This is a very complex question that has puzzled historians, politicians and economists for decades now. As others have said, Sicily was once among the wealthiest regions in Italy until 200 years ago. read more
This is why southern Italy (Europe) is generally poorer than northern Italy (Europe). And, by the way, I often hear, expecially from southern Italians, that the kingdom of the two Sicilies was richer than any other state in Italy when it was annected. read more