# Belcastro

> Italian comune

**Wikidata**: [Q53496](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q53496)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belcastro)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/belcastro

## Summary
Belcastro is an Italian *comune* (municipality) located in the Province of Catanzaro, within the Calabria region of southern Italy. It is a small administrative division with a population of around 1,400 residents, known for its local governance and cultural ties to the broader Italian municipal system.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Italian *comune* (municipality).
- **Location:** Province of Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy.
- **Coordinates:** 39.016666666667° N, 16.783333333333° E.
- **Population:** 1,413 (latest data), with historical counts of 1,387 and 1,231.
- **Website:** [http://www.comune.belcastro.cz.it](http://www.comune.belcastro.cz.it).
- **Wikidata Description:** Italian *comune*.
- **Sitelink Count:** 52 (Wikidata).
- **Related Entities:**
  - **Province of Catanzaro:** The administrative province governing Belcastro.
  - **Italy:** The sovereign state in which Belcastro is located.
  - **Acquavona:** A nearby human settlement in Italy.
  - **Comune of Italy:** The municipal division system to which Belcastro belongs.

## FAQs

**What is a *comune* in Italy?**
A *comune* is the smallest administrative division in Italy, equivalent to a municipality or town. It is responsible for local governance, public services, and community management. Belcastro is one of thousands of *comuni* across Italy, each with its own mayor and council.

**Where is Belcastro located?**
Belcastro is situated in the Province of Catanzaro, part of the Calabria region in southern Italy. Its coordinates are approximately 39.0167° N latitude and 16.7833° E longitude.

**How large is Belcastro’s population?**
The population of Belcastro has fluctuated, with recorded figures of 1,413, 1,387, and 1,231 in different years. It remains a small, rural municipality within Calabria.

**What is the relationship between Belcastro and the Province of Catanzaro?**
Belcastro is governed under the Province of Catanzaro, which oversees administrative functions, infrastructure, and regional policies. The province is one of Italy’s 107 provincial divisions.

**Does Belcastro have any notable nearby settlements?**
Yes, Acquavona is a neighboring human settlement in Italy, though it is much smaller, with a sitelink count of only 5 on Wikidata.

## Why It Matters
Belcastro represents the foundational unit of Italian local governance, embodying the country’s decentralized administrative structure. As a *comune*, it plays a vital role in delivering essential services, preserving local culture, and maintaining community identity within Calabria. Its existence highlights the importance of small municipalities in Italy’s broader political and social framework, ensuring that even rural areas have representation and autonomy.

## Notable For
- **Small-Scale Governance:** Exemplifies Italy’s *comune* system, showcasing how local municipalities function within the national structure.
- **Rural Identity:** Reflects the cultural and administrative dynamics of southern Italy, particularly Calabria.
- **Historical Population Data:** Provides insights into demographic trends in rural Italian municipalities.
- **Digital Presence:** Maintains an official website ([http://www.comune.belcastro.cz.it](http://www.comune.belcastro.cz.it)), indicating engagement with modern governance tools.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Belcastro is located in the Province of Catanzaro, a key administrative division in the Calabria region of southern Italy. Its coordinates place it at 39.0167° N latitude and 16.7833° E longitude, situating it within the rugged, mountainous terrain characteristic of Calabria. The municipality is part of Italy’s extensive network of *comuni*, which serve as the primary units of local governance.

### Administrative Structure
As an Italian *comune*, Belcastro operates under the legal and administrative framework of the Italian Republic. It is governed by a mayor (*sindaco*) and a municipal council, responsible for local services such as waste management, education, and infrastructure. The Province of Catanzaro provides oversight and support, ensuring coordination with regional and national policies.

### Demographics
Belcastro’s population has been recorded at varying levels, including 1,413, 1,387, and 1,231 in different censuses. These figures reflect the challenges faced by many rural Italian municipalities, including aging populations and migration to urban centers. Despite its small size, Belcastro maintains its status as an independent administrative entity.

### Digital and Online Presence
The municipality maintains an official website at [http://www.comune.belcastro.cz.it](http://www.comune.belcastro.cz.it), which likely serves as a hub for local news, administrative services, and community engagement. This digital presence aligns with broader trends in Italian governance, where even small *comuni* utilize online platforms to enhance transparency and accessibility.

### Related Entities and Connections
- **Province of Catanzaro:** The governing province that includes Belcastro, responsible for regional planning and resource allocation.
- **Italy:** The sovereign state under which Belcastro operates, providing the legal and political framework for its governance.
- **Acquavona:** A nearby settlement, illustrating the network of small communities in the region.
- **Comune of Italy:** The broader category of Italian municipalities, of which Belcastro is a part.

### Significance in Italian Governance
Belcastro’s role as a *comune* underscores the importance of local governance in Italy’s political system. The *comune* system ensures that even small towns have a voice in regional and national decision-making, preserving local identities and traditions. This structure is particularly significant in regions like Calabria, where rural communities play a crucial role in the cultural and economic fabric of southern Italy.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
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. FactGrid
10. Seismic classification in Italy
11. [Source](https://rischi.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/sismico/attivita/classificazione-sismica)