# Ulassai > Italian comune **Wikidata**: [Q340613](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q340613) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulassai) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ulassai ## Summary Ulassai is a *comune* (municipality) in Italy, located in the province of Ogliastra on the island of Sardinia. It is a small administrative division with a population of around 1,400 residents, known for its rural setting and cultural heritage within the Sardinian region. ## Key Facts - **Type:** Italian *comune* (municipality) - **Location:** Province of Ogliastra, Sardinia, Italy - **Population:** 1,457 (varies slightly by source, e.g., 1,448, 1,366) - **Coordinates:** 39.8117008° N, 9.4989681° E - **Website:** [https://comune.ulassai.nu.it/](https://comune.ulassai.nu.it/) - **Aliases:** Ulassa - **Administrative Context:** - Part of the Province of Ogliastra (established July 12, 2001) - Previously part of the Province of Nuoro (established January 2, 1927) - **Sitelink Count:** 61 (Wikidata) - **Wikipedia Title:** Ulassai - **Wikidata Description:** Italian comune ## FAQs **Where is Ulassai located?** Ulassai is situated in the province of Ogliastra on the island of Sardinia, Italy. It lies at coordinates 39.8117008° N, 9.4989681° E, within a region known for its rugged landscapes and traditional Sardinian culture. **What is the population of Ulassai?** The population of Ulassai fluctuates slightly around 1,400 residents, with recorded figures including 1,457, 1,448, and 1,366 in different sources. It is a small, rural municipality typical of inland Sardinia. **When was the Province of Ogliastra established, and how does it relate to Ulassai?** The Province of Ogliastra was created on July 12, 2001, after separating from the Province of Nuoro (established in 1927). Ulassai is now administered under Ogliastra, reflecting Sardinia’s evolving regional governance. **What is the official website of Ulassai?** The municipality’s official website is [https://comune.ulassai.nu.it/](https://comune.ulassai.nu.it/), providing local information, services, and administrative details for residents and visitors. **Is Ulassai part of any larger administrative divisions?** Yes, Ulassai is a *comune* within the Province of Ogliastra, which is one of Italy’s 20 regions (Sardinia). It is also part of the broader Italian administrative system, adhering to national laws and regional policies. ## Why It Matters Ulassai represents the cultural and administrative fabric of rural Sardinia, a region with a distinct identity shaped by its geography, history, and traditions. As a *comune*, it plays a role in local governance, preserving Sardinian heritage while adapting to modern administrative structures like the Province of Ogliastra. Its small population and rural setting highlight the challenges and resilience of inland communities in Italy, contributing to the broader narrative of regional autonomy and cultural preservation in Sardinia. ## Notable For - **Rural Sardinian Municipality:** One of the many small *comuni* that define Sardinia’s inland demographics and cultural landscape. - **Administrative Transition:** Part of the shift from the Province of Nuoro to the newer Province of Ogliastra in 2001, reflecting Sardinia’s evolving governance. - **Cultural Heritage:** Located in a region known for its traditional Sardinian language, crafts, and festivals, contributing to Italy’s diverse cultural tapestry. - **Geographical Significance:** Situated in eastern Sardinia, near the Gennargentu mountain range, offering a gateway to the island’s natural landscapes. ## Body ### Geography and Location Ulassai is located in the province of Ogliastra, on the eastern side of the island of Sardinia, Italy. Its coordinates are 39.8117008° N latitude and 9.4989681° E longitude, placing it in a mountainous and rural area characterized by Sardinia’s rugged terrain. The municipality is part of the broader Ogliastra region, known for its dramatic landscapes, including the Gennargentu massif and deep river valleys. ### Administrative History Ulassai’s administrative affiliation has evolved with Sardinia’s provincial reorganization. Initially part of the Province of Nuoro (established January 2, 1927), it transitioned to the newly formed Province of Ogliastra on July 12, 2001. This change reflected Sardinia’s efforts to decentralize governance and better address the needs of its distinct sub-regions. Ogliastra, though one of Italy’s least populous provinces, is rich in cultural and natural heritage. ### Demographics Ulassai is a