Greece

Hellenic Republic (Ελληνική Δημοκρατία)

Greece is considered the cradle of Western civilization, birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, the Olympic Games, and political science. Located at the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula, Greece features thousands of islands scattered across the Aegean and Ionian seas.

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Quick Facts

Capital: Athens
Population: 10,400,000
Area: 131,957 km²
Currency: EUR (€)
Languages: Greek
Continent: Europe
Calling Code: +30
Driving Side: Right-hand
Internet TLD: .gr
Timezone(s): EET (UTC+2)
Highest Point: Mount Olympus (Mytikas) (2,917 m)
Coastline: 13,676 km

Administrative Divisions

Attica

Administrative Region · Athens

Central Macedonia

Administrative Region · Thessaloniki

Crete

Island Region · Heraklion

South Aegean

Island Region · Ermoupoli

Major Cities

Athens

Population: 3,150,000

Ancient capital and historical core of classical philosophy and arts

Thessaloniki

Population: 814,000

Major cultural and port city of northern Greece

Patras

Population: 213,000

Western Greece port city and gateway to the Ionian Sea

Santorini caldera with whitewashed houses and blue church domes overlooking the Aegean Sea — The cliffside village of Oia overlooking the volcanic caldera in Santorini, Greece.Photo by Matthew Waring via Unsplash (Free License)

Geography

Over 80% of Greece consists of mountains or hills, making it one of the most mountainous countries in Europe. Features roughly 6,000 islands and islets, of which 227 are inhabited.

Climate

Predominantly Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Mountainous inland regions experience cold winters with regular snowfall.

Famous Landmarks

The Acropolis & Parthenon

Athens

5th century BC citadel and temple dedicated to the goddess Athena

Santorini Caldera

Cyclades

Volcanic island caldera with iconic white-washed cliffside villages

Meteora

Thessaly

Dramatic rock pinnacles crowned by historic Eastern Orthodox monasteries

Interesting Facts

No point in Greece is more than 137 kilometers (85 miles) from the sea.
Greece enjoys an average of more than 250 days of sunshine per year.
Mount Olympus was believed in Greek mythology to be the throne of Zeus and the twelve Olympian gods.

Geography Facts

Greece has around 6,000 islands and islets, of which only 227 are inhabited.

Surrounded by the Aegean, Ionian, and Cretan seas, Greece features an extraordinary maritime geography. Despite thousands of islands, only about 227 have permanent human populations, with Crete being the largest.

Country FactsLearn more Source: Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT)