Democritus University of Thrace (D.U.Th.) was established in July 1973. It was named after the ancient Greek philosopher Democritus who was born in Avdira, Thrace, an administrative district of Greece. The administration of the University is located in Komotini, which is the seat of the administrative district of East Macedonia and Thrace. The University is organised in two Faculties and eighteen Departments located in four cities of Thrace - seven in Komotini, five in Xanthi, four in Alexandroupolis and two in Orestiada. The University plays an important and effective role in establishing the national and cultural significance of Thrace and is contributing to the high level of education of the Higher Education in Greece. Through the quality of teaching and the level of research, the University has achieved a place among the leading Universities in Greece. As an Institution of Higher Education, Democritus University of Thrace is a Public Institution with full administrative autonomy. It is subject to state supervision via the Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, which also provides its funding.