Hellenic Republic · Southern Europe
View on the interactive map →| Capital | Athens |
|---|---|
| Population | 10.7 million |
| Area | 131,990 km² (50,962 mi²) |
| Official language(s) | Greek |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Region | Europe |
| Subregion | Southern Europe |
| Continent | Europe |
| Demonym | Greek |
| Calling code | +30 |
| Time zone | Europe/Athens |
| Government type | Unitary parliamentary republic |
|---|---|
| Major political parties | New Democracy, SYRIZA, PASOK, and others |
| National motto | Ελευθερία ή θάνατος (Freedom or Death) |
| Major religions | Greek Orthodox Christianity (majority) |
| Important cities | Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion |
Independence / founding: War of Independence 1821–1830 (from the Ottoman Empire)
The birthplace of democracy, philosophy and the Olympic Games, ancient Greece profoundly shaped Western civilisation. After the Byzantine millennium and four centuries of Ottoman rule, Greece won independence in the 1820s. A republic since 1974, it joined the EU in 1981.
| National animal / bird | Dolphin (ancient symbol) |
|---|---|
| National dish | Souvlaki, moussaka, Greek salad |
| Music | Rebetiko; bouzouki folk |
| National sport | Football, basketball |