Calabria is a beautiful and small underdeveloped region which forms the tip of the Italian peninsula. The region is hard to navigate through the mountains and because of this communication networks and adequate road and rail systems have been difficult to install. Of course, Calabria's troubled history might also help describe the regions slow start to economic accomplishments. Calabria is one of the oldest regions of Italy with the first evidence of human presence in the region dating as far back as 700,000 years BC. Calabria forms the toe of the Italian boot and is bordered by Basilicata and sandwiched in between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas. There is a lot of coastline in Calabria. No part of the region is more than 50 km away from the coast. Calabria covers and area of just 15,000 km² and is made up of five provinces: Catanzaro, Consenza, Reggio di Calabria, Crotone, and Vibo Valentia. Cantanzaro is the capital of the region, but regional parliament is held in the former regional capital, Reggio di Calabria.

The economy of Calabria is still based particularly on agriculture. Principal agricultural products include oil, onions, mushrooms, wheat and other cereal grains, wine, eggplant, figs, chestnuts, and citrus fruit. Calabria is the largest producer of bergamot oranges in Italy. The rinds of bergamot oranges are used to manufacture perfumes, teas, and other aromatic creations. Despite is small size and low population Calabria is responsible for producing a third of all the olive oil produced in Italy.

Calabria is advantageous to have a great deal of forested land and as a result most industry is developed around construction and building. Clothing, textile, and chemical industries are also present in the region. A substantial portion of the regions economic resources stem from the production and sale of handicrafts by individuals and very small family businesses. Calabria has a beautiful coastline which was under distress due to pollution caused by improper waste disposal and annual flooding. Calabria now boasts one of the cleanest, nicest coastlines in on the peninsula.

Calabria has awesome tourist potential. Currently the area is not overwhelmed by tourists. The picturesque scenery of Calabria will one day beckon hordes of people because no where else can one view such a beautiful panorama of nature. Tall, snow tipped mountains give way to thick luscious forests, white sand beaches, sapphire coast lines and crystal oceans. At the same this setting is just a backdrop to wonderful rustic villas and impressive Greek ruins. Those interested in Greek history will find Calabria a great vacation spot. Because of Calabria's Greek heritage the region is full of Greek ruins. In between gorgeous rustic mountain tops and lush olive stands small villas conceal a rich history of Mediterranean influence. Ruins can even be found underwater near the shore line. Hobby divers often visit Calabria to see the many under ruins left underwater by ships damaged off the coast. Calabria hosts several world class sea side resorts as well as wonderful mountain top resorts dedicated to winter sports. Tourists will also enjoy watching local artisans produce any number of handicrafts, pottery and ceramics being the most common. The natural beauty of the area has not been spoiled by hotel chains and fast food. There are no huge crowds to contend with. The mountains still shine down beautifully, the coast is still clear and uncomplicated, the food is still indigenous to the region, and the people are still living the Italian way. Destinations like Calabria will not stay perfect forever. There is something for everyone in Calabria.

Basilicata is a mountainous region. Though most of the mountains are arid and craggy the Lucanian Dolomites are a peculiarly nice area of the Apennines. This area is highly wooded and has a number of picturesque little lakes. Over all the Basilicatan landscape is rouged and primitive, making it a wonderful place to get back on touch with nature. Basilicata has been victim to many devastating earthquakes over the centuries making it hard for the region to develop into an industrialized area. The effects of such earthquakes can be seen in the local landscape and are fascinating from a geological standpoint.

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