Mykonos
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| Mykonos Περιφερειακή ενότητα / Δήμος Μυκόνου |
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|---|---|
| — Regional unit — | |
| Mykonos town | |
| Mykonos within the South Aegean | |
| Coordinates: 37°27′N 25°21′E / 37.45°N 25.35°ECoordinates: 37°27′N 25°21′E / 37.45°N 25.35°E | |
| Country | Greece |
| Region | South Aegean |
| Capital | Mykonos (town) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 105.2 km2 (40.6 sq mi) |
| Population (2001) | |
| • Total | 9,320 |
| • Density | 88.6/km2 (229.5/sq mi) |
| Postal codes | 846 00 |
| Area codes | 22890 |
| Car plates | EM |
| Website | www.mykonos.gr |
Mykonos (English: /ˈmiːkənɒs/, Greek: Μύκονος [ˈmikonos]) is a Greek island, part of the Cyclades, lying between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos. The island spans an area of 85.5 km2 (33 sq mi) and rises to an elevation of 341 m (1,119 ft) at its highest point. There are 9,320 inhabitants (2001) most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, which lies on the west coast. The town is also known as Chora (i.e. the Town in Greek, following the common practice in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town). Tourism is a major industry.[1][2][3][4]
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[edit] History
Archaeological finds indicate that the Ionians settled on Mykonos in the early part of the 11th century BCE.[citation needed]
In ancient times, Mykonos, due to its proximity to the then highly populated island of Delos (situated about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) away), became very important as a supply island and possibly as a getaway location for Delian citizens.
[edit] Since 1900
The island was once[when?] very poor. The economy then relied on fishing and stock breeding.[citation needed] Ship construction was a major industry.[citation needed] Tourism has dominated the economy since the 1950s.[5]
[edit] Mythology
In Greek mythology Mykonos was the location of the battle between Zeus and the Titans, and the island was named in honor of Apollo's grandson Mykons.[citation needed]
[edit] Geography
The island spans an area of 85.5 km2 (33 sq mi) and rises to an elevation of 341 m (1,119 ft) at its highest point.
[edit] Geology
The island is composed primarily of granite.[citation needed]
[edit] Government
Mykonos is a separate regional unit of the South Aegean region, and the only municipality of the regional unit.[6] As a part of the 2011 Kallikratis government reform, the regional unit Mykonos was created out of part of the former Cyclades Prefecture. The municipality, unchanged at the Kallikratis reform, also includes the islands Delos, Rineia and several uninhabited islets. The total area of the municipality is 105.2 km2 (41 sq mi)
It has little natural fresh water and relies on the desalination of sea water in order to meet the needs of its population.[citation needed]
[edit] Demographics
There are 9,320 inhabitants (2001) most of whom live in the largest town, Mykonos, also known as Chora (i.e. the Town in Greek, a common denomination in Greece when the name of the island itself is the same as the name of the principal town).[citation needed]
| Year | Municipality population |
|---|---|
| 1971 | 3,863 |
| 1981 | 5,530 |
| 1991 | 6,179 |
| 2001 | 9,320 |
[edit] Economy
[edit] Tourism
Since the 1960s,[7] the island has been a tourist destination for gay people.[8]
[edit] Landmarks
- Petros the Pelican - An old celebrity of the town's waterfront, "Petros" has been the official mascot of Mykonos for over 50 years.
- Mykonos windmills - From as early as the 16th century, they are one of the most recognized landmarks of Mykonos.
- Little Venice - Here the buildings have been constructed right on the sea's edge with their balconies overhanging the water.
- Paraportiani - One of the most famous architectural structures in Greece. Its name means inner or secondary door which it was to the Medieval stone walls which encircled the area.
- Archaeological Museum - Houses marble sculptures, ceramics and jewellery recovered from the islands of Delos, Renia and Mykonos.
- Aegean Maritime Museum - Displays models of a collection of ships from the pre-Minoan period through to the 19th century and nautical and ancient artifacts related to the history of shipping on Mykonos.
[edit] Transportation
Mykonos Island National Airport is an international airport.[citation needed]
Cruise ships visit.[citation needed]
[edit] Notable people
- Ioannis Gryparis, diplomat and politician
[edit] Communities
- Agios Ioannis
- Agios Stefanos
- Ano Mera
- Ftelia
- Kalafatis
- Mykonos or Chora
- Ornos
- Platy Gialo
- Psarou
- Tourlos
[edit] Trivia
Seattle indie band Fleet Foxes have a 2009 single, Mykonos (song), which is named after the island.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Tom Masters, Europe on a shoestring, 2008
- ^ Duncan Garwood, Mediterranean Europe, 2009
- ^ Lloyd E. Hudman, Richard H. Jackson, Geography of travel and tourism, 2003
- ^ Harry Coccossis, Alexandra Mexa, The challenge of tourism carrying capacity assessment: theory and practice, 2004
- ^ http://www.in2greece.com/english/places/summer/islands/mykonos.htm
- ^ Kallikratis reform law textPDF
- ^ Christian Göttner: „Komisch und krank, geil und traurig“. Interview mit Ralf König. (http://www.subway.de/magazin/1999/07koenig.shtml).
- ^ Porter, Darwin; Mark Baker, Danforth Prince, George McDonald, Sherry Marker, Ryan James. Frommer's Europe. Wiley and Sons. pp. 27. ISBN 0-06-621330-4. http://books.google.com/books?id=d7i3WMD9ZQoC&pg=PA517&lpg=PA517&dq=frommers+europe+mykonos&source=bl&ots=akTooFTF30&sig=2A6EPQw4GfYjRxNH2BpiRT1aZdQ&hl=en&ei=JQGLTqmiLdOCtgeK54y9Aw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBoQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false.
- ^ Article about Mykonos
[edit] External links
| Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Mykonos |
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