Rho has been uninhabited for most of history, except for the one Greek patriot who made it famous, Despina Achladioti. Every day, Achladioti, also known as the Lady of Rho, would fly a Greek flag, clearly visible from Turkish soil, over the island. This act of patriotism, which made Despina famous around Greece, ended in 1982, when she died.
A small Greek military unit is now based on the island, with the primary duty of continuing the tradition of raising the flag, set by Achladioti. The 2001 census reported a population of 15 inhabitants. It is part of the municipality of Megísti (Kastelorizo).
