Corsica is a French island located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of France and west of Italy. It is the fourth largest island in the Mediterranean, with a total area of approximately 8,680 square kilometers (3,350 square miles). Corsica is known for its rugged mountains, beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife. Corsica has a rich history and culture that reflects its strategic location at the crossroads of major trade routes in the Mediterranean. It has been inhabited by various peoples throughout history, including the Greeks, Romans, and various Germanic tribes. In the Middle Ages, Corsica was ruled by various Italian city-states before coming under the control of Genoa in the 13th century. It was then sold to France in 1768, after which it became a department of France in 1975.