ABOUT GREECE
Geography
Greece, located in southeastern Europe, is renowned for its stunning and diverse geography. It consists of a mainland peninsula surrounded by a vast number of islands, with over 6,000 islands scattered across the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas, though only about 227 are inhabited. The country is marked by rugged mountains, such as the Pindus range, which runs from north to south, and Mount Olympus, the highest peak, standing at 2,917 meters. Greece’s varied landscape also includes fertile plains, steep cliffs, and beautiful beaches, contributing to its striking contrasts. The country’s unique geography has deeply influenced its culture, history, and economy, offering both natural beauty and resources that have shaped Greek civilization for thousands of years.
Greece has a population of approximately 10.4 million people, with the majority residing in urban areas, particularly in the capital city, Athens, and Thessaloniki. The country has an aging population, with a significant proportion of elderly citizens due to low birth rates and longer life expectancy. This demographic trend poses challenges to the workforce and social services. Ethnically, Greece is predominantly Greek, though there are small communities of Albanians, Bulgarians, and other nationalities, especially in urban centers. Greek is the official language, and the dominant religion is Eastern Orthodox Christianity, which plays an influential role in the country’s culture and traditions. Migration, both from other countries and the Greek diaspora returning home, has also contributed to the evolving demographic makeup in recent years.
History
Greece’s history is one of the most influential in the world, shaping the course of Western civilization. Ancient Greece, known for its remarkable achievements in philosophy, art, politics, and science, laid the foundation for much of modern thought and governance. The city-states of Athens, Sparta, and Corinth were central to this period, with Athens leading the development of democracy and intellectual inquiry. In 338 BCE, Greece fell under Macedonian rule, and later, it became part of the Roman Empire. After the fall of Rome, Greece was ruled by the Byzantine Empire, preserving Greek culture and Orthodox Christianity for centuries. Following the fall of Constantinople in 1453, Greece came under Ottoman rule for nearly 400 years. The War of Independence in the 19th century led to Greece’s emergence as a modern state in 1830. The 20th century saw Greece navigate through two world wars, civil conflict, and a military dictatorship, before becoming a democratic republic. Today, Greece remains a symbol of ancient glory and modern resilience.
Greek Flag
The Greek flag was officially adopted on January 13, 1822, during the Greek War of Independence. This was after the Greeks declared independence from the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the First Hellenic Republic. The design and symbolism of the flag have remained largely unchanged since its adoption, representing the country’s fight for freedom and its cultural identity.
It consists of nine horizontal blue and white stripes, symbolizing the nine syllables of the Greek national motto, “Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος” (“Freedom or Death”). In the upper left corner, it features a blue square with a white cross, representing the Greek Orthodox Church, which has been a significant part of the nation’s history and culture. The blue and white colors are traditionally associated with Greece’s sea and sky, reflecting the country’s strong connection to the Mediterranean.
Climate
Greece has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The coastal areas, especially along the Aegean and Ionian Seas, experience warm temperatures with abundant sunshine, making them popular tourist destinations. Summer temperatures often exceed 30°C (86°F), especially in southern regions, while winters are relatively mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C (50°F) in most coastal areas. Inland and mountainous areas, however, can experience colder winters, with snowfall in higher elevations, particularly in the north. The country’s climate is also marked by seasonal winds, such as the “Meltemi,” a strong north wind that blows during the summer months, especially in the Aegean region. This Mediterranean climate contributes to Greece’s rich agricultural production, including olives, grapes, and citrus fruits.
Food and Drink
Greek cuisine is known for its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and a balance of healthy dishes. The Mediterranean diet, central to Greek food culture, emphasizes vegetables, fruits, grains, olive oil, fish, and lean meats, with a generous use of herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary.Some iconic dishes include moussaka, a layered casserole made with eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce, and souvlaki, skewered and grilled meat, often served with pita and tzatziki, a yogurt and cucumber sauce. Spanakopita (spinach pie) and tiropita (cheese pie) are popular snacks or appetizers, while dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) filled with rice and herbs are a common side dish. Greek salads, featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions, and feta cheese, are a staple in almost every meal.
For dessert, Greece offers treats like baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, honey, and nuts, and loukoumades, honey-soaked dough balls. Retsina, a distinctive white wine flavored with pine resin, is a traditional Greek drink, alongside ouzo, an anise-flavored spirit often enjoyed as an aperitif.
The emphasis on simple, fresh ingredients and a communal style of eating reflects the social nature of Greek dining, where meals are often enjoyed with family and friends.
