Elis
| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Capital: | Pyrgos |
| Area: | 2,681 km² |
| Inhabitants: | 174,021 (1991) |
| Pop. density: | 65 inh./km² |
| ISO 3166-2: | GR-14 |
| Map | |
| Map of Greece highlighting the prefecture | |
Ilia (also often Elia) is a prefecture in the Western Peloponnese. It coveres the area of Elis, and was formerly a department.
About 50% to 60% of the population live in cities that lie within 5 kilometers from the European highway from Lechaina and Myrsini down into the Alpheus river and Olympia. 25% live around the tiny metropolitan area of Pyrgos, with a population of approximately 25,000. Between 70% to 75% of the population live within fertile lands away from the mountains.
The longest river is the Alpheus River (Greek: Alfeios).
Here lies the ancient ruins of Elis, Epitalium and Olympia, and once held the ancient Olympic games which started in 776 BC.
The major cities and towns of the prefecture with a population over 10,000 are Pyrgos and Amalias. Other major cities and towns are