Under former Austrian rule, which began in the 19th century (previously, Trentino was governed by the local bishop), the common German name for the region was Welschtirol (lit.

In its wider sense, Trentino was first used around 1848 in an article by a member of the Frankfurt National Assembly; it became a popular term among leftist intellectual circles in Austria.

In 1027, the Bishopric of Trent was established as a State of the Holy Roman Empire by Emperor Conrad II.

After the Napoleonic Wars of the early 19th century, the bishopric was secularized and absorbed into the Austrian County of Tyrol.

The region was the location of heavy fighting during World War I, as it was directly on the front lines between Austria-Hungary and Italy.

After World War II, the Italian and Austrian Foreign Ministers signed the Gruber-De Gasperi Agreement, creating the autonomous region of Trentino-South Tyrol, consisting of the autonomous provinces of Trentino and South Tyrol.

The region's assemblies meet together as one on various occasions and have set up a common liaison office to the European Union in Brussels.

The principal towns of Trentino lie in the Adige Valley, which has been a historical passage connecting Italy with Northern Europe.

Other notable mountains include the Kesselkogel Cermis, Crozzon di Brenta, Latemar, Piz Boè, and Vezzana.

Administratively, the province enjoys a large degree of autonomy in the following sectors: health, education, welfare and transport infrastructure.

[24] The executive powers are attributed to the provincial government (Italian: Giunta Provinciale), headed by the governor (Presidente).

Due to the division of the province into the 217 municipalities (Comuni/Gemeinden), often of small or even tiny size, in the late 1970s, eleven larger units known as districts (comprensori) were introduced.

However, this tier of government has provoked criticism, and, in 2006, a reform created fifteen more homogeneous "Valley Communities" (comunità di valle, Talgemeinden) and one territory including the municipalities of Trento, Cimone, Aldeno and Garniga Terme (see Municipalities of Trentino).

The Gross domestic product (GDP) of the region was 25.5 billion euros in 2023,[26] accounting for 1.2% of Italy's economic output.

The most important produce comprises apples (50% of national production, together with South Tyrol) and other fruit, vegetables (primarily in the Val di Gresta), and grapes.

In January 2008, the Edmund Mach Foundation was established to promote research, training and services in the agricultural, agri-food and environmental fields.

The primary industries, often small and medium-sized, are concentrated in Valsugana, Vallagarina and the Adige Valleys.

The highest concentration of the population is located around the capital city of Trento, and the southern parts.

After World War II and the devolution of power to regional authorities, a change in policy slowly began, which gained momentum in the 1990s.

Since then a number of far-reaching laws and regulations have been passed and implemented, that protect and promote the use of these three languages and the unique cultural heritage and identity.

All three minorities have their own cultural institute which were decreed by national law and receive state funds.

The total number of Ladin speakers in the census of 2001 exceeds the population of around 7,500 in the Fassa Valley.

Its history, but also the relatively insular geographic position of some valleys led to an extraordinary richness in culture and many customs and traditions that have been kept alive up to the present.

Among the main ones: Also worthy of note are the cultural institutes and museums dedicated to the three minorities of the province, the Istitut cultural Ladin "majon di fascegn" in Val di Fassa and the "Kulturinstitut Bersntol - Lusérn" for the promotion of German-speaking minorities mòchene and Cimbre.

During the spring and summer, cycling is a big event in the region, such as the Giro del Trentino and Maratona dles Dolomites over the mountain passes.