# Maretto

> Italian comune

**Wikidata**: [Q17819](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17819)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maretto)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/maretto

## Summary
Maretto is a small Italian *comune* (municipality) located in the Province of Asti, within the Piedmont region of northern Italy. As of recent data, it has a population of approximately 374 residents and is situated at coordinates 44.9458° N, 8.0353° E. The municipality is part of Italy’s administrative structure, functioning as a local governmental unit with its own website and distinct identity within the broader Italian context.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Italian *comune* (municipality).
- **Location:** Province of Asti, Piedmont, Italy.
- **Coordinates:** 44.945833333333° N, 8.0352777777778° E.
- **Population:** 374 (recent data), with variations recorded as 363 and 372 in other sources.
- **Website:** [http://www.comune.maretto.at.it/](http://www.comune.maretto.at.it/).
- **Administrative Context:** One of the 8,000+ *comuni* in Italy, which are the smallest administrative divisions.
- **Sitelink Count:** 52 (Wikidata).
- **Wikidata Description:** "Italian comune."
- **Related Entity:** Part of the Province of Asti, which is itself within the country of Italy.

## FAQs
**Where is Maretto located?**
Maretto is situated in the Province of Asti, which is part of the Piedmont region in northern Italy. Its precise coordinates are 44.9458° N, 8.0353° E.

**What is the population of Maretto?**
The population of Maretto is approximately 374 residents, though other sources list it as 363 or 372, reflecting minor fluctuations.

**What is the administrative role of Maretto?**
As a *comune*, Maretto serves as a local governmental unit within Italy’s administrative hierarchy, responsible for municipal services, governance, and representation of its residents.

**How does Maretto fit into Italy’s broader administrative structure?**
Maretto is one of thousands of *comuni* in Italy, which are the smallest administrative divisions. It is part of the Province of Asti, which in turn is one of Italy’s 20 regions (Piedmont).

**Does Maretto have an official online presence?**
Yes, Maretto maintains an official website at [http://www.comune.maretto.at.it/](http://www.comune.maretto.at.it/), which likely provides local information, services, and updates for residents and visitors.

## Why It Matters
Maretto, like other small *comuni* in Italy, plays a vital role in preserving local governance, cultural identity, and community cohesion. As part of the Province of Asti, it contributes to the broader administrative and economic fabric of the Piedmont region. While small in population, such municipalities are essential for maintaining Italy’s decentralized governance model, ensuring that local needs—from infrastructure to cultural heritage—are addressed. Additionally, Maretto’s existence reflects Italy’s rich tradition of municipal autonomy, which dates back centuries and remains a cornerstone of the country’s political structure.

## Notable For
- **Small-Scale Governance:** As a *comune*, Maretto exemplifies Italy’s system of local self-governance, where even small populations have administrative representation.
- **Geographical Location:** Situated in the Province of Asti, a region known for its wine production (e.g., Asti Spumante) and historical significance.
- **Population Size:** With around 374 residents, it represents the numerous small, tightly-knit communities that dot Italy’s rural and semi-rural landscapes.
- **Administrative Autonomy:** Like all *comuni*, Maretto has its own local government, website, and administrative functions, ensuring localized decision-making.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Maretto is located in the Province of Asti, within the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. Its coordinates are 44.9458° N, 8.0353° E, placing it in a region characterized by rolling hills, vineyards, and a temperate climate. The Province of Asti is renowned for its wine production, particularly sparkling wines like Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti, which contribute significantly to the local economy. The municipality’s small size and rural setting are typical of many *comuni* in Piedmont, which balance agricultural traditions with modern governance.

### Administrative Structure
As a *comune*, Maretto is the smallest administrative division in Italy, responsible for local governance, public services, and community representation. It operates under the broader jurisdiction of the Province of Asti and the Piedmont region. The *comune* system is a hallmark of Italian governance, ensuring that even small populations have a voice in local affairs. Maretto’s official website ([http://www.comune.maretto.at.it/](http://www.comune.maretto.at.it/)) serves as a digital hub for residents, providing access to municipal services, announcements, and administrative procedures.

### Demographics
Maretto has a population of approximately 374 residents, with minor variations recorded in different sources (e.g., 363, 372). This small population size is characteristic of many rural *comuni* in Italy, where communities are often tightly knit and deeply connected to local traditions. The demographic profile likely reflects an aging population, a trend common in rural Italian municipalities, where younger residents often migrate to urban centers for employment opportunities.

### Role in the Province of Asti
The Province of Asti, where Maretto is located, is one of Italy’s 107 provinces and is known for its agricultural output, particularly wine and hazelnuts. As part of this province, Maretto contributes to the regional economy and cultural heritage. The province itself is governed by a president and a council, which oversee broader administrative functions, while individual *comuni* like Maretto manage local affairs. This dual-layered governance ensures that both regional and local needs are addressed.

### Connection to Italy’s Administrative System
Maretto is one of over 8,000 *comuni* in Italy, each functioning as a fundamental unit of local governance. These municipalities are grouped into provinces, which are further organized into regions. Italy’s administrative structure is designed to decentralize power, allowing local governments to tailor policies and services to their communities’ specific needs. Maretto’s existence within this system highlights the importance of municipal autonomy in Italy, a principle that has persisted since the unification of Italy in the 19th century.

### Digital Presence
Maretto maintains an official website, which is a critical tool for modern governance. The website likely provides residents with access to municipal services, such as tax payments, permit applications, and local news. This digital presence is increasingly important for small *comuni*, as it helps bridge the gap between rural communities and the broader administrative and economic networks of Italy.

### Cultural and Historical Context
While specific cultural or historical details about Maretto are not provided in the source material, its location in Piedmont suggests a rich heritage tied to the region’s traditions. Piedmont is known for its medieval castles, Baroque architecture, and culinary specialties, such as truffles and risotto. As a *comune* in this region, Maretto likely participates in local festivals, agricultural fairs, and other community events that celebrate Piedmontese culture.

### Relationship to Other Entities
Maretto is part of a broader network of administrative and geographical entities:
- **Province of Asti:** The immediate administrative body overseeing Maretto, responsible for regional planning, education, and transportation.
- **Piedmont Region:** One of Italy’s 20 regions, known for its economic and cultural significance.
- **Italy:** The sovereign state to which Maretto belongs, with its capital in Rome and a parliamentary republic system.

### Significance of Small *Comuni* in Italy
Municipalities like Maretto are essential to Italy’s administrative and cultural landscape. They ensure that local traditions, governance, and community needs are preserved, even in the face of broader national and global trends. The *comune* system also allows for direct citizen participation in local politics, fostering a sense of ownership and civic engagement. In regions like Piedmont, where agriculture and tradition play a significant role, small *comuni* help maintain the unique character of rural Italy.

## 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. [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)