Travel Greece

Greece

(Source: CIA - The World Factbook 2003)

Country name (long form): Hellenic Republic (Elliniki Dhimokratia).

Government type: Parliamentary republic.

Capital: Athens.

Currency: euro.

GDP (purchasing power parity): US$ 203.3 billion (2002 est.).

GDP per capita (purchasing power parity): US$ 19,100 (2002 est.).

Total area: 131,940 km².

Coastline: 13,676 km.

Highest point: Mount Olympus 2,917 m.

Population: 10,665,000 (July 2003 est).

Population growth rate: 0.19% (2003).

Life expectancy at birth: 78.9 years.

Religions: Greek Orthodox 98%, Muslim 1.3%, other 0.7%.

Languages: Greek 99% (official), English, French.

Background

Greece achieved its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. Following the defeat of Communist rebels in 1949, Greece joined NATO in 1952. A military dictatorship, which in 1967 suspended many political liberties and forced the king to flee the country, lasted seven years. Democratic elections in 1974 and a referendum created a parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy; Greece joined the European Community or EC in 1981 (which became the EU in 1992).

Independence

1829 (from the Ottoman Empire).

Climate

Temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers.

Terrain

Mostly mountains with ranges extending into the sea as peninsulas or chains of islands.

Economy - overview

Greece has a mixed capitalist economy with the public sector accounting for half of GDP and with per capita GDP 70% of the leading euro-zone economies. Tourism provides 15% of GDP. Immigrants make up nearly one-fifth of the work force, mainly in menial jobs. Greece is a major beneficiary of EU aid, equal to about 3.3% of GDP. The economy has improved steadily with economic growth averaging 4% since 1997, exceeding EU growth by more than 1 percentage point. Remaining challenges include the reduction of the public debt, inflation, and unemployment; and further restructuring of the economy, including privatizing several state enterprises, undertaking pension and other reforms, and minimizing bureaucratic inefficiencies. The Olympic Games will be held in Athens in mid-2004.