IONIA NISIA - Geography and history
The region of the Ionian Islands ? also known as the Heptanese since there are seven main islands ? consists of the islands in the Ionian Sea of the western coast of Greece. Since they have long been subject to influences from Western Europe, the islands form a separate historic and cultural unit within Greece. The region is divided administratively into the four nomi of Kerkyra, Lefkada, Kefallinia and Zakinthos and comprises the islands of Corfu (Kerkyra), Zakinthos, Cephalonia (Kefallinia), Lefkada, Ithaca (Ithaki), Paxi and a number of smaller islands.
There are no high mountains, and the terrain is hilly with small fertile plains. 38% of the area is classified as lowland, 24% as mountainous and 38% as semi-mountainous.
This is one of the most earthquake-prone areas of Greece and the Mediterranean.
The Ionian Islands are the sunniest part of Greece, but the southerly winds bring abundant rainfall.
Between Greece and the West
The region is noted for its natural beauty and its long history and cultural tradition. It is also well placed geographically, since it is close to both mainland Greece and Western Europe and thus forms a convenient stepping-stone, in particular for passenger traffic between Greece and the West.
These factors have favoured the continuous development of tourism, which has become the most dynamic branch in the region's economy.
Tourist development has resulted in the concentration of activities on certain islands (Corfu, Zakinthos), the concentration of population in the main urban centres (Kerkyra, Argostoli, Zakinthos), the depopulation of the majority of villages, the gradual abandonment of farming and a low level of general development and manufacturing activity. The primary and secondary sectors have serious weaknesses and problems and constitute, in a sense, complementary activities alongside tourism.
Agriculture is marked by low productivity and a small proportion of irrigated land.
Manufacturing activity is at a low level, as the sector comprises only small craft-type units, mainly engaged in processing agricultural produce.
The last few years have seen the development of fish farming, which has given a boost to the fisheries sector. One of the most important fish-breeding centres in the Mediterranean is at Livadi on Kefallinia.
Corfu ? showcase of tourism in the region
Kerkira is the region's largest nomos in terms of population, with a particularly high population density, which is more than twice the national average. 65% of its land area is lowland. On account of its geographical position, its international airport and its ferry connections, Corfu is one of the western gateways to Greece.
The economy of the nomos has grown up around tourism and services. Corfu is second only to Rhodes in number of foreign visitors, and the nomos of Kerkira generates some 60% of the region's GDP.
The nomos of Kefallinia is the region's largest in area but also the most sparsely populated. Its economy is based on agriculture, which has a traditional structure with low productivity, and on tourism. A further source of income is seamen and emigrants' remittances.
The nomos of Zakinthos relies exclusively on agriculture and tourism.
The nomos of Lefkada is the smallest in the region and in Greece. Its proximity to the mainland has erased its island character, giving Lefkada stronger links with Etoloakarnania than with the other islands.
The economy of Levkada is based on agriculture (mainly olive growing) and tourism.
|
|