In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of Occitans and its impact on today's society. Occitans is a topic that has captured the attention of experts and amateurs alike, generating debates and reflections in a wide range of fields and disciplines. Throughout history, Occitans has played a crucial role in shaping events and narratives, influencing the way people interact with each other and perceive the world around them. In this comprehensive analysis, we will examine various aspects and facets of Occitans, offering a complete overview that allows the reader to understand its importance and relevance today.
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|
Total population | |
---|---|
c. 17 million | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Languages | |
Occitan (native); French, Italian, Spanish, Catalan (as a result of language shift) | |
Religion | |
Roman Catholicism, minority Protestantism and Waldensian | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Catalans, Valencians, French, Spaniards, Ligurians |
The Occitans (Occitan: occitans) are a Romance-speaking ethnic group originating in the historical region of Occitania (southern France, northeastern Spain, and northwestern Italy and Monaco). They have been also called Gascons, Provençals, and Auvergnats.
The Occitan language is still used to varying levels by between 100,000 and 800,000 speakers in southern France and northern Italy. Since 2006, the Occitan language is recognized as one of the official languages in Catalonia, an autonomous region of Spain.
The Occitans are concentrated in Occitania, but also in big urban centres in neighbouring regions: Lyon, Paris, Turin, and Barcelona. There are also ethnic Occitans in Guardia Piemontese (Calabria), as well as Argentina, Mexico, and the United States. [citation needed]