Greece Travel Guide - Key Facts

Southeast Europe.

GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

131,957 sq km (50,949 sq miles).

11.2 million (2007).

84.9 per sq km.

Athens. Population: 750,000 (2004 estimate); Greater Athens 3.3 million (2004 estimate).

Greece is situated in southeast Europe on the Mediterranean. The mainland consists of the following regions: Central Greece, Peloponnese, Thessaly (east/central), Epirus (west), Macedonia (north/northwest) and Thrace (northeast). Euboea (Evvia) the second-largest of the Greek islands is also considered to be part of the mainland region and is connected to it by a bridge. The Peloponnese peninsula is separated from the northern mainland by the Isthmus of Corinth, but connected to it by a bridge over the isthmus, plus another bridge near Patras. The northern mainland is dissected by high mountains (such as the Pindus) that extend southwards towards a landscape of fertile plains, pine-forested uplands and craggy, scrub-covered foothills. 

The islands account for one-fifth of the country's land area. The majority are thickly clustered in the Aegean between the Greek and Turkish coasts. The Ionian Islands are the exception; they are scattered along the west coast in the Ionian Sea. The Aegean archipelago includes the Dodecanese, lying off the Turkish coast, of which Rhodes is the best known; the Northeast Aegean group, including Chios, Ikaria, Lemnos, Lesvos and Samos; the Sporades, off the central mainland; and the Cyclades, comprising 39 islands (of which only 24 are inhabited). Crete, the largest island, is not included in any formal grouping.

Member since 1981.

Republic.

President Karolos Papoulias since 2005.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis since 2004.

The Greek conservative New Democracy Party, led by Costas Karamanlis, took over the reins from the Pan Hellenic Socialist Movement (Pasok) in early March 2004. The New Democracy Party was re-elected in September 2007. Since he came to power, Mr Karamanlis has faced industrial action due to high unemployment and rising inflation as well as government plans for pension and labour reforms. He is also under pressure from the European authorities to cut the budget deficit which is in excess of the level permitted under the Eurozone stability pact.

Despite common membership of NATO, bilateral relations between Turkey and Greece have historically been among the worst between any two European countries. The principal causes are the continuing division of Cyprus and control of territorial waters in the Aegean Sea. In April 2008, Greece vetoed the accession of FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) to NATO, highlighting the ongoing dispute between Greece and FYROM over the latter's official name.

Greek (Ellenika). Most people connected with tourism and those of a younger generation will speak some English, French, German or Italian.

98% Greek Orthodox, with Muslim, Roman Catholic and Jewish minorities.

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.

Greeks are very aware of their strong historical and cultural heritage. Traditions and customs differ throughout Greece, but overall a strong sense of unity prevails. The Greek Orthodox Church has a strong traditional influence on the Greek way of life, especially in more rural areas. The throwing back of the head is a negative gesture. Dress is generally casual. Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in public buildings.