Immediately after the establishment of the Greek state, Eleusis was a small town of 250 people of Arvanitic origin. In the 1860s, the erection of new domestic complexes and the settlement of occasional traders gave a new look to the city. The 1880s were a crucial period for Eleusis, as it was then that industrial development was initiated and important industries were established. In 1922, 2,000 refugees from Asia Minor arrived at Eleusis, thus doubling its population. In 1943, the Community of Eleusis was recognised as a municipality. After World War II, internal migrants settled at Eleusis. During the 20th century, Eleusis was the centre of Greek industrial development with some of the largest factories of the country; there existed two refineries, two steel mills, two cement plants, two shipyards, an ammunition industry, and more than 2,000 smaller industries. In the 21st century, Eleusis is evolving into a centre of administrative and financial services and constitutes the seat of the Prefecture of Western Attica. Air and water pollution have been significantly reduced, as a result of the citizens’ systematic efforts, while cultural areas and recreation facilities have been established along the coast.