[3] The province occupies an area of 2,799.07 square kilometres (1,080.73 sq mi) and has a total population of 802,807 (2016).

Since the eleventh century the Terra d'Otranto included the territories of the provinces of Lecce, Taranto and Brindisi, with the exception of Fasano and Cisternino.

During this time Lecce was severely affected by poverty despite the production of olive oil.

These factors, coupled with the negligence of the weak government, prompted farm workers to revolt against their employers.

[15] The Reserve is home to a large number of animals such as foxes, hedgehogs, badgers, weasels, reptiles and birds.

[2] Lake Alimini Grande is surrounded by a rocky area covered with pine woods and Mediterranean vegetation; also, its depth does not exceed four meters, and the water is rich with shellfish.

[16] Lake Alimini Piccolo is found further inland and consists of freshwater; this water comes from the groundwater channel of the Rio Grande.