Karpathos is the most southern island of the Dodecanese and the second largest, with a surface area of 301 sq.km. The coasts are 160 Km long and the island is 227 n.m from Piraeus and 89 n.m from Rhodes. The island is mountainous, the two highest peaks being Kalolimus (1,220 m. altitude) and Profitis Ilias (1,140 m. altitude). The Lastou plateau divides the island in two parts. The southern areas are characterized by small yet fertile plains, while the mountains are covered with pine-forests with many water springs Myrtles, sage plants and thyme cover the Karpathian mountain-slopes, while the southern part of the island is full of lemon, orange and mandarin trees. North of Karpathos lies the islet of Saria, or the "island of goats", as the only inhabitants are wild goats and sheep. The 6,000 hospitable inhabitants of Karpathos are occupied mainly with the cultivation of fruit trees and grapevines which are in abundance due to the island's mild climate. The inhabitants, also take advantage of their oil production. In the summer, some of the inhabitants are occupied with tourism, yet the touristic growth is slow, as Karpathos is an island ideal for those who seek peaceful vacations. The most impressive characteristic of Karpathos is the differences between the locals, who speak differently, as 50% of the population migrated to the USA.