Corfu

Corfu
Name	Corfu
Native name	Κέρκυρα
Coordinates	39, 40, N, 19...
Archipelago	Ionian Islands
Area km2	610.9
Highest mount	Mount Pantokrator
Elevation m	906
Country	Greece
Country admin divisions title	Region
Country admin divisions	Ionian Islands
Country admin divisions title 1	Regional unit
Country admin divisions 1	Corfu
Country capital	Corfu (city)
Population	102071
Population as of	2021
Density km2	auto

Corfu. Corfu is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea, part of the Ionian Islands archipelago. It is renowned for its lush, green landscapes, a legacy of Venetian rule, and its strategic location at the entrance to the Adriatic Sea has made it a prized possession for numerous empires throughout history. The island's capital, Corfu (city), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its distinctive architecture, a blend of Venetian, French, and British influences.

Geography

Corfu is located off the northwest coast of Greece and Albania, separated from the mainland by the narrow Strait of Corfu. The island's terrain is predominantly mountainous, especially in the north, with Mount Pantokrator being its highest peak. The coastline is highly indented, featuring a mix of sandy beaches, such as those at Paleokastritsa and Glyfada, and dramatic rocky capes. The island's climate is typically Mediterranean, supporting dense olive groves, cypress trees, and unique ecosystems like the Korission Lagoon, a vital wetland habitat.

History

Corfu's history is marked by successive foreign dominations due to its strategic value. In antiquity, it was a colony of Ancient Corinth, leading to conflicts like the Battle of Sybota. It later became part of the Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire. From 1386 to 1797, the Republic of Venice controlled the island, fortifying it against the Ottoman Empire, notably during the Great Siege of Corfu. Following the Treaty of Campo Formio, it saw brief periods under French rule before becoming a British protectorate in 1815. Corfu was unified with modern Greece in 1864. The 20th century saw the Corfu incident involving Italy and the League of Nations, and occupation by Italian and German forces during World War II.

Culture

The island's culture reflects its complex history, creating a unique identity within Greece. The Old Town features grand squares like the Spianada and arcaded streets known as "kantounia," alongside historic buildings such as the Palace of St. Michael and St. George. Corfu is famous for its vibrant philharmonic societies and its annual celebration of Orthodox Easter, which includes the custom of throwing pots from balconies. The island claims ancestral ties to the mythical Phaeacians from Homer's Odyssey and was a favored residence for the Austrian Empress Sisi, who built the Achilleion palace.

Economy

Tourism is the cornerstone of Corfu's economy, with visitors drawn to its beaches, historical sites, and resorts like Kavos and Sidari. The island is served by Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport, handling seasonal charter flights from across Europe. Agriculture remains significant, particularly the cultivation of olive trees for oil and the production of Kumquat liqueur, a local specialty. The port of Corfu (city) is a major hub for ferry connections to Igoumenitsa, Patras, and Italy, as well as for cruise ship traffic in the Ionian Sea.

Government and politics

Corfu is the capital of the regional unit of the same name within the Ionian Islands administrative region of Greece. Local governance is exercised by the municipality of Corfu, formed under the Kallikratis Plan by merging several former municipalities. The island elects representatives to the Hellenic Parliament and has been historically involved in national political movements, including the Septinsular Republic and the integration with the Kingdom of Greece.

Demographics

According to the 2021 census, the island has a permanent population of approximately 102,000 inhabitants. The majority reside in or around the densely populated Corfu (city) and its suburbs. The population is predominantly Greek Orthodox, with a small remaining community of Roman Catholics, a remnant of the Venetian era. While the primary language is Greek, many older residents and those in the tourist industry also speak Italian and English.

Category:Corfu Category:Ionian Islands Category:Islands of Greece Category:Mediterranean islands