Greece
Region
🌍 Europe
Population
👥 10
Currency
💱 Euro
Languages
🗣️ Greek
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Greece, the cradle of Western civilization, beckons with a captivating blend of ancient history, mythological landscapes, and stunning island paradises. From iconic archaeological sites to azure seas and delectable cuisine, Greece offers an unforgettable journey through time and beauty.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Hellenic Republic
Continent
Europe
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Greek
Independence
March 25, 1821 (from the Ottoman Empire)
Top-Level Domain
.gr
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+30
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+02:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Athens
ISO Alpha-2
GR
ISO Alpha-3
GRC
UN Code
300
Geographic Coordinates
39,22
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
131,990#97 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
10,372,335#92 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
80.73
Highest Point (m)
2,918 meters (Mount Olympus)
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Mediterranean Sea)
Land Use
Agricultural land: 53.6%; Forest: 32.1%; Other: 14.3% (2018 est.)
Irrigated Land
13,830 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
13,676 km
Climate
Mediterranean; mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers
Natural Resources
Bauxite, lignite, magnesite, nickel, oil, marble
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey, North Macedonia
Major Rivers
Acheloos, Aliakmonas, Evros (Maritsa)
Major Lakes
Lake Trichonida, Lake Volvi
Government Type
Parliamentary Republic
Administrative Divisions
13 regions (periferies) and 74 regional units (periferiakes enotites)
Legal System
Civil law system
Chief of State
President Katerina Sakellaropoulou
Head of Government
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis
Cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed by the President on the recommendation of the Prime Minister
Elections
Prime Minister elected by the legislative body; the President is elected by the Hellenic Parliament for a five-year term.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Civil and Criminal Court (Areios Pagos); Supreme Administrative Court; courts of first instance
Legislative Branch
Hellenic Parliament (Vouli ton Ellinon) with 300 members, elected for a four-year term
Major Political Parties
New Democracy, SYRIZA, PASOK-KINAL, Communist Party of Greece (KKE), Greek Solution
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Euro
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
280.64#52 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
471.37#57 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
26,948.01#62 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
3.57
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
15.22
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
67.45
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.48#107 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
4,715,509
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
8.54#48 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
High, exceeding 170% of GDP.
Budget
The Greek budget is managed by the Ministry of Finance.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
110.74#47 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
123.45#45 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Significant, held by the Bank of Greece.
Currency Exchange
Currency exchange rates can be found at major banks and online financial resources.
GDP by Sector
Services, industry, and agriculture.
Major Industries
Tourism, shipping, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Major Export Partners
Germany, Italy, Cyprus, and Turkey.
Major Import Partners
Germany, Italy, Russia, and China.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2009)Checked September 29, 2026
93.91#86 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.6
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
12.1
Net Migration Rate
Positive, with more immigrants than emigrants.
Median Age
Approximately 46 years.
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
79.22#63 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Low, urban population is relatively stable.
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
81.8#39 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Low prevalence.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
8.39
Ethnic Groups
Predominantly Greek.
Religions
Primarily Orthodox Christian.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Greek
Education
Education System
Publicly funded with compulsory education from age 6 to 15. Includes primary, lower secondary, upper secondary and higher education.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2018)Checked September 29, 2026
19.5
Government Education Spending
Around 4% of GDP.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
University of Athens, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University of Patras.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Rich history, emphasizing philosophy, arts, and democracy, with strong family values and Orthodox Christian traditions.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- Πρωτοχρονιά (2026-01-01)
- Θεοφάνεια (2026-01-06)
- Καθαρά Δευτέρα (2026-02-23)
- Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου (2026-03-25)
- Εικοστή Πέμπτη Μαρτίου (2026-03-25)
- Μεγάλη Παρασκευή (2026-04-10)
- Κυριακή του Πάσχα (2026-04-12)
- Δευτέρα του Πάσχα (2026-04-13)
- Εργατική Πρωτομαγιά (2026-05-01)
- Πεντηκοστή (2026-05-31)
- Δευτέρα Πεντηκοστής (2026-06-01)
- Κοίμηση της Θεοτόκου (2026-08-15)
Popular Music
Includes folk music (rebetiko, laiko), pop, and contemporary genres.
