ATTIKI - Geography and history
Attica comprises only one nomos, which includes the capital, Athens. Included in the region are the islands of Salamina, Egina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses and Kithira.
65% of the region is semi-mountainous, 30% lowland and 5% mountainous. The main plains are those of Megara, Messogia, Keratea, Marathonas and Oropos. The highest mountain in Attica is Parnitha (1143 m), other mountains being Gerania, Penteli and Ymittos.
The region enjoys a dry Mediterranean climate, the average annual temperature in Athens being 17.4 °C.
The region's economy is based on the development of industry and services. The boom in building activity is drastically reducing the amount of agricultural land.
The price of development
Despite its relatively small size (3 808 km2), Attica is of great political, economic and historical importance, containing the national capital, Athens, which is the leading centre in terms of population, economy and culture.
Attica has the highest concentration of manufacturing, commercial and banking activity and is home to 33% of the population of Greece. It has both light and heavy industry. It is the main hub of communications in Greece, with facilities for the rapid transport of raw materials and finished products, principally through the port of Piraeus, which is linked directly to all the main ports of the Mediterranean, and also by road, rail and air. The region accounts for 40% of total national employment and has a plentiful supply of manpower, particularly skilled labour. It is the main educational centre of the country, with thousands of students attending its establishments of higher education. It also has a wealth of ancient monuments and sites (Parthenon, Arhaia Agora, etc.), which attract millions of visitors from all over the world.
The concentration of both economic activity and population in Attica has led to uncontrolled building, high land and housing costs, a shortage of accommodation and an increase in rents, inadequate public transport, an increase in unemployment and crime, etc. Attica also has serious environmental problems: air and noise pollution and the deterioration of the natural environment.
A region of contrasts
The region of Attica has four administrative divisions: Athens, Piraeus, Eastern Attica and Western Attica. Development in Athens has been concentrated around the Acropolis and in Piraeus around the port area.
The character of Attica began to change at the end of the 1960s with the explosive urbanization of the basin. The disproportionate growth of the capital has created problems almost everywhere in the region.
The western areas are socially homogeneous (working-class), with low incomes predominating and with a high degree of damage to the environment and the quality of life.
The eastern areas show a more varied social composition. In some parts (e.g. Nea Ionia) the population is solidly working-class, while other areas (e.g. Kifissia) are more or less middle-class. Eastern Attica contains inland towns and villages (Acharnes, Koropi, etc.) where the main source of income is crop and livestock farming. Along the coast there are holiday facilities, and the main source of employment is tourism. On the whole, however, average and high incomes predominate, and living conditions are better in Eastern Attica.
The Athens area has large concentrations of population in high-density areas with a working-class structure as a result of the low rents and the communications available.
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