| Crete , the cradle of western civilization, a melting pot of many cultures, employs one of the highest rates of growth amongst administrative regions in Greece and the rest of the European Union.
With a population of more than 600,000 people in a total area of 8,336 sq.km., Crete boasts two main industries: agriculture and tourism.
Crete is the main holiday destination for more than 3 million people from all over the world on an annual basis. It has a highly developed tourist infrastructure. Two international airports connect Crete to mainland Greece throughout the year and during April to November to numerous European cities. Three ports provide links to mainland Greece and the rest of the Mediterranean with that of Heraklion being the most significant as it features International Cargo facilities. Over the last decade the region of Crete, the southernmost European Union region , has improved its road network, airports and other elements of infrastructure through EU funding .
Agriculture is the second largest industry of the island of Crete: ideal geographic and climatic conditions allow for the cultivation of high quality agricultural products with olive oil being the leading one. Cretan olive oil is famous throughout the world for its unique quality characteristics, a product present in every Cretan household.
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