The prefecture of Chalkidiki belongs to Central Macedonia with a surface area of 2,945 sq. km, ending in three smaller peninsulas: Kassandra, or Pallini, Sithonia and Atho, or Agio Oros. Its coastline forms four gulfs and has a total length of 850 km. The ground of the prefecture cannot be described as mountainous because of the low height of its mountains. Part of it is half-mountainous and the rest is flat. The highest peaks are Cholomondas (1,165 m.), Chortiatis (1,201 m.) and Stratoniko (913 m.), while the three astonishing peninsulas are traversed by the wooded mountain chains of Kassandrinos, Itamos and Athos respectfully. The rivers of the prefecture are very few and those that exist are torrents, since the distance between the mountains and the sea is very small. 50 per cent of the prefecture is covered by pine forests, oak and beech trees, especially to the east where most rainfalls are reported. The climate in general is pure mediterranean, with mild winters and long, warm and dry summers. Its mediterranean climate is what makes Chalkidiki one of the first prefectures in olive and citrus production, while its subsoil is rich in coloured metals and minerals. In the eastern areas, have been found layers of mixed sulphurous ores, copper, manganese and iron, while to the north there is bauxite, and to the centre and south there is white-stone. The inhabitants of Chalkidiki, and there are about 79,000, occupy themselves in agriculture -mostly in vine-growing and in olive-oil production- in cattle-raising and tourism. They are smart people, ambitious, with historical roots, proud and passionate and creative. The industrious and hospitable Chalkidians seem to have realized the need for progress and development and they try to be modern without losing their flowing and spontaneous character.