# Kos

> Greek island

**Wikidata**: [Q187027](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q187027)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kos)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kos

## Summary
Kos is a Greek island located in the Aegean Sea, part of the Dodecanese group of islands. It is known for its historical significance, including ancient ruins and a rich cultural heritage, and serves as the administrative center of the Kos Municipality. The island is situated within the broader context of Greece, a sovereign state in Southeast Europe with a Mediterranean climate and a history of democratic governance.

## Key Facts
- Kos is part of the Dodecanese island group in Greece.
- The island is the administrative center of the Kos Municipality.
- Greece is a sovereign state in Southeast Europe, officially the Hellenic Republic.
- Greece was founded on March 25, 1821, following the Greek War of Independence.
- The capital of Greece is Athens, established as the seat of government in 1834.
- Greece covers an area of 131,957 square kilometers.
- The population of Greece was approximately 10,482,487 as of the 2021 census.
- The official language of Greece is Greek, with Modern Greek being the most widely spoken.
- The currency of Greece is the Euro (€), adopted on January 1, 2002.
- Greece is a member of the European Union (since 1981), NATO (since 1952), and the United Nations (since 1945).
- The national anthem of Greece is the "Hymn to Liberty," adopted in 1865.
- The national motto of Greece is "Freedom or death" (Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος).
- The national flag of Greece features a blue field with a white cross and nine stripes, adopted in 1978.
- Greece has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.
- The highest point in Greece is Mount Olympus, reaching 2,919 meters above sea level.
- The lowest point in Greece is Calypso Deep, at 5,269 meters below sea level.
- Greece uses the right-hand traffic system and has a standard voltage of 230 volts at 50 Hz.
- The country code for Greece in ISO standards is GR (Alpha-2) and GRC (Alpha-3), with numeric code 300.
- The top-level internet domain for Greece is .gr and .ελ.
- Greece shares land borders with Albania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Turkey.
- The birth rate in Greece was 7.3 per 1,000 people in 2022, and the death rate was 13.4 per 1,000.
- The total fertility rate in Greece was 1.3 in 2014.
- The unemployment rate in Greece was 18.5% in 2019.
- The country's VAT rate is 24%.
- Greece's human development index was 0.887 in 2021.
- The Gini coefficient in Greece was 33.1 in 2019.
- The life expectancy in Greece was 81.1 years in 2015.
- The suicide rate in Greece was 3.6 per 100,000 people in 2019.
- The country's democracy index was 7.39 in 2020.
- The happy planet index score for Greece was 48.8 in 2019.
- The country's water as a percentage of area is 2.3%.
- The rural population of Greece was 2,048,160 in 2022.
- The urban population of Greece was 8,378,759 in 2022.
- The male population of Greece was 5,102,926 in 2022.
- The female population of Greece was 5,323,993 in 2022.
- The total population of Greece was 10,566,531 in 2022.
- Kos International Airport "Hippocrates" serves the island.

## FAQs
### What is the government structure of Greece?
Greece is a parliamentary republic with the current head of state being Katerina Sakellaropoulou, in office since March 13, 2020. The head of government is Kyriakos Mitsotakis, serving since June 8, 2019. The legislative body is the Hellenic Parliament.

### What organizations is Greece a member of?
Greece is a member of the European Union (since 1981), NATO (since 1952), the United Nations (since 1945), the Council of Europe (since 1949), and the World Trade Organization (since 1995). It is also part of the Schengen Area (since 2000) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (since 1961).

### What are the official languages of Greece?
The official language of Greece is Greek, with Modern Greek being the most widely spoken. Other recognized languages include Tsakonian, Cappadocian Greek, and others.

### What is the geography and climate of Greece like?
Greece is located in Southeast Europe, part of the Balkans, Southern Europe, and the Eastern Mediterranean. The country has a diverse landscape, including the Greek Islands, and a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.

### What is the currency and economic situation in Greece?
The currency of Greece is the Euro (€), adopted on January 1, 2002. The nominal GDP of Greece was approximately $219 billion USD in 2022. The total fertility rate was 1.3 in 2014, and the unemployment rate was 18.5% in 2019.

### What are some key historical events in Greece?
Greece was founded on March 25, 1821, following the Greek War of Independence. The country has a rich history influenced by its ancient past, including contributions to philosophy, democracy, and the arts. Modern Greece has also faced economic challenges, including the financial crisis of the 2010s.

### What are the demographics of Greece?
As of 2021, the population of Greece was approximately 10,482,487. The birth rate was 7.3 per 1,000 people in 2022, and the death rate was 13.4 per 1,000. The life expectancy in Greece was 81.1 years in 2015.

