# Girasole

> Italian comune in Sardinia

**Wikidata**: [Q339943](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q339943)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girasole)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/girasole

## Summary
Girasole is a small Italian *comune* (municipality) located in the Sardinia region of Italy. It is part of the Province of Ogliastra, which was established in 2001, and has a population of around 1,300 residents. Known locally as *Gelisuli*, Girasole is situated at coordinates 39.95205° N, 9.66098° E and serves as a rural settlement within Italy’s administrative structure.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** Girasole (Gelisuli in local dialect)
- **Classification:** *Comune* (municipality) of Italy
- **Location:** Sardinia, Italy
- **Province:** Ogliastra (since July 12, 2001); previously part of the Province of Nuoro (established January 2, 1927)
- **Population:** Approximately 1,294–1,350 residents (varies by source)
- **Coordinates:** 39.95205° N, 9.66098° E
- **Website:** [https://www.comune.girasole.og.it/](https://www.comune.girasole.og.it/)
- **Country:** Italy
- **Administrative Context:** One of Italy’s 7,904 *comuni*, the smallest administrative divisions in the country
- **Sitelink Count:** 62 (Wikidata)
- **Aliases:** Gelisuli

## FAQs

**Where is Girasole located?**
Girasole is situated in the Sardinia region of Italy, within the Province of Ogliastra. Its geographic coordinates are 39.95205° N, 9.66098° E, placing it in the eastern part of the island.

**What is the administrative status of Girasole?**
Girasole is classified as a *comune*, the basic municipal division in Italy. It falls under the Province of Ogliastra, which was created in 2001 after separating from the Province of Nuoro.

**How large is Girasole’s population?**
The population of Girasole ranges between approximately 1,294 and 1,350 residents, depending on the source. It is a small rural settlement typical of Sardinia’s inland areas.

**What is the history of Girasole’s provincial affiliation?**
Girasole was originally part of the Province of Nuoro, established in 1927. In 2001, it became part of the newly formed Province of Ogliastra, reflecting administrative reorganizations in Sardinia.

**Does Girasole have an official website?**
Yes, Girasole’s municipal website is [https://www.comune.girasole.og.it/](https://www.comune.girasole.og.it/), providing local governance information and services.

## Why It Matters
Girasole represents the small-scale administrative and cultural fabric of rural Italy, particularly in Sardinia. As a *comune*, it plays a role in local governance, preserving regional identity, and maintaining traditional ways of life. Its inclusion in the Province of Ogliastra highlights the evolving administrative divisions in Italy, which aim to improve regional governance and resource allocation. While not a major urban center, Girasole contributes to the demographic and cultural diversity of Sardinia, reflecting the island’s unique heritage within the broader Italian context.

## Notable For
- **Small-Scale Governance:** As a *comune*, Girasole exemplifies Italy’s decentralized administrative system, where even small municipalities have local governance structures.
- **Provincial Transition:** One of the municipalities transferred from the Province of Nuoro to the newly established Province of Ogliastra in 2001.
- **Sardinian Identity:** Represents the cultural and linguistic distinctiveness of Sardinia, with local names like *Gelisuli* reflecting regional heritage.
- **Rural Demography:** A typical example of Italy’s rural settlements, with a population under 1,500, contributing to the country’s diverse demographic landscape.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Girasole is located in the Sardinia region of Italy, specifically within the Province of Ogliastra. Its coordinates are 39.95205° N, 9.66098° E, placing it in the eastern part of the island. The municipality is part of Italy’s extensive network of *comuni*, which are the smallest administrative divisions in the country. Sardinia itself is an autonomous region of Italy, known for its distinct culture, language, and geography.

### Administrative History
Girasole was originally administered under the Province of Nuoro, which was established on January 2, 1927. In 2001, following a reorganization of Sardinia’s provinces, Girasole became part of the newly created Province of Ogliastra on July 12, 2001. This change was part of a broader effort to streamline governance and better serve the region’s populations. The Province of Ogliastra is one of Italy’s smaller provinces, characterized by its rural and mountainous terrain.

### Demographics
The population of Girasole is relatively small, with estimates ranging from 1,294 to 1,350 residents. This places it among Italy’s many small rural municipalities, which are essential to the country’s demographic and cultural diversity. The municipality’s size reflects the broader trend of rural depopulation in Italy, though it remains a vital part of Sardinia’s local governance and community life.

### Governance and Infrastructure
As a *comune*, Girasole has its own local government, responsible for municipal services, urban planning, and community development. The municipality’s official website, [https://www.comune.girasole.og.it/](https://www.comune.girasole.og.it/), serves as a platform for local administration, providing information on services, regulations, and community events. Girasole’s governance is typical of Italy’s decentralized system, where *comuni* play a crucial role in local decision-making.

### Cultural and Linguistic Context
Girasole is part of Sardinia, a region with a strong cultural and linguistic identity. The local name for the municipality, *Gelisuli*, reflects the Sardinian language, which is recognized as a regional language in Italy. This linguistic distinctiveness is a hallmark of Sardinia’s heritage, contributing to the island’s unique position within Italy. The preservation of local names and traditions is an important aspect of Girasole’s cultural identity.

### Related Administrative Entities
Girasole is connected to broader administrative structures in Italy. It is one of the thousands of *comuni* that make up Italy’s municipal system, each with its own local government. The Province of Ogliastra, to which Girasole belongs, is one of Italy’s 107 provinces, each serving as an intermediate level of governance between *comuni* and regions. Sardinia, as an autonomous region, has additional legislative and administrative powers, further shaping the governance of municipalities like Girasole.

### Digital Presence
Girasole maintains an official municipal website, which is a key resource for residents and visitors. The website provides access to local services, administrative procedures, and community information. While the municipality does not have extensive digital or social media presence beyond its official site, it is part of Italy’s broader digital governance infrastructure, which includes online services for *comuni* across the country.

### Significance in Sardinia’s Landscape
Girasole’s role as a small *comune* in Sardinia highlights the importance of rural municipalities in Italy’s administrative and cultural framework. These municipalities are essential for maintaining local traditions, governance, and community cohesion, even as Italy faces challenges related to urbanization and demographic change. Girasole’s inclusion in the Province of Ogliastra underscores the ongoing efforts to adapt Italy’s administrative divisions to better serve its diverse regions.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Italian National Institute of Statistics
3. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2018/index3.html)
4. [Source](https://demo.istat.it/?l=it)
5. GeoNames
6. Wiki Loves Monuments Italia
7. Seismic classification in Italy
8. [Source](https://rischi.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/sismico/attivita/classificazione-sismica)