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Potenza is capital of southern Italy's Basilicata Region. Founded high in the Apennine Mountains during the 2nd century BC, Potenza is now home to 65,000 people. Earthquakes have punctuated its history, including a major trembler in 1980. Yet, Potenza's medieval architecture has survived remarkably well. Agriculture, food processing, and government services propel Potenza's economy, while the University of Basilicata is its main cultural institution. The Basilicata Region is Italy's third smallest in population. It is mostly mountainous, with the Ionian and Tyrrhenian (Mediterranean) Seas on its respective southeast and southwest borders. Only about 8 percent of Basilicata is still wooded, but the Pollino Forest National Park is a main natural attraction, featuring rare species like wolf, boar, and European wildcat. On the wider economic front, Basilcata is Italy's only Region where farmers outnumber industrial workers. It's also been a frequent target of development ititiatives by the Italian government. Yet, if not luxury, the region offers lovely scenery, as well as flavors and rhythms of an older, rural Italy.