Traditional Food
Moussaka, souvlaki, spanakopita, and a wide variety of seafood, olive oil, and fresh produce.
Sports
Football (soccer), basketball, water polo, and track and field are popular.
Major Festivals
Various religious festivals, the Athens & Epidaurus Festival (performing arts), and regional celebrations.
Famous People
Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, Alexander the Great, and many more from ancient to modern times.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Acropolis of Athens, Delphi, Olympia, Knossos, and many other historical sites.
UNESCO Sites
Numerous sites, including the Acropolis, Delphi, Meteora, and the Old Town of Corfu.
Annual Tourist Visits
around 31 million/year
Tourism Overview
Greece, a cradle of Western civilization, draws millions with its rich history, stunning islands, and delicious cuisine. Tourists flock to iconic destinations like Athens, the historical heart, and the Cycladic islands, famous for whitewashed villages and azure waters. Popular regions also include Crete with its diverse landscapes and historical sites, and the Peloponnese for its ancient ruins and charming towns. Trip styles vary from relaxing beach holidays and island hopping to cultural explorations and hiking adventures. Highlights include marveling at the Acropolis, exploring ancient Delphi, swimming in crystal-clear seas, and savoring authentic Mediterranean flavors. The vibrant cities offer a blend of ancient wonders and modern life, while the natural beauty spans from rugged mountains to idyllic coastlines.
Top Tourist Attractions
Marvel at the Acropolis in Athens, wander through the ancient ruins of Delphi, soak up the sun on the famous beaches of Mykonos, and discover the mythical Palace of Knossos in Crete.
Famous Cities
Explore the vibrant energy of Athens with its ancient wonders, the romantic island charm of Santorini, and the bustling historical port of Rhodes.
National Parks
- Vikos-Aoos National Park: Explore dramatic gorges and ancient stone bridges in the Pindus Mountains.
- Samaria Gorge National Park: Hike one of Europe's longest gorges, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Crete.
- Olympus National Park: Ascend the mythical home of the gods, offering challenging hikes and stunning alpine scenery.
- Prespa National Park: Discover a unique wetland ecosystem, a haven for diverse birdlife and rare flora.
- Mount Parnitha National Park: Escape to the mountains near Athens for hiking, wildlife spotting, and panoramic views.
- Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest National Park: Witness a vital habitat for birds of prey and enjoy dense forests.
Protected Areas
—
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Greece truly depends on your priorities. For pleasant city exploration and fewer crowds, consider the shoulder seasons: April to May in spring or September to October in autumn. During these months, the weather is mild, perfect for wandering through ancient ruins like the Acropolis in Athens or enjoying the charming streets of Santorini. Summer, from June to August, is prime time for beach lovers and island hopping, with warm sunshine and vibrant nightlife, though it can be crowded and hotter. If hiking is your passion, spring and autumn offer ideal temperatures for trekking through mainland landscapes or exploring Crete's Samaria Gorge. Festival enthusiasts should check local calendars, as many religious and cultural celebrations occur throughout the year, particularly around Easter and during the summer months.
Tourist Visa Info
If a visa is required, it's typically a Schengen visa, which covers Greece and other participating European countries. Applications usually need to be submitted to the Greek embassy or consulate in your home country or a designated visa application center. Proof of sufficient funds, accommodation, and travel insurance are common requirements. Always apply for your visa well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for processing time. For visa-exempt nationals, ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.
Visa Requirements Overview
Tourist visa requirements for Greece depend significantly on your nationality and length of stay. Citizens of many countries, particularly within the European Union and Schengen Area, can enter Greece visa-free for tourism. Travelers from other countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, may also enter visa-free for short stays, typically up to 90 days within a 180-day period, for tourism. However, citizens of many other nations will require a Schengen visa, which allows travel within the Schengen Area. It is crucial to check the specific requirements based on your passport well in advance of your travel dates, as rules can vary and depend on bilateral agreements. The Greek embassy or consulate in your home country can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Travel Advisory
Greece is a welcoming destination, and most visitors experience no significant issues. Standard travel precautions are recommended, such as keeping personal belongings secure in busy areas. Be mindful of the sun, especially during summer months, and stay hydrated. Traffic can be chaotic in cities, so exercise caution when driving or walking. It's always a good idea to have travel insurance for unforeseen circumstances. Familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette for a more enriching experience.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Relatively high.
