# Terranova di Pollino

> Italian comune

**Wikidata**: [Q52682](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q52682)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terranova_di_Pollino)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/terranova-di-pollino

## Summary
Terranova di Pollino is a small Italian *comune* (municipality) located in the province of Potenza, within the Basilicata region of southern Italy. It is a rural administrative division with a population of around 1,000–1,200 residents, situated near the Pollino National Park, one of Italy’s largest protected natural areas.

## Key Facts
- **Type:** Italian *comune* (municipality)
- **Location:** Province of Potenza, Basilicata, Italy
- **Coordinates:** 39.9833° N, 16.3000° E
- **Population:** 1,168 (latest data), with historical counts of 1,141 and 1,018
- **Official Website:** [http://www.comune.terranovadipollino.pz.it](http://www.comune.terranovadipollino.pz.it)
- **Administrative Context:** Part of Italy’s system of *comuni*, the smallest local administrative units
- **Geographical Significance:** Proximity to Pollino National Park, a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve
- **Wikidata ID:** Q38 (Italy),  (*comune* of Italy)

## FAQs

**Where is Terranova di Pollino located?**
Terranova di Pollino is in the province of Potenza, within the Basilicata region of southern Italy. It lies near the Pollino National Park, which spans the border between Basilicata and Calabria.

**What is the population of Terranova di Pollino?**
The population has fluctuated slightly over time, with recorded figures of 1,168, 1,141, and 1,018 residents. It is a small, rural municipality typical of Italy’s inland southern regions.

**What is the administrative role of a *comune* like Terranova di Pollino?**
A *comune* is the basic unit of local government in Italy, responsible for services like urban planning, waste management, and local infrastructure. Terranova di Pollino operates under the broader governance of the province of Potenza and the Basilicata region.

**Is Terranova di Pollino near any notable natural sites?**
Yes, it is close to Pollino National Park, Italy’s largest national park, known for its biodiversity, rugged mountains, and rare species like the Bosnian pine. The park is also a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve.

**How does Terranova di Pollino fit into Italy’s administrative structure?**
It is one of thousands of *comuni* in Italy, which are grouped into provinces (e.g., Potenza) and regions (e.g., Basilicata). These layers of governance manage everything from local roads to regional economic policies.

## Why It Matters
Terranova di Pollino exemplifies the rural heart of southern Italy, where small municipalities preserve cultural traditions, local governance, and connections to Italy’s natural landscapes. As part of the Pollino National Park’s periphery, it contributes to the conservation of one of Italy’s most ecologically significant areas. Its existence also highlights the administrative complexity of Italy, where even tiny villages play a role in the nation’s decentralized governance. For researchers, travelers, and policymakers, it offers a microcosm of Italy’s challenges and strengths in sustaining rural communities.

## Notable For
- **Proximity to Pollino National Park:** One of Italy’s most important protected areas, home to endemic species and dramatic landscapes.
- **Small-Scale Governance:** A working example of Italy’s *comune* system, where local leadership directly impacts daily life.
- **Cultural Preservation:** Like many southern Italian villages, it likely maintains traditions, dialects, and festivals unique to its history.
- **Demographic Resilience:** Despite population fluctuations, it remains a persistent community in a region often affected by emigration.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Terranova di Pollino is situated in the province of Potenza, part of the Basilicata region in southern Italy. Its coordinates (39.9833° N, 16.3000° E) place it in a mountainous area near the Pollino Massif, which forms the backbone of Pollino National Park. The *comune* is characterized by a rural, inland environment typical of the southern Apennines, with elevations that contribute to its cool climate and scenic vistas.

### Administrative Structure
As a *comune*, Terranova di Pollino is the smallest administrative division in Italy, governed by a mayor (*sindaco*) and a municipal council. It falls under the jurisdiction of the province of Potenza and the Basilicata regional government. This structure ensures local autonomy while integrating with broader regional and national policies. The *comune* is responsible for essential services such as land use planning, local roads, and public safety.

### Demographics
Population data for Terranova di Pollino shows slight variability:
- **1,168 residents** (most recent count)
- **1,141 residents** (previous count)
- **1,018 residents** (earlier count)

These figures reflect trends common in rural southern Italy, where populations may decline due to urban migration but can stabilize due to local economic activities or tourism tied to nearby natural attractions.

### Connection to Pollino National Park
The *comune*’s name references the Pollino National Park, a critical ecological zone spanning Basilicata and Calabria. The park is renowned for:
- **Biodiversity:** Home to rare flora and fauna, including the Bosnian pine (*Pinus heldreichii*) and the golden eagle.
- **UNESCO Recognition:** Designated as a biosphere reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme.
- **Outdoor Activities:** Hiking, wildlife observation, and cultural tourism attract visitors to the region.

Terranova di Pollino’s proximity to the park likely influences its economy, with potential ties to agritourism, hospitality, and conservation efforts.

### Digital and Administrative Presence
The *comune* maintains an official website ([http://www.comune.terranovadipollino.pz.it](http://www.comune.terranovadipollino.pz.it)), which serves as a hub for local governance, announcements, and services. Its Wikidata entry (linked to Italy’s administrative structure) ensures visibility in global knowledge bases, aiding researchers and travelers.

### Role in Italy’s *Comune* System
Italy’s *comuni* are fundamental to its governance, numbering over 7,900 nationwide. Terranova di Pollino’s operations illustrate how these entities function:
- **Local Decision-Making:** Handling zoning, schools, and waste management.
- **Cultural Identity:** Preserving local heritage, dialects (e.g., Basilicata’s regional Italian variants), and traditions.
- **Economic Development:** Balancing agricultural activities with emerging opportunities like eco-tourism.

### Challenges and Opportunities
Like many rural *comuni*, Terranova di Pollino faces challenges such as:
- **Depopulation:** Common in southern Italy due to youth migration to urban centers.
- **Economic Sustainability:** Reliance on agriculture or tourism requires adaptation to modern markets.
- **Infrastructure:** Maintaining roads and services in mountainous terrain can be costly.

However, its location near Pollino National Park presents opportunities for sustainable development, including:
- **Eco-Tourism:** Leveraging the park’s popularity to attract visitors.
- **Agricultural Niche Products:** Local wines, cheeses, or crafts could gain broader markets.
- **EU Funding:** Access to regional development grants for rural areas.

### Related Entities
- **Province of Potenza:** The broader administrative unit overseeing Terranova di Pollino.
- **Basilicata Region:** Known for its rugged landscapes, historic towns (e.g., Matera), and cultural festivals.
- **Pollino National Park:** A key environmental and touristic asset for the region.
- **Other *Comuni*: Terranova di Pollino is one of many small municipalities in Basilicata, each contributing to the region’s mosaic of local governance and identity.

### Historical Context
While specific historical details for Terranova di Pollino are not provided in the source material, its existence as a *comune* reflects Italy’s long tradition of local self-governance, dating back to medieval city-states and formalized in the 19th-century unification. Southern Italian *comuni* often have deep roots in agricultural and pastoral economies, with modern adaptations to globalization and environmental conservation.

### Future Outlook
The future of Terranova di Pollino hinges on balancing preservation with innovation. Potential pathways include:
- **Smart Village Initiatives:** Digital tools to improve local services and connectivity.
- **Collaboration with Pollino National Park:** Joint projects to promote sustainable tourism.
- **Cultural Revitalization:** Festivals, local cuisine, and heritage sites to attract visitors and retain residents.

As part of Italy’s administrative and ecological landscape, Terranova di Pollino embodies the resilience and adaptability of rural communities in the face of modern challenges.

## 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)