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SARDEGNA: |
 
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| Situated in the centre of the Mediterranean with a surface area of 24,090 Km largely consisting of hills and mountains, Sardinia is an unusual region with a tormented geology: being the first land to emerge from the sea, it was inhabited in the paleolithic age and is characterised by a pre-Classical civilisation and an individualistic population.
It was only in the early nineteenth century that Europeans discovered Sardinia, to be surprised by its insular character that has influence, in both a positive and negative way, the local culture, art, language, music, song, habits and customs. Enriched by a culture of its own with few external influences, Sardinia has a specific identity which emerges in its folk traditions, festivities and customs as well as in the people's relations with outsiders, their traditional hospitality and conservation of family values. The physical aspect of this wild and varied island, the variable climate with few seasonal rainfalls, the impermeable land and torrential rivers, the short springs and continuos winds have influenced the island's economy and the choice of activities related to survival and the need to adapt, solitude and freedom. Sardinia's geographical position - half-way between Europe and Africa - and the beauty of its coastline, the mysteriousness of the populations in the hinterland and the fame of its minerals attracted the interest of continental peoples who came to settle on the island since prehistoric times in order to exploit its resources.
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