## Why It Matters
Kos holds significant historical and cultural importance as part of Greece, a nation with a rich heritage in philosophy, democracy, and the arts. The island's strategic location in the Aegean Sea has influenced European and Middle Eastern geopolitics. Greece's membership in major international organizations, such as the European Union and NATO, underscores its role in maintaining regional stability and fostering international cooperation. The island's ancient ruins and cultural festivals contribute to its global relevance, making it a key player in Mediterranean history and contemporary geopolitics.

## Notable For
- Being part of the Dodecanese island group in Greece.
- Serving as the administrative center of the Kos Municipality.
- Hosting Kos International Airport "Hippocrates," a key transportation hub.
- Contributing to Greece's rich cultural heritage, including ancient history and maritime traditions.
- Being a member of the European Union and NATO, shaping its role in regional and global politics.
- Having a Mediterranean climate with distinct seasonal variations.
- Being a significant part of Greece's demographic and economic landscape.

## Body

### History
Kos is part of the Dodecanese island group in Greece, which has a history dating back to ancient times. The island has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Greeks, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The modern Greek state was founded on March 25, 1821, following the Greek War of Independence. The island's historical significance is reflected in its ancient ruins and cultural heritage.

### Government and Politics
Greece is a parliamentary republic with a government structure that includes a president and a prime minister. The current head of state is Katerina Sakellaropoulou, who has been in office since March 13, 2020. The head of government is Kyriakos Mitsotakis, serving since June 8, 2019. The legislative body is the Hellenic Parliament. Greece is a member of the European Union, NATO, and other international organizations, which shape its political landscape.

### Geography and Demographics
Greece is located in Southeast Europe, part of the Balkans, Southern Europe, and the Eastern Mediterranean. The country has a diverse landscape, including the Greek Islands, and a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The population of Greece was approximately 10,482,487 as of the 2021 census. The birth rate was 7.3 per 1,000 people in 2022, and the death rate was 13.4 per 1,000. The life expectancy in Greece was 81.1 years in 2015.

### Economy
The currency of Greece is the Euro (€), adopted on January 1, 2002. The nominal GDP of Greece was approximately $219 billion USD in 2022. The total fertility rate was 1.3 in 2014, and the unemployment rate was 18.5% in 2019. Greece's economic situation has been influenced by its membership in the European Union and its historical economic challenges.

### Culture and Society
Greece has a rich cultural heritage, with contributions to the arts, literature, and science throughout history. The country is known for its vibrant cultural festivals and strong maritime traditions. It is also a key player in the European refugee crisis, offering both humanitarian aid and logistical challenges. The island of Kos contributes to this cultural landscape with its historical sites and local traditions.

### International Relations
Greece is a member of numerous international organizations, including the European Union (since 1981), NATO (since 1952), the United Nations (since 1945), and the Council of Europe (since 1949). It is also part of the Schengen Area (since 2000) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (since 1961). These memberships shape Greece's role in global politics and economics.

### Language and Communication
The official language of Greece is Greek, with Modern Greek being the most widely spoken. Other recognized languages include Tsakonian, Cappadocian Greek, and others. The country code for Greece in ISO standards is GR (Alpha-2) and GRC (Alpha-3), with numeric code 300. The top-level internet domain for Greece is .gr and .ελ. These linguistic and communication standards reflect Greece's cultural diversity.

### Symbols and Identity
The national anthem of Greece is the "Hymn to Liberty," officially adopted in 1865. The motto of Greece is "Freedom or death" (Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος). The national flag of Greece features a blue field with a white cross and nine stripes, officially adopted in 1978. These symbols represent Greece's historical values and identity.

### Environment and Biodiversity
Greece is located in the Mediterranean biome and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The country has several national parks and protected areas, including the Greek Islands. The environment is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The island of Kos contributes to this biodiversity with its unique ecosystems.

### Infrastructure and Technology
Greece has a well-developed infrastructure, including modern transportation systems and telecommunications networks. The country is part of the European grid for electricity, with a standard voltage of 230 volts at 50 Hz. The country's top-level internet domain is .gr and .ελ. These technological advancements support the island's connectivity and economic development.

### Education and Research
Greece has a rich academic tradition, with several universities and research institutions. The country is home to the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and the University of Crete. The country is also involved in various international research collaborations, including CERN. These institutions contribute to Greece's intellectual and scientific development.

### Health and Social Issues
Greece has a comprehensive healthcare system, with a focus on public health and social welfare. The country's health metrics include a life expectancy of 81.1 years in 2015 and a suicide rate of 3.6 per 100,000 people in 2019. The country's Gini coefficient was 33.1 in 2019, indicating a relatively low level of income inequality. These health and social indicators reflect Greece's commitment to public welfare.

## References

1. archINFORM
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. GeoNames
5. BBC Things
6. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
7. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/istankoy)
8. FactGrid
9. museum-digital