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Greece:
Country Guide

Greece - general country guide

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Sample

Map

^{Source: CIA World Factbook}

Summary Data

summary data
Total Area (km²)	131,940
Land (km²)	130,800
Water (km²)	1,140
Population	10,722,816
Population Density (/km²⁾	82
Capital	Athens
Religion (%)	Greek Orthodox 98%, Muslim 1.3% Other 0.7%
Time	GMT+2
Climate	As a whole Greece tends to have mild, wet winters and long hot, dry summers.

^{Source: CIA World Factbook}

Geography

Greece is situated in southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea and located between Albania and Turkey. 80% of Greece consists of mountains or hills making it the most mountainous country in the world, it also has the tenth longest coastline in the world. Mount Olympus is the highest mountain in the country situated in the north Pieria prefecture; this mountain is particularly popular with hikers and climbers. Athens is the county's capital and most populated city and is home to the Piraeus port. Thessaloniki is the second largest city, the capital of Macedonia and also an important seaport giving access to the Balkans.

Government

The structure of the Greek government is similar to those in western democracies and currently stands as a parliamentary democracy. The legal system is based on Roman laws where the courts are divided into civil, criminal and administrative. The Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis is currently serving his second term in power and he and the Cabinet dominate the main role in the political process. The people nominate three hundred parliamentary deputies who form the parliament and take care of the duties within the government.

Language

Greek is the official language in Greece; a minority of people speak English and French which totals to around 1%.

Electricity

220v 50 Hz

Plugs are of the European two pin style.

Passports/Visa

British, Australian, American and Canadians have to have passports valid up to the extent of their stay. EU nationals only have to show a valid national id card.

Visas

Visas are not required by all nationals, EU nationals are allowed an unlimited amount of stay in the country. Australian, Canadian, Bulgarian, Romanian and American nationals are only allowed to stay in the country for a period of up to 90 days.

Passport/Visa Information

Embassy of Greece

1a Holland Park,

London

W11 3TP

Tel: 020 7229 3850

Fax: 020 7229 7221

Email:consulategeneral@greekembassy.org.uk

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 09.30-13.00

Airports and Airlines

Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH)

Location: The airport is situated 20 miles (33km) southeast of Athens.
Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in october).
Contacts: Administration Building 17, 19019 Spata, Athens, Greece
Tel: (0)210 353 0000
Website: www.aia.gr
Terminals: 2
Transfer between terminals: Underground walkway connecting the main terminal with the satellite terminal.
Transfer to the city: There are regular buses going from the airports to various locations in Athens, there is also a rail service and taxi hire at or near to the airport.
Car rental: Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz.
Facilities: There are banks, bars and restaurants at the airport. Other facilities include a bureau de change, left luggage, business facilities (fax and internet) and duty-free shops. First aid and disabled facilities are good; those who need a wheelchair or have other special requirements should contact their airline in advance.
Parking: Parking is available.

Standard of Living

The standard of living in Greece is relatively high with a good quality of life and as a member of the EU Greece has one of the lowest costs of living. Crime rates in Greece are very low so Athens is seen as a very safe city to live in. Although it may have its problems Athens lacks major problems other cities come across and the country's stable economy makes the high standard of living much easier.