Facts About Greece
This page has many important and interesting facts about Greece.
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GEOGRAPHY:
Greece is a peninsula located in Southern Europe. It covers an area of 131,940 square kilometers (50,500 square miles). The size of Greece is comparable
to the state of Alabama. It has 92% of its borders being the coastline of the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. The other eight percent
of its borders is split between Albania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Turkey. Greece is made mostly of mountain ranges with it's
tallest point is Mount Olympus at 2,917 meters high.
POPULATION:
The current population of Greece is over 10 million people. Two thirds of the population is between the ages of 15 and 65.
CLIMATE:
Greece has a typical Mediterranean Climate-hot, sunny summers with wetter winters and ideal for the holidaymaker.
TIME:
Greece is two (2) hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (England) or seven (7) hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the US.
CUISINE:
The Greek Cuisine is one of the best in the world. It has a wide variety of dishes many prepared with fresh vegetables and olive oil.
Greek food is very healthy as well as delicious.
TIPPING:
Tipping is customary at hotels and restaurants and for guides and drivers during tours. Amounts may vary and therefore we can give specific
guidance when arranging the tour, as some tipping is included in the tour prices.
ELECTRICITY:
220 volts-- Converter needed for US, Adapter needed for British Style Plugs
CUSTOMS:
Greece has a antiquities law and prohibits exportation of certain items. One may need to clear some items with the appropriate authorities
if in doubt.
VISAS:
Greece is part of the European Union. All rules of that body apply.
RELIGION:
The Greek Population is 98% Christian. Greece is a Parliamentary Republic headed by a President, which grants freedom of worship.
Official religion of the country is Greek Orthodox.
CURRENCY:
The currency in Greece is the Euro, Greece converted from the Greek Drachma (GrD) to the Euro in 2001. Exchange rates are published
daily and foreign currency may be exchanged with exchange brokers, banks or at hotels. All major Credit Cards as well as Euro-checks are recognized
and accepted in most hotels, shops, travel and car rental agencies and restaurants. Stickers in the front windows will advise you as to which cards
are acceptable. Traveler's Checks issued by all the major companies are widely recognized. You can cash your traveler's checks in all Greek and foreign
banks, exchange bureaus and big hotels, but do not forget to have your passport with you. Identification is necessary for the transaction.
ECONOMY:
The economy of the country is based on tourism/services (73.3%), industry (21.3%), and agriculture (5.4%) with a gross domestic product
of $238 billion USD.
TRANSPORTATION:
Transportation is plentiful including airlines, trains, buses and taxies.
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