A Mediterranean island with a language closer to Italian than to French. Culturally, it has more in common with Sardinia and Italy than with France. Nevertheless it has belonged to France since 1768 after purchase from Genova. Corsica had declared independence from Genova in 1755 and the rulers of Genova were glad to transfer responsibility. It had been a republic, even before the French Revolution, perhaps modeled on earlier Italian city states.As with most colonies the people were not consulted about becoming part of France.

Its relation to France has been compared with that of Northern Ireland to Britain.

There is an independence movement, which is at present still marginal, but indulges in some terrorist activity.

Corsica was the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte (1769). He was just in time to be a French citizen by birth but his first language was Corsican - a dialect closer to Italian.

Corsica, like Scotland, is the sort of territory which may become independent within the European Union if it develops into a strong federation. However, the French won't give it up willingly. It has been the base of the Foreign Legion since the end of the French colonial empire, and especially the independence of Algeria. Many of the French Algerian settlers who were expelled or fled from Algeria have settled in Corsica.

Corsican

French

In the past French policy was to discourage the use of Corsican

Local government only, with potential independence movement.

Autonomy was granted at the end of 2001. The local assembly was given power over local affairs, still within the French Republic. Time will show whether this satisfies the nationalists.

Meanwhile there is a campaign of assassination of French officials with bombs, including car bombs. As in Northern Ireland the militants have evolved towards a criminal mafia.

Histoire de la Corse

Feuding and banditry in 19th century Corsica

Tourism, somewhat discouraged by terrorism.

Subsistence agriculture.

As in the rest of the Mediterranean there will be a tendency to increasing aridity as the Sahara moves north.