Mezzogiorno

Hot, impoverished area of southern Italy, comprising the regions of Molise, Campania, Apulia, Basilicata, and Calabria, and the islands of Sardinia and Sicily. Agriculture is the chief mainstay of a generally poor economy; the main products are grains, vegetables, grapes, and olives. The region's economic, educational, and income levels are much lower than those of northern Italy.

Its name refers to the intensity of the midday sun in the area.