Corsica

Corsica is a large, mountainous island in the Mediterranean Sea. It belongs to France but is closer to Italy. Corsica is most famous as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of the most powerful leaders in history. The island has dramatic mountains, beautiful beaches, and fragrant wild herbs.

Land and People

About 340,000 people live in Corsica. The capital is Ajaccio, where Napoleon was born. Corsica is very mountainous, with peaks over 8,000 feet tall. The island has dense forests, rocky cliffs, and crystal clear water along its coast.

Culture and Fun Facts

Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio, Corsica, in 1769. The GR20 hiking trail across the mountains of Corsica is considered one of the toughest and most beautiful hikes in Europe. Corsica has its own language, Corsican, which is similar to Italian. The island is covered in fragrant bushes called maquis.

Fun Facts

• Napoleon Bonaparte, who became Emperor of France, was born on Corsica in 1769.
• The GR20 hiking trail across Corsica is often called the toughest long-distance trail in Europe.
• Corsica is sometimes called the Scented Isle because of the fragrant herbs and flowers that cover the landscape.

Did You Know?

Corsica is called the Scented Isle because the maquis bushes that cover the island give off such a strong smell that sailors could detect the island by its scent before they could see it.