The Province of Foggia ( ; Foggiano: ) is a province in the Apulia (Puglia) region of southern Italy. This province is also known as Daunia, after the Daunians, an Iapygian pre-Roman tribe living in Tavoliere plain, and as Capitanata, derived from Catapanata, since the area was governed by a catepan as part of the Catepanate of Italy during the High Middle Ages. Its capital is the city of Foggia. Geography The province of Foggia can be divided in three parts: one centered on its capital called Tavoliere, another along the Apennines named Daunian Mountains and the third on the spur of the boot-shaped Italian peninsula called Gargano. The Tavoliere is an important agricultural area: grapefruit, olives, durum wheat and tomato are the chief products. It is called "the granary of Italy" because of its significant wheat production. Daunian Mountains lie along the border with Molise and Campania. Scattered with small villages, the mountains are covered by forests and pastures, with the main produce being hams and caciocavallo cheese. Faetar, a language descended from Franco-Provençal, is spoken in two villages: Faeto and Celle di San Vito. The Gargano peninsula is partially mountainous and partially forested, Foresta Umbra with vegetation typical of Central Europe, the only part of the ancient Black Forest remaining in Italy. Allegedly its name comes from the word ombra (shadow) because of its density that prevents light from entering. The coast of Gargano has many beaches and tourist facilities. In the north are two major salt lakes Lesina and Varano. It produces olives, olive oil and typical mountain and seafood items. Population It has an area of and a total population of 627,102 (2012). There are currently 61 comuni (singular: comune) in the province, see Comuni of the Province of Foggia. Population centers Main centers in the province are: Foggia, the capital and native city of opera composer Umberto Giordano. Favourite residence in Apulia of Frederick II at the beginning of the 13th century. During his reign it was the most important town of the province and to alternate periods of the Empire. San Severo, the old capital and city of comics artist Andrea Pazienza. San Giovanni Rotondo, home of Padre Pio and place of the church devoted to him. Manfredonia and Vieste archiepiscopal see of Apulia. Vieste, Mattinata and Peschici, notable sea-side resorts. Lucera, one of the residence of Frederick II. Other centers of interest are: