Rhône-Alpes
Rhône-Alpes is the second highest–ranked region in France with 5,9 million inhabitants and covering 44,000 km². It accounts for 10% of the national population in 8 administrative departments (or counties). This dimension places it amongst Europe’s ten largest regions.
Rhône-Alpes features a dense urban framework organised around a real network of cities. It is the second French periurban region. Lyon, the capital of Rhône-Alpes, has a population of 1,648,000 and is the second largest metropolitan district in France. In addition the region includes two urban centres with over 300,000 inhabitants: Grenoble and Saint-Etienne.
These major cities are surrounded by medium-sized town and cities, forming a particularly dynamic economic network with communication routes that enable rapid internal and external links.
This urban environment is balanced by world famous natural features (Mont-Blanc, Gorges de l’Ardèche, the Rhône Valley), and by many other exceptional natural areas including: 6 Regional Nature Parks, 2 National Parks, and 33 nature reserves, all of which make a huge contribution to the quality of life.
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Photo: Jean-Luc Rigaux |
Rhône-Alpes enjoys a privileged geographical location. From the Alps to the Massif Central, from Bresse to the Rhône Valley, it is a land of contrasts, rich in quality agricultural products, as can be seen in its many labels.
Agriculture in Rhône-Alpes is very diversificated with small farms devoted to arboriculture, viticulture, horticulture, but also to bovine breeding, and cereals production on larger holdings. It represents 6% of the French agricultural area, with 40% of its farms located in urban and peri-urban areas.
Peri-urban issues therefore feature among the important political objectives of Rhône-Alpes Regional Council. The Council finances research and experimentation oriented on agricultural and peri-urban issues as well as agricultural projects in peri-urban areas
General data:
| Country: |
France |
| Total area: |
4.370.000 |
| Population: |
5.900.000 |
| Density: |
130 hab/km2 |
| Agriculture land use: |
34 % |
| Arable land: |
13 % |
| Main economic activities: |
Metallurgy, Services for the industry, Tourism |
| Main agricultural products: |
Milk, Wine and Fruits |
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Last updated: 28 Apr 2009