Molise Region, Italy

Molise, the youngest region of Italy, was established in 1963 when the "Abruzzi e Molise" region was divided into two separate regions. Although Molise is a relatively new region, it shares a common identity with Abruzzo both geographically and in its historical and traditional heritage. Molise is administratively divided into two provinces, Campobasso and Isernia, comprising a total of 136 municipalities, with most of them being small but unique.

Molise has a rich history dating back to the antiquity and middle ages. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the region was invaded by the Goths in 535 AD and then by the Languebards in 572. It was then annexed to the Dukedom of Benevento. The region was further devastated by invasions of the Saracens, who destroyed several towns and cities in 860 AD. By the 10th century, Molise was divided into nine countdoms, including Venafro, Larino, Trivento, Bojano, Isernia, Campomarino, Termoli, Sangro, and Pietrabbondante.

In 1095, the most powerful of these countdoms, Bojano, came under the rule of the Norman Hugo I of Molhouse, who is believed to have given his name to the region. His successor, Ugo II, became the Count of Molise in 1144. In the 16th century, Molise was included in the Province of Capitanata (present-day Apulia) and in 1806 became an autonomous province, included in the Abruzzi region.

During the 19th century, the economic conditions of the population worsened, leading to the rise of brigandage and massive emigration, not only abroad but also to more industrial Italian areas. The region suffered heavily in World War II, with widespread destruction, until finally, the Allied forces were able to land at Termoli in September 1943.

Molise is mostly mountainous, and its economy, which was once highly dependent on the transit of shepherds and their flocks from Abruzzo to Apulia, still relies heavily on agriculture and livestock raising. However, the food and garment industries are undergoing remarkable development.