Friuli Venezia Giulia

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is the last region of Italy most to the north-east. Covers an area of 7856 kilometers and is the fifth smallest region of the country. Bordered by Austria to the north and Slovenia to the east. To the south, it is overlooking the Adriatic Sea and borders with the Veneto region to west. The region covers a large variety of climates and landscapes from the mild Mediterranean climate in the south to the continental climate in the northern Alps. The total area is divided into a 42.5% of Alpine mountain to the north, 19.3% is hilly, mostly to the south-east, while the remaining 38.2% includes the central plains and coastal areas.

Morphologically the region can be divided into four main areas:

The mountainous area in the north: this part of the region includes the Carnia, and the final section of the Alps (Carnian Alps and Julian Alps), of which the highest peaks exceed 2700 m above sea level (Jôf Montasio 2754 m.). His landscapes are characterized by vast pine forests and meadows, mountain lakes (eg, Sauris and Barcis) and numerous streams and small rivers that descend from the mountains. The area is also known for its tourist destinations, especially during the winter season.

The hilly area: located south of the mountains and along the central part of the border with Slovenia. The main product of agriculture in this area is the wine: its quality, especially in the case of white, is well known all around the world. The easternmost part of the hilly area is also known as the Friulian Slavia, because that is mostly inhabited by populations of slovenian origin.

The central plains are characterized by poor, dry and porous soils. The soil was made fertile by a vast system of irrigation and the adoption of modern techniques of intensive farming. In this part of the region are concentrated most of farming activities.

The coastal area can be further divided into two parts, West and East, separated by the mouth of the river Isonzo. To the west, the coast is low and sandy, with numerous tourist resorts and the lagoons of Grado and Marano Lagunare. To the east, the coast and characterized by a profile of rock, where the Carso meets the Adriatic near Trieste and Muggia, on the border with Slovenia. The Carso is characterized by cavities, networks of caves and underground rivers, land ies in the provinces of Trieste and Gorizia, with an altitude between 300 and 600m.