains a presence on Wikipedia under the title "Balvano." ## Why It Matters Balvano serves as a critical case study in Italian railway safety history due to the Balvano train disaster, an event that underscores the risks associated with mountain rail transport and has influenced historical records of the region. As a comune in the province of Potenza, it represents the granular level of local governance in Italy, contributing to the administrative fabric of the Basilicata region. Its existence highlights the demographic and geographic diversity of southern Italy, where small municipalities maintain distinct identities while integrating into the national framework of the Italian Republic. The town's specific coordinates and population data provide essential context for regional planning and demographic analysis within the country. ## Notable For * **The Balvano Train Disaster:** The site of one of the deadliest railway accidents in Italian history. * **Administrative Role:** Functioning as a recognized comune within the province of Potenza. * **Geographic Specificity:** Defined by precise coordinates of 40.65° N and 15.516666666667° E. * **Digital Presence:** Maintaining an official municipal website and a Wikipedia entry with 50 language sitelinks. * **Demographic Record:** Documented population figures ranging between 1,722 and 1,831 residents. ## Body ### Administrative and Geographic Identity Balvano is classified as a comune, which is the third-level administrative division in Italy, situated directly below the region and province levels. It is located within the province of Potenza, a territorial division of the Italian state. The comune is part of the country of Italy, a sovereign state in southern Europe that transitioned from a monarchy to a republic on June 18, 1946, following a constitutional referendum, though the Kingdom of Italy was originally proclaimed on March 17, 1861. Geographically, Balvano is positioned at latitude 40.65° N and longitude 15.516666666667° E. This location places it within the broader context of the Italian peninsula, a country characterized by its boot-shaped geography and diverse topography ranging from the Alps to the Mediterranean coast. ### Demographics and Population Data The population of Balvano is recorded with specific variations in historical or census data. Available figures indicate a population of 1,828 residents, with alternative records showing 1,831 and 1,722 inhabitants. These numbers reflect the small-scale nature of the municipality compared to major Italian urban centers. As a comune, Balvano contributes to the national demographic profile of Italy, which had a total population of approximately 58.85 million as of 2023. The entity is part of the administrative divisions that make up the 20 regions of Italy, specifically falling under the jurisdiction of the province of Potenza. ### Historical Significance: The Train Disaster The most prominent historical event associated with Balvano is the Balvano train disaster. This incident is categorized as a train wreck and is a significant entry in the history of Italian transportation and safety. The disaster occurred within the territory of the comune, marking it as a site of historical tragedy. This event is distinct from the general administrative functions of the town and serves as a primary identifier in historical records and encyclopedic entries. The disaster is linked to the country of Italy and is a notable subject in the context of railway accidents. ### Digital Presence and Information Access Balvano maintains a formal digital presence through its official website, located at https://www.comune.balvano.pz.it/. This domain serves as the primary source for municipal information, services, and official communications for residents and visitors. The entity is also well-represented in digital encyclopedias, specifically Wikipedia, where it holds the title "Balvano." The Wikipedia article for Balvano has a sitelink count of 50, indicating its availability in 50 different language versions. This digital footprint ensures that information about the comune is accessible globally, supporting its classification as an Italian comune with international recognition. ### Contextual Relationships Balvano is intrinsically linked to the broader entity of Italy, which is a founding member of the European Union, NATO, and the G7. The comune operates under the legal and political framework of the Italian Republic, which utilizes the Euro as its currency and has Rome as its capital. The relationship between Balvano and the province of Potenza is a standard hierarchical administrative connection within the Italian state. Furthermore, the town's connection to the Balvano train disaster links it to a specific historical narrative that transcends its current administrative status, making it a point of interest for historical and railway studies. The entity is also part of the "comune of Italy" category, which encompasses all municipal divisions of the country, totaling over 7,900 such entities. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2018/index3.html) 4. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2017. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2017/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)