Halki (Greece)

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Halki
Χάλκη
The port of Emborio
The port of Emborio
Geography
Coordinates: 36°14′N 27°34′E / 36.233, 27.567
Island Chain: Dodecanese
Area:[1] 28 km² (11 sq.mi.)
Highest Mountain: Mt. Halki (601 m (1,972 ft))
Government
Flag of Greece Greece
Periphery: South Aegean
Prefecture: Dodecanese
Capital: Emborio
Statistics
Population: 313 (as of 2001)
Density: 11 /km² (29 /sq.mi.)
Postal Code: 851 10
Area Code: 22460
License Code: ΚΧ, ΡΟ, PK
Website
www.halki.gr

Halki (Greek: Χάλκη; Chalki, Khalki, also Chalce) is a Greek island and municipality in the Dodecanese archipelago in the Aegean Sea, some 6 km (4 mi) west of Rhodes. With the area of 28 km² (11 sq mi), it is the smallest inhabited island of Dodecanese. It has permanent population of 330 (increased during the summer months), concentrated in the only village Emborio. The 2001 census showed a population of 313 inhabitants, making it the smallest municipality (dímos) in Greece; however, there are many smaller communes (koinótita). The community is divided in two parts, Chorio (Emborio) and the port.

Contents

[edit] History

The island supported a much larger population but following emigration in the mid twentieth century Chorio was almost completely abandoned. A ruined medieval castle of the Knights of St. John overlooks the old town and the chapel contains some of the original frescoes.

List of Halki rulers:

Roman Empire 27 BC-395 AD
Byzantine Empire 395-7th cent.
Arabs 7th cent-825
Byzantine Empire 825-1204
Venice 1204-
Genoa
Ottoman Empire 1523-1912
Italy 1912-1948
Greece 1948-present

[edit] Municipality

The Municipality of Halki includes several uninhabited offshore islands, the largest of which is Alimia to the northeast, and has a total land area of 37.043 km². The island's primary industry is tourism, although fishing is also substantial. There is virtually no natural water supply on the island and rainfall is collected in large cisterns. Drinking water is brought in from Rhodes but there can be shortages during the summer months with the increased population.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Basic Characteristics. Ministry of the Interior. www.ypes.gr. Retrieved on 2007-08-07.

[edit] External links

Coordinates: 36°14′N, 27°34′E