Corse-du-Sud

Département covering the southern half of the French island of Corsica; area 4,014 sq km/1,550 sq mi; population (1999 est) 118,600. Together with Haute-Corse, it comprises the administrative region of Corsica. The border with the northern département runs for the most part along the central mountain spine of the island; peaks over 2,000 m/6,500 ft in Corse-du-Sud include Monte d'Oro (2,391m/7,844 ft) and L'Incudine (2,136 m/7,008 ft). Sheep and goats are grazed on this mainly rocky, infertile terrain, while olives, olive oil, and wine (from the lower slopes) are the principal agricultural produce. Fishing and tourism are important contributors to the economy. The island's capital, Ajaccio, on the west coast, is also the departmental capital; other towns include Sartène, Sari-d'Orcino, Vico, and Piana.

The island of Corsica was divided into two départements in administrative reforms of 1974.