Medical Cost
Varies, with public and private healthcare options.
Number of Hospitals
Numerous hospitals and healthcare facilities are available throughout the country.
Universal Healthcare
Universal healthcare system primarily funded through social health insurance.
Medical Services Overview
Comprehensive, with public and private hospitals and clinics.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency services are available, with the ambulance service EKAV.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
112
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
112
Emergency Number (Fire)
112
Crime Rate
—
Safety Index
—
Military Expenditure
—
Emergency Services Overview
Greece has a unified emergency number for all services. When you need police, ambulance, or fire services, dialing the single emergency number will connect you to the appropriate response. The system is designed to efficiently dispatch help to those in need. Tourists can rely on these services in case of any unforeseen circumstances or emergencies during their stay.
Safety Overview
Greece is generally a safe country for tourists, with petty crime being the most common concern, primarily pickpocketing in crowded areas like Athens' Plaka or on public transport. Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. While most tourist areas are very safe, it's wise to exercise caution in certain neighborhoods in Athens after dark, similar to any large city. Common scams might involve overcharging for taxis or overpriced souvenirs, so agree on taxi fares beforehand if possible and be discerning with purchases. Always trust your instincts and report any suspicious activity to the local authorities or your accommodation. Emergency services are readily available, and most Greeks are welcoming and helpful to visitors.
Military Branches
—
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
—
Water Access
—
Sanitation Access
—
Railways
Operated by TrainOSE, connecting major cities, with ongoing development and improvements.
Roadways
Driving in Greece can be an adventure, with a mix of well-maintained highways and more challenging rural roads. Major highways, such as the A1 (Athens-Thessaloniki) and A7 (Athens-Kalamata), are modern and well-signposted. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the mainland and islands at your own pace, offering flexibility to discover hidden gems. Be prepared for narrow, winding roads in mountainous and island regions. Tolls are common on major highways and can be paid with cash or card. Driving styles can be assertive, so defensive driving is advised.
Transportation System
Well-developed, including road network, public transportation in cities, ferries to islands, and domestic flights.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH), Chania International Airport (CHQ), Corfu Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport (CFU), Heraklion International Nikos Kazantzakis Airport (HER), Kavala Alexander the Great International Airport (KVA), Kos International Airport "Ippokratis" (KGS)
Ports
—
Public Transit
Public transportation in major Greek cities like Athens and Thessaloniki is generally reliable and efficient. Athens boasts an extensive metro system that connects key tourist sites, along with a comprehensive network of buses and trams. Tickets are typically purchased at stations or kiosks and are valid for a set duration or number of journeys. Passes are available for extended stays. While generally dependable, occasional delays can occur, especially with bus services. For island travel, ferries are the primary public transport method, offering connections between numerous islands.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
86.27#81 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
—
Tech Startups
—
Innovation Index
—
ICT Development Index
—
TV Broadcast Stations
—
Radio Broadcast Stations
—
Plug Type & Voltage
Type C/E, 230V, 50Hz
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
5.05#53 of 202
Air Quality Index
Moderate air quality in urban areas, with some issues from traffic and industry.
Water Pollution Level
Water pollution is a concern, particularly in coastal areas, due to agricultural runoff and untreated sewage.
Renewable Energy Usage
Increasing use of renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, but still reliant on fossil fuels.
Environmental Issues
Air and water pollution, deforestation, soil erosion, and climate change impacts.
Natural Hazards
Earthquakes, volcanic activity, wildfires, and floods.
Waste Management
Progress in waste management, but challenges remain in recycling and landfill management.
Environmental Agreements
Signatory to major international environmental agreements.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Maintains diplomatic missions globally.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
NATO, EU, Eurozone, OECD, Schengen Area
Major Treaties
Participates in numerous international treaties related to trade, human rights, and the environment.
Visa-Free Countries
Offers visa-free access to many countries.