Trentino-Alto Adige is the northernmost region of Italy, and one of the five autonomous regions of the country. It is composed of two autonomous provinces, known as Trentino and South Tyrol (Alto Adige in Italian, Südtirol in German). While people in Trentino usually speak Italian as a first language, in South Tyrol German remains the predominant language, and both provinces host a minority of Ladin speakers. Thanks to its position at the center of the Alps, the region has been crossed by trade routes that connect Southern and Northern Europe since ancient times. During the Middle Ages, the area was governed by independent prince-bishoprics and later came under the rule of the County of Tyrol and eventually the Austrian Empire. The region joined Italy after World War I and now it always ranks among the most wealthy areas and the best in terms of quality of life in the country. It is also a very popular region for tourists, thanks to its stunningly beautiful environment, many ski resorts, and unique culture.