Messenian

Messinia Περιφερειακή ενότητα Μεσσηνίας
Regional unit
Municipalities (dimi) of Messinia, 2010: Kalamata Mani Messini Oichalia Pylos-Nestoras Trifylia
Messenia within Greece
Coordinates: 37°10′N 22°0′E / 37.167°N 22.000°E / 37.167; 22.000Coordinates: 37°10′N 22°0′E / 37.167°N 22.000°E / 37.167; 22.000
Country	Greece
Region	Peloponnese
Capital	Kalamata
Area
• Total	2,991 km2 (1,155 sq mi)
Population (2011)
• Total	159,954
• Density	53/km2 (140/sq mi)
Postal codes	24x xx
Area codes	272x0, 276x0
ISO 3166 code	GR-17
Car plates	ΚΜ

Messenia (/məˈsiːniə, -ˈsiːnjə/; Greek: Μεσσηνία Messinia, pronounced [mesiˈnia]) is a regional unit (perifereiaki enotita) in the southwestern part of the Peloponnese, one of 13 regions into which Greece has been divided by the Kallikratis plan, implemented 1 January 2011. Before 2011 Messenia was a nomos (prefecture). The capital and the biggest city of Messenia in either case has been the city of Kalamata.

Messenia borders on Elis to the north, Arcadia to the northeast, and Laconia to the southeast. The Ionian Sea lies to the west, and the Gulf of Messenia to the south. The most important mountain ranges are the Taygetus in the east, the Kyparissia mountains in the northwest and the Lykodimo in the southwest. The main rivers are the Neda in the north and the Pamisos in central Messenia.