small municipality with a population hovering around 1,400 residents. Data sources list figures such as 1,457, 1,448, and 1,366, indicating minor fluctuations likely due to migration or census timing. The population density is low, typical of Sardinia’s inland areas, where traditional pastoral and agricultural lifestyles persist alongside modern challenges like depopulation and aging demographics. ### Governance and Infrastructure As a *comune*, Ulassai has its own local government, responsible for municipal services, urban planning, and cultural initiatives. The official municipal website ([https://comune.ulassai.nu.it/](https://comune.ulassai.nu.it/)) serves as a hub for administrative information, including permits, local news, and tourism resources. The municipality operates within the legal and administrative frameworks of Italy, Sardinia, and the Province of Ogliastra. ### Cultural and Linguistic Context Ulassai is part of a region where the Sardinian language (*Sardu*) is widely spoken alongside Italian. The area is known for its rich oral traditions, folk music, and festivals, such as *Sagra* celebrations honoring local produce and religious events. The municipality’s cultural practices contribute to Sardinia’s reputation as a bastion of Mediterranean heritage, distinct from mainland Italian traditions. ### Related Administrative Entities - **Province of Ogliastra:** The governing province since 2001, focused on sustainable development and preserving local identity. - **Province of Nuoro:** The former administrative body overseeing Ulassai until the provincial split. - **Comune of Italy:** Ulassai is one of thousands of *comuni* that form the base of Italy’s local governance system, each with unique historical and cultural traits. ### Economic and Social Dynamics Like many rural Sardinian municipalities, Ulassai faces economic challenges tied to its remote location and limited industrial base. Agriculture, particularly sheep farming and cheese production (e.g., *Pecorino Sardo*), remains a cornerstone of the local economy. Tourism, especially eco-tourism and cultural tourism, is a growing sector, leveraging the region’s natural beauty and heritage sites. ### Environmental Features The municipality is surrounded by Sardinia’s characteristic Mediterranean scrubland (*macchia*), limestone cliffs, and caves, some of which are part of the broader *Supramonte* and *Tacco* geological formations. Nearby natural attractions include the *Gola di Gorropu*, one of Europe’s deepest canyons, and the *Tacchi* plateaus, which draw hikers and geology enthusiasts. ### Connectivity and Accessibility Ulassai is accessible via regional roads connecting it to larger towns like Lanusei (the provincial capital of Ogliastra) and Tortolì. Public transportation is limited, reflecting the broader challenges of rural mobility in Sardinia. The nearest major airport is Cagliari-Elmas, approximately 120 kilometers southwest, while the port of Arbatax offers ferry connections to mainland Italy. ### Future Prospects Ulassai’s future hinges on balancing preservation with development. Initiatives to promote sustainable tourism, digital connectivity, and youth engagement are critical to countering depopulation. The municipality’s participation in regional and EU-funded projects (e.g., rural development programs) may provide opportunities for infrastructure upgrades and economic diversification. ### Notable Mentions - **Aliases:** The municipality is sometimes referred to as *Ulassa*, a variant likely rooted in local dialect or historical documentation. - **Sitelink Presence:** With 61 sitelinks on Wikidata, Ulassai is documented across multiple languages, reflecting its recognition in global knowledge bases. - **Digital Presence:** While small, the municipality maintains an official website, indicating efforts to modernize administrative communication and engage with residents and visitors digitally. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. [Nuovo assetto territoriale della sardegna](https://www.istat.it/storage/codici-unita-amministrative/Nuovo-assetto-territoriale-della-Sardegna.zip) 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. Italian National Institute of Statistics 5. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2018/index3.html) 6. [Source](https://demo.istat.it/?l=it) 7. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0 8. GeoNames 9. Wiki Loves Monuments Italia 10. Seismic classification in Italy 11. [Source](https://rischi.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/sismico/attivita/classificazione-sismica)