Kozani () is one of the regional units of Greece. It is part of the region of Western Macedonia, in the geographic region of Macedonia. Its capital is the city of Kozani.
Geography
Kozani borders the regional units of Kastoria to the west and northwest, Florina to the north, Pella to the northeast, Imathia and Pieria to the east, Larissa (part of Thessaly) to the southeast, and Grevena to the south.
The main mountain ranges are Askio in the northwest, Voio in the west, Vermio in the northeast and the Pierian Mountains in the southeast. The river Aliakmon flows through the southern part, and through the large reservoir Lake Polyfytos. Lignite is mined in the north, around Ptolemaida.
Climate
Its climate ranges from continental to mountainous. Kozani has warm to hot summers and cool winters, cooler than Thessaloniki, the mountainous, the western and the eastern portions receive cold winters and features snow. Its sunshine days are days shorter than the south and by the coastline, it is rainier than the south. Temperatures range from during the summer months.
Administration
The regional unit Kozani is subdivided into 5 municipalities. These are (number as in the map in the infobox):
- Eordaia (2)
- Kozani (1)
- Servia (4)
- Velventos (5)
- Voio (3)
Prefecture
Kozani was created as a prefecture () in 1915. As a part of the 2011 Kallikratis government reform, the regional unit Kozani was created out of the former prefecture Kozani. The prefecture had the same territory as the present regional unit. At the same time, the municipalities were reorganised.
Transport
thumb|right|The [[Neraida bridge (1352 m.) over the artificial lake of the river Aliakmonas]]
- National Roads
- A2 motorway (Egnatia Odos)
- Greek National Road 3, SE, Cen., N
- Greek National Road 15, SW, W
- Greek National Road 20, SW, W, Cen.
- Air transport:
- Kozani National Airport "Filippos", 4 km from Kozani (flights to Kastoria, Athens).
- Rail transport:
- Kozani-Amyntaio railway line
See also
- List of settlements in the Kozani regional unit