Sfakia
Σφακιά | |
|---|---|
 Sfakia landscape around Hóra Sfakíon | |
  Sfakia Location within the region  | |
| Coordinates: 35°12′N 24°08′E / 35.200°N 24.133°E | |
| Country | Greece |
| Administrative region | Crete |
| Regional unit | Chania |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Ioannis Zervos[1] (since 2023) |
| Area | |
• Municipality | 467.6 km2 (180.5 sq mi) |
| Population (2021)[2] | |
• Municipality | 2,002 |
| • Density | 4.3/km2 (11/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Area code(s) | 73011 |
| Vehicle registration | ΧΝ |
Sfakiá (Greek: Σφακιά) is a mountainous area in the southwestern part of the island of Crete, in the Chania regional unit. It is considered to be one of the few places in Greece that have never been fully occupied by foreign powers. With a 2021 census population of 2,002 inhabitants living on a land area of 467.589 km2 (180.537 sq mi),[3] Sfakia is one of the largest and least densely populated municipalities on the island of Crete. The etymology of its name is disputed. According to the prevailing theory, it relates to its rugged terrain, deriving from the ancient Greek word σφαξ, meaning land chasm or gorge.[4]
- ^ "Municipality of Sfakia, Municipal elections – October 2023". Ministry of Interior.
- ^ "Αποτελέσματα Απογραφής Πληθυσμού - Κατοικιών 2021, Μόνιμος Πληθυσμός κατά οικισμό" [Results of the 2021 Population - Housing Census, Permanent population by settlement] (in Greek). Hellenic Statistical Authority. 29 March 2024.
- ^ "Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)" (PDF) (in Greek). National Statistical Service of Greece.
- ^ The derivation of the name of Sfakia