Corsica, also known as the 'mountain in the sea', boasts rugged terrain and spectacular landscapes and is very sparsely populated in comparison with other Mediterranean islands. The population is concentrated in a few large conurbations. In recent decades, economic development has been driven by tourism, the construction industry and a particularly well-developed arts and crafts sector. Since 1 January 2018, the island has had the status of single local authority: a structure which combines the competences of the region and the two departments.