as well as from the constant mixture of populations and from a turbulent history. The present process of Hellenization and economic improvement involues a dual policy of urbanisation and development of the region's water resources. However, the results of the water policy are mixed, notably in the Evros valley, handicapped by its border position. Further West, the valleys and piedmonts between the Evros and Nestos deltas have also been the subject of similary intense improvement projects but have encountered numberous problems, ranging from inadequate river flow to increases in the salt content of the coastal plains. In spite of strong migrational movements since 1960 and the low level of incomes which characterise notably the Turkish and Pomak minorities, the results from water development and urbanization policies are positive and provide a major contribution to the regional and urban dynamic.