Bastia | |
---|---|
State | Corsica |
Country | France |
Capital | |
Population | 43008 |
Bastia (UK: , US: , French: [bastja] (listen), Italian: [baˈstiːa]; Corsican: Bastìa [baˈsti.a]) is a commune in the department of Haute-Corse, France located in the north-east of the island of Corsica at the base of Cap Corse. It also has the second-highest population of any commune on the island after Ajaccio and is the capital of the Bagnaja region and of the department. However, unemployment rate in the commune has persistently been one of the highest in France, standing at over 20% in 2004.
Maastricht | |
---|---|
State | |
Country | |
Capital | |
Population | 0 |
Maastricht (, also US: , Dutch: [maːˈstrɪxt] (listen); Limburgish (incl. Maastrichtian): Mestreech [məˈstʀeˑx]; French: Maestricht (archaic); Spanish: Mastrique (archaic)) is a city and a municipality in the southeastern Netherlands. It is the capital and largest city of the province of Limburg. Maastricht is located on both sides of the Meuse (Dutch: Maas), at the point where the Jeker joins it. It is adjacent to the border with Belgium.
Maastricht developed from a Roman settlement (Trajectum ad Mosam) to a medieval religious centre. In the 16th century it became a garrison town and in the 19th century an early industrial city. Today, the city is a thriving cultural and regional hub.