Drama, Greece

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Drama (Δράμα)

Coordinates	41°9′ N 24°8′ E
Country	Greece
Periphery	East Macedonia and Thrace
Prefecture	Drama
Population	55,632 source (2001)
Area	483.9 km²
Population density	115 /km²
Elevation	115 m
Postal code	661 00
Area code	25210
Licence plate code	ΡΜ

Drama (Greek: Δράμα) is a town in northeastern Greece. Drama is the capital of the prefecture of Drama. The Drama prefecture is part of the East Macedonia and Thrace periphery.

In the Roman era, Drama was known as Dravescus (Δραβήσκος), and it had been a trade center and a military camp on the Roman Via Egnatia. Drama is endowed with rich water resources and according to some sources at the same site during ancient times there was a town named Hydrama (Hydro, Greek: having to do with water) to which Drama owes its name.

The economy of the modern-day Drama area had heavily relied upon the local paper and textile-clothing industries during the previous years. However, these industries have either closed down or moved across the border to Bulgaria [1], with a devastating impact on the local community's economy and employment. Other sources of income include agriculture, consisting mainly of tobacco plantations, small-scale mining and forest industry. Recently, there have been efforts to take advantage of the rich local natural environment and develop ecotourism in the area.

There is a modern ski resort on Mount Falakro. Drama also hosts an annual short film festival [2].

There is a street named Armen, named after the hero of Macedonian fight (1904-1908) Armen Kouptsios, from Volakas (a village to the north of Drama).

The nearby village Monastiraki was visited by a new journey show Exodus which is just premiered on ERT and ERT Sat.

The Harlem Globetrobbers has visited Greece during their tour on November 2006 after Athens and participated in the basketball stadium in the city, it is one of the first time that an event including concert with superstars outside Greece ever to participate in a smaller city.