Elis also known as Ellis or Ilia (Greek: Ηλεία, Eleia) is a historic region in the western part of the Peloponnese peninsula of Greece.

Less than 1% of the prefecture is open water, most of it found in artificial reservoirs and dams, in the north and east.

A second, smaller reservoir in the river Alfeios near Olympia and Krestena supplies water to Pyrgos.

The eastern part of the regional unit is forested, with mostly pine trees in the south.

Some of the most significant earthquakes to have hit the area are: Rainy weather in 2002-2003 caused destruction of villages by mudslides, and some bridges and roads were also cut off.

In August 2007, there were enormous forest fires which led to tens of deaths and a massive environmental and economic disaster.

The final toll for the prefecture was: 45 dead, 100,000 affected[clarification needed] by the fire, 3,500 left homeless by the fire, 25,000 dead animals, 8,500 hectares of burnt forests, 2,300 hectares of burnt farmland.

The primary source of agriculture is corn, tomatoes, potatoes, green peppers, livestock, watermelon, melon and some vegetables.

There are 3 major operating tomato factories in Savalia (Kyknos), Gastouni (Pelargos), and north of Andravida (Asteris).

In the Migration Period (3rd - 4th century AD) Vandals and Visigoths rampaged through the region.

The region of Elis was the Principality's heartland, containing its capital, Andravida, the port town and mint of Glarentza, the fortress of Chlemoutsi, and the extensive Barony of Akova.

The Principality lasted from 1204 until 1432, when it was conquered by the Byzantine Despotate of the Morea, which in turn fell in 1460 to the Ottoman Empire.

Battlegrounds of the Greek War of Independence in Elis include Chlemoutsi, Gastouni, Lala, Lampeia, Pyrgos and Andritsaina.

As a result of the Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922), Greek refugees from Asia Minor settled in the area around Amaliada.

The return to democracy after the Greek military junta of 1967–1974, and Greece joining the European Communities in 1981 stimulated economic development and improvement of infrastructure.

[needs update] The principal highways include: The total length of railway tracks in Elis is around 140 km.

The port of Katakolo is an important stop for cruise ships, offering an opportunity for passengers to visit the site of Ancient Olympia.

Telephones became more common after the 1960s when the Hellenic Telecommunication Organization (ΟΤΕ) created hundreds of kilometres of phone lines in the region.

The ΟΤΕ built tens of towers to connect more lines for the internet, telephones, and cell phones to increase the service.