Greece, officially known as the Hellenic Republic, is a country located in southeastern Europe. It is a member of the European Union and has a population of approximately 10.7 million people. Greece is known for its rich history, beautiful islands, Mediterranean climate, and ancient landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

The capital city of Greece is Athens, which is home to over 3.7 million people. Athens is known for its ancient history and archaeological sites, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the ancient Agora. The city is also a hub for modern culture, with vibrant neighborhoods, museums, and restaurants.

Greece has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The summer months, from June to August, are the peak tourist season, with many visitors flocking to the Greek islands for their beautiful beaches and clear waters. Spring and fall are also popular times to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

Some of the top destinations in Greece include:

Athens: The capital city of Greece, known for its ancient landmarks and modern culture.
Santorini: A beautiful island known for its stunning sunsets and blue-domed churches.
Mykonos: A popular party destination with beautiful beaches and a lively nightlife.
Crete: The largest island in Greece, known for its rugged landscape and beautiful beaches.
Corfu: A picturesque island with Venetian architecture and beautiful beaches.
Rhodes: An island with a rich history and stunning beaches.
Thessaloniki: The second-largest city in Greece, known for its vibrant culture and nightlife.
Meteora: A series of stunning rock formations with monasteries perched on top.
Greece is also known for its delicious cuisine, including traditional dishes such as moussaka, tzatziki, and souvlaki. The country is famous for its olive oil, feta cheese, and fresh seafood.

When visiting Greece, it is important to respect the country's customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be mindful of local customs and traditions. It is also important to stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months, and to wear sunscreen to protect against the sun's harmful rays.

Greece has a well-developed transportation system, including buses, trains, and ferries, making it easy to get around the country. Taxis are also widely available, although they can be expensive. The official language of Greece is Greek, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Overall, Greece is a beautiful and welcoming country with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. It is a popular destination for travelers from around the world, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Telephone Code
30

Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 112, 166; Fire: 112, 199; Police: 112, 100

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers

Currency (Code)
Euros (EUR)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F

Major Languages
Greek, English, French

Major Religions
Greek Orthodox 81 - 90%, Muslim 2%

Potable Water
Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Acropolis in Athens; Santorini; Mykonos; Delphi; Corfu beaches; Meteora Monasteries; Mycenae & Tiryns; Delos

Major Sports
Soccer, athletics (track and field), basketball, water polo

Cultural Practices
The host often gives the first toast at Greek meals, but an honored guest should return the favor later on in the evening.

Tipping Guidelines
Check the bill first to see if a service charge has already been added. If not, round up to the nearest euro, or tip 5-10% of the final bill for exceptional service. Round up taxi fares. Tip porters 1-2 euros per bag and leave housekeeping 1-2 euros per day.

Souvenirs
Worry bead, coin, and blue bead jewelry; handwoven items, flokati rugs, copper ware, olive oil, honey, pottery, authentic and replica archeological items

Traditional Cuisine
Moussaka — layers of sautéed eggplant and/or potatoes and spicy ground lamb topped with Béchamel sauce and baked

Geography
Area
total: 131,957 sq km
land: 130,647 sq km
water: 1,310 sq km

Climate
temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers

Natural resources
lignite, petroleum, iron ore, bauxite, lead, zinc, nickel, magnesite, marble, salt, hydropower potential

People and Society
Population
10,497,595 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Greek 91.6%, Albanian 4.4%, other 4% (2011 est.)

Languages
Greek (official) 99%, other (includes English and French) 1%

Religions
Greek Orthodox 81-90%, Muslim 2%, other 3%, none 4-15%, unspecified 1% (2015 est.)

Population growth rate
-0.35% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary republic

Capital
name: Athens

Economy
Economic overview
tourism- and shipping-based EU economy; clientelism economic culture and systemic corruption; new structural reforms for fiscal solvency; high public debts and unemployment; increasing Chinese port control; oil and gas disputes with Turkey

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$314.427 billion (2021 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$29,500 (2021 est.)

Agricultural products
maize, olives, wheat, milk, peaches/nectarines, oranges, tomatoes, grapes, milk, potatoes

Industries
tourism, food and tobacco processing, textiles, chemicals, metal products; mining, petroleum

Exports
$87.521 billion (2021 est.)

Exports - partners
Italy 10%, Germany 7%, Turkey 5%, Cyprus 5%, Bulgaria 5% (2019)

Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, packaged medicines, aluminum plating, computers, cotton (2019)

Imports
$103.532 billion (2021 est.)

Imports - partners
Germany 11%, China 9%, Italy 8%, Iraq 7%, Russia 6%, Netherlands 5% (2019)

Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, packaged medicines, cars, ships (2019)