Central Macedonia

Central Macedonia (Greek: Περιφέρεια Κεντρικής Μακεδονίας, Periféria Kentrikís Makedonías) is one of the thirteen administrative regions of Greece, consisting of the central part of the geographical and historical region of Macedonia. With a population of almost 1.9 million, it is the second most populous in Greece after Attica.

Administration

The region was established in the 1987 administrative reform. With the 2010 Kallikratis plan, its powers and authority were redefined and extended. Along with East Macedonia and Thrace, it is supervised by the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia and Thrace, based in Thessaloniki. The region is based at its capital city of Thessaloniki and is divided into seven regional units (pre-Kallikratis prefectures), Chalkidiki, Imathia, Kilkis, Pella, Pieria, Serres and Thessaloniki. These are further subdivided into 38 municipalities.

Although geographically part of central Macedonia, Mount Athos is not administratively part of the region, but an autonomous self-governing state under the sovereignity of Greece.

Economy

Central Macedonia is Greece's most visited region and accounts for 18.2% of the total tourist flow in the country, with 3.21 million tourists in 2008. In 2011, the GDP per capita of Central Macedonia was €14,400, marking a 9th place of the 13 regions of Greece, well below the national average of €18,500.

Major cities and towns

• Alexandria
• Aridaea
• Edessa
• Giannitsa
• Katerini
• Kilkis
• Koufalia
• Litochoro
• Naoussa
• Nea Kallikratia
• Nea Moudania
• Polygyros
• Polykastro
• Serres
• Thessaloniki
• Veria