Greece
Overview
Greece is a country in southeastern Europe, known for its rich history, ancient civilization, and iconic landmarks like the Parthenon.
It became a republic in 1975 and is a member of the European Union.
Greece has a population of approximately 10.4 million people and is famous for its contributions to Western civilization, including philosophy, democracy, and the Olympic Games. The capital is Athens.
Key Statistics
- Population: 10.4 million
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Capital: Athens
- Languages: Greek
Greece has over 2,000 inhabited islands and was a cradle of the Western world's intellectual, political, and artistic traditions.
History
- Home to ancient city-states like Athens and Sparta
- Known for the birth of democracy in Ancient Athens (508 BC)
- Part of Alexander the Great's empire expansion.
Greece's modern state was established in 1830 after the Greek War of Independence (1821-1829). It plays an important role in global culture through the Olympic Games, which were held in Athens in 2004 and 2023.
Geography
Greece consists of a mountainous mainland with many islands and is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- Area: 131,957 km²
- Major islands: Crete, Rhodes, Santorini
Culture
- Famous for its ancient ruins and temples
- Host of the modern Olympics, first in 1896
- Celebrated for gastronomy, including dishes like moussaka
Greece's cultural heritage includes ancient art, music, and a modern cinema industry. Greek literature and music have made significant contributions to the arts.