Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after Sicily). The area of Sardinia is 24 090 square kilometers. The island lies between Italy, Spain, and Tunisia, south of Corsica; it is one of the autonomous regions with special statute under the Italian Constitution.

At the beginning of the nuragic age circa 1500 BC the island was first called Hyknusa (Latinized Ichnusa) by the Mycenaeans probably meaning island (nusa) of the Hyksos, the people who had just been expelled by Ahmose I of Egypt circa 1540 BC. Sandalyon was its second name, probably due to its shape, recalling a footprint. Last and present name has been Sardinia, for the Shardana (whose invasion of Egypt was defeated by Ramesses III circa 1180 BC).

Sardinia is one of two Italian regions whose inhabitants have been recognized as a "popolo" (i.e. a distinct people) by a local Statute (which is not a Constitutional Law). The other region is Veneto.

Sardinia is one of the world's most interesting musical destinations. Home to one of the oldest forms of Vocal Polyphony, generally known as Canto a Tenores, several big names of music such as Frank Zappa, Ornette Coleman and Peter Gabriel found it irresistible. The latter travelled to the town of Bitti in the central mountain region, and recorded the now world-famous Tenores di Bitti CD on his Realworld label. The guttural sounds produced in this form make a truly remarkable sound, similar to Tuvan (Mongolia)throat singing. Another polyphonic style of singing, more similar to the Corsican Paghjella and liturgic in nature, is also found in Sardinia and known as Cantu a Cuncordu.

Another unique instrument is The launeddas. See also: Music of Sardinia. Three reed-canes (2 of them glued together with bees wax) producing distinctive harmonies, which have their roots many thousands of years ago, as demonstrated by the bronzette from Ittiri, of a man playing the 3 reed canes, dated back to 2000 BC.

Beyond this, the tradition of Cantos a Chiterra (guitar songs) has its origins in town squares, when artists would compete against one another. It lives on in new forms. Sardinian culture is alive and well, and young people are actively involved in their own music and dancing.

The main religion of Sardinia, alike the rest of Italy and southwest Europe, is Roman Catholicism. However, there are small Greek Catholic and Eastern Orthodox sects established in Sardinia for over 900 years.