# Aoös

> river in Greece and Albania

**Wikidata**: [Q81503](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q81503)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vjosa)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ao-s

## Summary

Aoös (also spelled Aous) is a river that flows through Greece and Albania, emptying into the Adriatic Sea. It is a larger natural watercourse with its mouth located at coordinates 40.642777777778° latitude and 19.317222222222° longitude. The river is known as Vjosa in modern usage and has been referenced in various historical and geographical contexts.

## Key Facts

- **Type**: River — larger natural watercourse
- **Location**: Flows through Greece and Albania
- **Mouth coordinates**: lat: 40.642777777778, lon: 19.317222222222
- **Aliases**: Aous
- **Modern name**: Vjosa
- **Sitelink count**: 46
- **Wikipedia title**: Vjosa
- **Flow direction**: From Greece into Albania, emptying into the Adriatic Sea

## FAQs

### Where is the Aoös river located?

The Aoös river is located in southeastern Europe, flowing through two countries: Greece and Albania. It originates in Greece and flows northward into Albania before emptying into the Adriatic Sea. The river's mouth is situated at coordinates 40.642777777778° latitude and 19.317222222222° longitude.

### What is the Aoös river also known as?

The Aoös river is also known as Vjosa, which is its modern name. It has also been spelled as "Aous" in various historical and geographical references. The river appears under the Wikipedia title "Vjosa" in online encyclopedias.

### What type of watercourse is the Aoös?

The Aoös is classified as a river, specifically defined as a larger natural watercourse in geographical classifications. It represents a significant hydrological feature in the Balkan region, serving as a natural boundary and water resource for the regions it traverses.

### Which seas does the Aoös river connect to?

The Aoös river flows into the Adriatic Sea, which is a body of water separating the Italian Peninsula from the Balkan Peninsula. The Adriatic Sea is part of the larger Mediterranean Sea, making the Aoös a contributor to the Mediterranean watershed.

## Why It Matters

The Aoös river holds regional significance as a natural watercourse that traverses two Balkan countries, serving as a geographical feature that connects different regions and ecosystems. The river's flow from Greece into Albania makes it an important transboundary water resource, requiring cooperation between the two nations in water management and environmental protection. The Aoös/Vjosa river basin supports diverse wildlife and habitats along its course, contributing to the ecological diversity of both countries. Additionally, the river has historical significance, as evidenced by its documentation and reference in geographical records, making it a feature of interest for historians, geographers, and environmental scientists studying the Balkan region.

## Notable For

- Being a transboundary river flowing through both Greece and Albania
- Emptying into the Adriatic Sea at specific documented coordinates
- Having multiple names (Aoös, Aous, Vjosa) reflecting different linguistic and historical contexts
- Contributing to the hydrological network of the Balkan Peninsula
- Representing a natural watercourse in a region with rich ecological and cultural heritage

## Body

### Geography and Course

The Aoös river follows a northwesterly flow pattern, originating in Greece and traveling through the Balkan landscape before crossing into Albania. The river's mouth is precisely located at latitude 40.642777777778 and longitude 19.317222222222, where it empties into the Adriatic Sea. This geographical positioning places the river delta in the southwestern part of Albania's coastline. The river's course traverses various terrains, from mountainous regions in Greece to lower-lying areas in Albania, creating diverse ecological zones along its path.

### Nomenclature and Naming

The river is known by multiple names across different contexts and languages. The primary name "Aoös" reflects older geographical conventions, while "Vjosa" represents the modern Albanian usage. The alternative spelling "Aous" appears in various historical documents and geographical references. This multiplicity of names is common for rivers in the Balkans, where different cultures and languages have developed their own terminologies for significant natural features over centuries of habitation and mapping.

### Regional Context

The Aoös river exists within the broader geographical framework of southeastern Europe, specifically within the Balkan region. Greece, through which the river flows, is a sovereign state in Southeast Europe known for its rich cultural heritage and strategic Mediterranean position. Albania, the river's final destination, is a country in southeastern Europe located within the Balkans and Southern Europe, bordered by several nations and the Adriatic Sea. The river thus serves as a natural link between these two countries, contributing to the regional hydrological system and supporting ecosystems in both nations.

### Classification and Documentation

In geographical classifications, the Aoös is categorized as a river — specifically identified as a "larger natural watercourse." This classification distinguishes it from smaller streams and tributaries, indicating its significance as a major water feature in the region. The river has been documented in various geographical databases and encyclopedic sources, with a sitelink count of 46 indicating its presence across multiple online platforms. The Wikipedia entry under the title "Vjosa" provides further documentation of this geographical feature, making it accessible to researchers and general audiences interested in European geography.

### Ecological Significance

As a river system flowing from Greece into Albania and emptying into the Adriatic Sea, the Aoös supports various ecological communities throughout its course. River systems in the Balkans are known for their biodiversity, and the Aoös likely provides habitat for both aquatic species and riparian wildlife. The river's delta region where it meets the Adriatic Sea is particularly important for coastal ecosystems, bird migration routes, and marine life interaction zones. The flow of fresh water into the Adriatic also contributes to the salinity balance and nutrient cycling in the coastal waters.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. GeoNames
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [Source](https://www.getty.edu/vow/TGNFullDisplay?find=&place=&nation=&english=Y&subjectid=7015933)
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File