# Montelapiano

> Italian comune

**Wikidata**: [Q3560](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3560)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montelapiano)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/montelapiano

## Summary
Montelapiano is a small Italian *comune* (municipality) located in the Province of Chieti, within the Abruzzo region of Italy. It is a rural administrative division with a declining population, situated in the central-eastern part of the country, known for its geographic coordinates and local governance structure.

## Key Facts
- **Type of Entity:** Italian *comune* (municipality).
- **Location:** Province of Chieti, Abruzzo, Italy.
- **Coordinates:** 41.9679823° N, 14.32655755° E.
- **Population:** 83 (recent), 79, 75 (historical data).
- **Website:** [http://www.comune.montelapiano.ch.it/](http://www.comune.montelapiano.ch.it/).
- **Wikidata Description:** Italian comune.
- **Sitelink Count:** 51 (Wikidata).
- **Wikipedia Title:** Montelapiano.
- **Administrative Context:** Part of the 20 regions of Italy, under the Province of Chieti.

## FAQs

**Where is Montelapiano located?**
Montelapiano is located in the Province of Chieti, within the Abruzzo region of central-eastern Italy. Its precise coordinates are 41.9679823° N latitude and 14.32655755° E longitude.

**What is the population of Montelapiano?**
The population of Montelapiano has fluctuated slightly, with recent counts showing 83 inhabitants, down from previous figures of 79 and 75. This reflects its status as a small, rural municipality.

**What is the administrative role of Montelapiano?**
As an Italian *comune*, Montelapiano functions as a basic local administrative unit, responsible for municipal services, governance, and representation within the broader Province of Chieti and the Abruzzo region.

**How does Montelapiano fit into Italy’s regional structure?**
Montelapiano is one of thousands of *comuni* in Italy, which are the smallest administrative divisions. It falls under the Province of Chieti, one of the four provinces in the Abruzzo region, which itself is one of Italy’s 20 regions.

**What is the significance of Montelapiano’s coordinates?**
The coordinates (41.9679823° N, 14.32655755° E) place Montelapiano in a hilly or mountainous area typical of Abruzzo, contributing to its rural character and small population size.

## Why It Matters
Montelapiano represents the administrative and cultural fabric of rural Italy, where small *comuni* like it preserve local traditions, governance, and community identity. Despite its tiny population, it plays a role in the decentralized Italian administrative system, ensuring local representation and services. Its existence highlights the diversity of Italy’s municipal structure, from large cities to remote villages, each contributing to the country’s regional identity. Additionally, its geographic location in Abruzzo—a region known for its natural landscapes and historical sites—adds to the broader tapestry of Italy’s cultural and administrative heritage.

## Notable For
- **Small Population:** One of Italy’s least populous *comuni*, with fewer than 100 inhabitants.
- **Rural Governance:** Exemplifies the Italian *comune* system, showcasing local self-governance in a sparsely populated area.
- **Geographic Precision:** Its coordinates (41.9679823° N, 14.32655755° E) are well-documented, aiding in geographic and administrative mapping.
- **Administrative Longevity:** Part of Italy’s enduring municipal structure, which has persisted through various political changes since the country’s unification in 1861.
- **Digital Presence:** Maintains an official municipal website ([http://www.comune.montelapiano.ch.it/](http://www.comune.montelapiano.ch.it/)), reflecting modern governance practices even in small communities.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Montelapiano is situated in the Province of Chieti, within the Abruzzo region of central-eastern Italy. Its coordinates are 41.9679823° N latitude and 14.32655755° E longitude, placing it in a region characterized by hilly and mountainous terrain. Abruzzo is known for its national parks, medieval villages, and proximity to the Adriatic Sea, though Montelapiano itself is inland. The *comune* is part of Italy’s extensive network of municipal divisions, which are critical for local administration and regional identity.

### Administrative Structure
As an Italian *comune*, Montelapiano operates as the smallest administrative unit in Italy’s governance hierarchy. It is governed by a mayor (*sindaco*) and a municipal council, responsible for local services such as waste management, road maintenance, and civil registry functions. The *comune* falls under the jurisdiction of the Province of Chieti, which oversees broader regional planning, education, and transportation. Abruzzo, in turn, is one of Italy’s 20 regions, each with its own regional government and legislative powers.

### Demographics
Montelapiano’s population has been recorded at 83 inhabitants in recent data, with slight variations noted in previous counts (79 and 75). This places it among Italy’s smallest municipalities, reflecting broader trends of rural depopulation in favor of urban centers. The demographic profile aligns with many Italian *comuni*, where aging populations and low birth rates contribute to declining numbers. Despite its size, Montelapiano retains its administrative status, ensuring representation and services for its residents.

### Historical Context
The *comune* system in Italy dates back to medieval times, with modern structures formalized following the unification of Italy in 1861. Montelapiano, like other *comuni*, has likely existed in some form for centuries, evolving with Italy’s political changes, including the transition from monarchy to republic in 1946. Its continued existence underscores the resilience of local governance in Italy, even in areas with minimal population density.

### Digital and Official Presence
Montelapiano maintains an official website ([http://www.comune.montelapiano.ch.it/](http://www.comune.montelapiano.ch.it/)), which serves as a hub for municipal information, including administrative procedures, local news, and contact details for public services. This digital presence is part of a broader trend in Italy, where even small *comuni* leverage online platforms to enhance transparency and accessibility for residents and visitors.

### Relationship to Broader Italian Governance
Montelapiano is one of thousands of *comuni* that form the backbone of Italy’s administrative system. These municipalities are grouped into provinces (e.g., Chieti) and regions (e.g., Abruzzo), each with distinct roles in governance. The *comune* system ensures that local needs are addressed while aligning with national policies, from infrastructure projects to cultural preservation. Montelapiano’s inclusion in this system highlights the importance of decentralized governance in maintaining Italy’s diverse regional identities.

### Cultural and Regional Significance
While Montelapiano itself may not be widely recognized, its location in Abruzzo ties it to a region rich in cultural and natural heritage. Abruzzo is home to three national parks, numerous medieval hilltowns, and a strong culinary tradition. The *comune* contributes to this regional identity, even if indirectly, by preserving local governance structures that support broader cultural and administrative continuity.

### Comparisons to Other Italian *Comuni*
Montelapiano’s small population is not unique; Italy has numerous *comuni* with fewer than 100 inhabitants, particularly in rural and mountainous areas. These municipalities often face challenges such as depopulation, limited economic opportunities, and aging infrastructure. However, they also represent a commitment to preserving local autonomy and heritage, resisting consolidation into larger administrative units.

### Future Outlook
The future of Montelapiano, like many small Italian *comuni*, depends on broader trends in rural development, migration, and government policies. Initiatives to revitalize rural areas, such as digital nomad programs or tourism incentives, could impact its trajectory. Additionally, administrative reforms at the national level may influence the role and viability of small municipalities in Italy’s governance structure.

## 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)