Western Greece: A Regional Tapestry
Exploring the administrative heart and geographical soul of Greece's western expanse.
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Overview
Geographical Context
Western Greece, known in Greek as Perifรฉreia Dytikรญs Ellรกdhas, is one of the thirteen administrative regions of Greece. It strategically encompasses the western portion of continental Greece and extends to the northwestern part of the Peloponnese peninsula. This region is a significant administrative and geographical entity within the Hellenic Republic.
Area and Population
Covering an area of approximately 11,350.18 square kilometers (4,382.33 square miles), Western Greece is a substantial territory. As of the latest estimates (2024), its population stands at around 640,243 residents. This figure reflects a demographic shift, with a recorded decrease of 5.4% between the 2011 and 2021 censuses.
Capital City
The administrative capital and largest urban center of Western Greece is Patras. Renowned as the third-largest city in Greece, Patras serves as the primary hub for commerce, culture, and governance within the region, boasting a population of approximately 280,000 inhabitants.
Administration
Regional Structure
Established in its current form during the 1987 administrative reform and further redefined by the 2010 Kallikratis plan, Western Greece operates under a decentralized administrative framework. It is overseen by the Decentralized Administration of Peloponnese, Western Greece, and the Ionian Islands, with its headquarters located in Patras.
Regional Units
The region is administratively divided into three key regional units, which correspond to the former prefectures:
Governance
The region is led by an elected Regional Governor. Currently, Nektarios Farmakis holds this position, elected in 2019 and affiliated with the New Democracy party. This leadership oversees the implementation of regional policies and development strategies.
Climate
Mediterranean Influence
Western Greece experiences a characteristic Mediterranean climate, classified as Csa under the Kรถppen climate classification. This climate is defined by hot, dry summers that are dominated by sunny days, particularly in coastal areas. Conversely, the winters are mild and wet, with precipitation being common, especially in the mountainous terrains such as Erymanthos, Panachaiko, and Aroania.
Winter Conditions
During the winter months, average temperatures in the low-lying areas typically hover around 10ยฐC (50ยฐF). Snowfall is a frequent occurrence in the higher elevations of the region's mountain ranges, contributing to the diverse microclimates present within Western Greece.
Economy
Economic Output
In 2018, Western Greece generated a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of โฌ8.3 billion, representing 4.5% of Greece's total economic output. This figure underscores the region's contribution to the national economy.
Purchasing Power and Productivity
Adjusted for purchasing power parity, the GDP per capita in Western Greece was โฌ15,200 in 2018, which equates to 50% of the European Union's average. The region's GDP per employee stood at 65% of the EU average, indicating a productivity level that is developing within the European context.
Demographics
Population Trends
The demographic landscape of Western Greece has seen a notable shift in recent years. Between the 2011 census and the 2021 census, the region experienced a population decrease of 36,447 individuals, marking a decline of 5.4%. This trend highlights ongoing demographic challenges and population dynamics within the region.
Major Communities
Key Urban Centers
Western Greece is home to several significant communities, each contributing to the region's cultural and economic fabric. The most prominent urban centers include:
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References
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding regional development, geography, or administrative matters. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.