Saria Island

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Saria
Σaρία
Geography
Coordinates: 35°52′N 27°13′E / 35.867, 27.217
Island Chain: Dodecanese


Highest Mountain: Mt. Saria (631 m (2,070 ft))
Government
Flag of Greece Greece
Periphery: South Aegean
Prefecture: Dodecanese
Capital: Argos
Statistics
Population: 22 (as of 2001)
Postal Code: 857 00
Area Code: 22450
License Code: ΚΧ, ΡΟ, PK

Saria Island (Greek: Σαρία) is an island in Greece. It is a rocky, volcanic island along the northern edge of Karpathos, separated from the mainland by a strait 100 m (330 ft) wide. Administratively, it is part of the community of Olympos. The 2001 census reported a resident population of 22 persons. It has little plant or animal life, and has a number of sharp cliffs. Although only shepherds live on Saria now, the ruins of the ancient city of Nisyros can be found here. It is also a breeding area for a breed of falcon known as Eleonora's Falcon.

Although the name is subject to dispute, scholars link it with the name of an ancient Greek Princess named Katherine from a line of Saria royalty. Greek legends say she was as beautiful as Helen of Troy and so they named an Island after her majesty. On the island of Saria, it is recorded history that a kingdom existed named Mikri Nisyros.

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Coordinates: 35°52′N, 27°13′E