Greece, officially known as the Hellenic Republic, is a Southeastern European country located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It shares borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. Greece is world-renowned for its rich history, being one of the oldest civilizations and considered the cradle of Western civilization having made significant contributions to philosophy, arts, politics, and sciences during the ancient period.
The capital and largest city, Athens, houses historically significant structures such as the Parthenon on the Acropolis. The country's geography is primarily mountainous with ranges extending into the sea as peninsulas or chains of islands. Greece has a coastline characterized by its beautiful beaches, stretching over 13,600 km.
Greek is the country's official language and Greece follows the Eastern Orthodox Church. Tourism forms a significant part of the economy due to its historical sites, weather, and island coastlines. It has a diverse economy comprising tourism, shipping, industrial products, food and tobacco processing, textiles, chemicals, metal products, mining, and petroleum.
Greece is a parliamentary republic. The President, elected by the Parliament, is the head of state and the Prime Minister is the head of government. Greece is also a member of numerous international organizations like the United Nations, the European Union, the Council of Europe, NATO, and the OECD.
The country is also known for its Mediterranean cuisine, ancient mythologies, traditional music and dances, literature, and diverse flora and fauna. Greece’s varied climate ranges from temperate to Mediterranean, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
The culture of Greece has evolved over thousands of years, with influences from various civilizations like the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. The modern Greek culture blends this historical heritage with contemporary influences, creating a unique cultural blend. With its exceptional history and culture, Greece continues to be a hub of arts, learning, and philosophy.
