Epirus at a glance
The region of four regional units to which Arta belongs: area, population, mountains and rain.
- Area
- About 9,203 km²
- Residents
- 319,991 (2021)
- Capital
- Ioannina
- Regional units
- Arta, Ioannina, Preveza, Thesprotia
Epirus covers about 9,203 km² and had 319,991 residents (2021 census), fewer than in 2011 (336,856). Its capital is Ioannina, home to nearly a third of the region's people. It consists of four regional units: Arta, Ioannina, Preveza and Thesprotia.
Geography and climate
It is mountainous, with its highest point at Mount Smolikas (2,637 m). The Pindus separates it from Macedonia and Thessaly. Most of the region is on the windward side of the Pindus and receives more rainfall than any other part of Greece. Protected areas include the Vikos–Aoös and Pindus National Parks.
Economy and antiquities
Sheep and goat herding is important, and the region produces well-known dairy products such as feta. Eco-tourism is a major sector. In antiquity the area was inhabited by the Molossians and Thesprotians. Well-known archaeological and historic sites include Dodona, Nicopolis, Ioannina Castle, Parga Castle and the Parigoritissa of Arta.