Nepedia
Back to Discover
Advanced Reader
🗺️

Lombardy

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Lombardy is a major administrative region in northern Italy.

Map of region of Lombardy, Italy, with provinces-en
Map of region of Lombardy, Italy, with provinces-en

It is a massive center for economic activity and culture. The region is home to approximately 10 million people. This accounts for more than one-sixth of the total population of Italy.

Lombardia-Densita
Lombardia-Densita

Lombardy is also highly significant within the European Union. It is the second-most populous region in the EU. It also ranks second in the EU for nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This makes it a vital hub for the entire continent.

The geography of Lombardy is divided into three distinct natural zones. These are the mountains, the hills, and the plains. The mountainous areas cover about 41% of the total surface area.

Passo Manina e Coca
Passo Manina e Coca

The plains make up approximately 47% of the territory. The remaining 12% consists of hilly land. The northern belt is characterized by the Alpine relief. This includes the Lepontine and Rhaetian Alps. The central area is a piedmont zone with alluvial pebbly soils. The southern part is the Lombard section of the Padan Plain. This plain is divided into the Alta, or high plains, and the Bassa, or low plains.

Water plays a crucial role in the landscape of the region. Many large lakes are located in the northern highlands. These lakes are all of glacial origin.

Sentiero del Viandante DSC 6340 (14020554463)
Sentiero del Viandante DSC 6340 (14020554463)

From west to east, these include Lake Maggiore, Lake Lugano, Lake Como, Lake Iseo, Lake Idro, and Lake Garda. Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. The Po River forms much of the southern border. Several major tributaries flow into the Po. These include the Ticino, the Adda, and the Mincio rivers. In Milan, a system of interconnected canals is known as the navigli. These canals date back as far as the Middle Ages.

Lombardy has a deep and complex history tied to the Lombard people. The name of the region is derived from these people. They arrived in Italy in 568.

Map of Historical Lombardy
Map of Historical Lombardy

They established their capital at Pavia. During the Early Middle Ages, the region was known as the Kingdom of the Lombards. The Lombards ruled most of early Christian Italy. This rule lasted until Charlemagne captured Pavia in 774. The Lombard culture became foundational to Italy during the Middle Ages. Today, the region's rich history is reflected in its 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

San michele maggiore
San michele maggiore

The economy of Lombardy is a primary driver for Italy. The region contributes about one-fifth of the national GDP. Milan serves as the economic capital of the country.

Milan skyline skyscrapers of Porta Nuova business district
Milan skyline skyscrapers of Porta Nuova business district

It is a global center for business, finance, and fashion. The city's metropolitan area is one of the largest in the European Union. Lombardy is also a member of the Four Motors for Europe. This is an international economic organization. It includes Baden-Württemberg in Germany, Catalonia in Spain, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in France.

EU NUTS 2 Four Motors 2016
EU NUTS 2 Four Motors 2016

The climate in Lombardy varies significantly due to its elevation. The plains generally experience a humid subtropical climate. This area often faces fog during the cold winter months. In the Alpine foothills, an oceanic climate prevails. The large lakes help to mitigate the temperature in these areas. This creates a microclimate that allows for Mediterranean crops. Farmers can grow olives and citrus fruit near the lakes.

Italy - Sirmione - Scaligero Castle
Italy - Sirmione - Scaligero Castle

In the higher mountains, the climate is humid continental. The valleys remain relatively mild. However, it can be very cold with heavy snow above certain heights.

Nature is carefully preserved through various protected areas. These areas cover more than 27% of the regional territory.

Aree protette della Lombardia
Aree protette della Lombardia

The region contains one national park and 24 regional parks. It also has 65 natural reserves and 30 natural monuments. The Stelvio National Park is the largest and most famous. It is the fourth-largest natural park in Italy. This park is home to wildlife like red deer, ibex, and golden eagles. The Parco naturale lombardo della Valle del Ticino is also important. It is the first European river park. Both parks are part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

655 words

Where will your curiosity go next?

Keep exploring at your chosen reading level.

🖼️ Images & Media (69)
File:Map of Historical Lombardy.png
Map of Historical Lombardy.png
File:Passo Manina e Coca.JPG
Passo Manina e Coca.JPG
File:Sentiero del Viandante DSC 6340 (14020554463).jpg
Sentiero del Viandante DSC 6340 (14020554463).jpg
File:Splügenpass Nordseite.jpg
Splügenpass Nordseite.jpg
File:Aree protette della Lombardia.svg
Aree protette della Lombardia.svg
File:Val Brembana - Laghi Gemelli.jpg
Val Brembana - Laghi Gemelli.jpg
File:Origgio, campi e boschi.JPG
Origgio, campi e boschi.JPG
File:Scena di duello R6 - Foppe - Nadro (Foto Luca Giarelli).jpg
Scena di duello R6 - Foppe - Nadro (Foto...
File:Kingdom of Italy (HRE) - 962.png
Kingdom of Italy (HRE) - 962.png
File:San michele maggiore.JPG
San michele maggiore.JPG
File:Member Cities of the Lombard Leagues.png
Member Cities of the Lombard Leagues.png
File:Visconti XIV century.svg
Visconti XIV century.svg

+ 57 more

More to explore

✨ What else?

Related topics you might enjoy

🔬 Go deeper

More advanced topics to explore

🪜 Step back

Simpler topics to build understanding

What is Nepedia?

A free, ad-free encyclopedia for children. Every article is written at five reading levels, so the same page works for a five-year-old and a fifteen-year-old — use the level switcher above to see this one change. No account needed to read.