Greece
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- Southern Europe
- Capital
- Athens
- Population
- 10.4 million (2024)
- Area
- 131,990 km²
- Languages
- Greek
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +30
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Before you go
Overview
Greece is formerly called the Hellenic Republic. It is a country located in southeastern Europe at the intersection of Europe, Asia and Africa. It has thousands of islands but only 227 of them are inhabited.
It is a mountainous country the highest point being Mount Olympus. Greece has the longest coastline on the Mediterranean Sea. It also has 9 geographic territories: Macedonia, the Peloponnese, Thessaly, Central Greece, Epirus, The Aegean Islands, Thrace, Crete and Ionian Islands.
The country recorded a population of 10.72 million in 2019 and covers an area of 131,957 km2.
The capital and largest city are Athens. It is an old city that still preserves its ancient treasures.
The Capital, Athens.
History
Greece was formerly called Hellene and their land Hellas until the Romans renamed it to its current name.
It became a republic after the removal of the monarchy in 1924.
The country fell under German rule in 1941 after the death of Prime Minister Metaxas. However, the Greeks united with British forces and forced the Nazis out in 1944.
Greece became a kingdom in 1952 following a new constitution. It joined NATO the same year.
The monarchial government was abolished in 1973 when the country became a republic.
Food & culture
The country’s culture has developed over thousands of years from Minoan, Mycenaean, Classical Greece, Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire.
The main crops are olives, cereals, sugar beets, cotton, peaches, tomatoes, grapes, melons and tobacco.
The common dishes are taramasalata, olives, dolmades, moussaka and grilled meat.
Wildlife
The main wildlife animals include host bears, wild cat, jackals, wolves, foxes, deer, lynxes and riot dog.
Festivals & events
The major festivals include New Year Day, Feast of Annunciation, Feast of Saint Georgia, Day of the Holy Spirit and the Day of Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Things to see
Acropolis of Athens is an ancient fortress built on a rugged outcrop above the city of Athens that comprises of the remains of several early buildings of unique architecture like the Parthenon.
There is also the Acropolis Museum, which is an archaeological museum that houses the remains found at the archeological site of Acropolis of Athens.
National Archeological Museum preserves the ancient Greece sculptures, vases and jewellery.
Interesting facts
Greece is the world’s third-largest olive oil producer after Spain and Italy.
Athens is the origin of democracy in the world. It was developed approximately 5th century BCE.
The predominant religion is Greek Orthodox Church.
The official language is Greek.
