Nissiros is situated in the centre of the complex of the Dodecanese islands, while it is 8 n.m. away from Kos, 60 n.m. from Rhodes and 200 n.m. from Piraeus. The island's total extension is 41.6 sq. km and has a conical shape, while the coasts are 28 km long. The valley, in the centre of the island, was formed after a volcanic eruption and it is 2,400 m. long and 950 m. wide. The valley is surrounded: in the west, by Nissiros's tallest mountain, Profitis Ilias (698 m.), in the east, by Agios Ioannis (588 m.) and in the south by Stavros and Kokinomatos. Other peaks of the island are: Agios Georgios (519 m.), Nifios (541 m.) and Mali (433 m.). The mountainous ground of Nissiros consists of volcanic petrifications, while the island's geological and tectonic structure favours the existence of hot springs and industrial metals such as sulphate soil and pumice -the only exploitable metal. The island's landscape resembles the moon and the volcano is not currently active, while the surrounding area is covered with sulphur, giving the impression of a golden slate under the sun. The island's natural environment is characterized by experts as "unique", since the flora is remarkably wild, yet it combines harmoniously with its cultivated tress. The wild vegetation exists due to the island's wonderful climate: the winter is sunny and it never snows. The area's rain level is between 400-600 m.m. while there is no rain from May-September. Nissiros has a current population of 1,200 inhabitants, as most of the locals have emigrated to the USA. The locals are occupied with fishing and tourism, while some of them are occupied with construction and the extraction and exportation pumice. Very few locals are occupied with stock-breeding. The people of Nissiros are plain, hospitable and very willing to help anybody in need.