This page is dedicated to facts about Greece! So if you’ve ever wondered things like “Why isn’t Friday the 13th Unluck in Greece”? Or “why were most people in ancient Greece called idiots”, then you’ve landed in the right place.
Besides fun facts about Greece, you’ll discover facts about the Greek Flag, modern Greek, their spectacular islands, and even the Greek gods.
There are facts for kids, adults, travelers, and the curious! So get ready! As you are about to learn more Greece facts and the mediterranean sea than you’ve ever thought possible!
Quick Facts: 10 Facts About Greece
What are quick 10 facts about Greece? Where to begin…Greece is a country located on the Balkan peninsula in southeastern Europe. It has a population of 11 million people, with a majority of citizens identifying as Greek Orthodox Christians.
The country is known for its ancient culture, Mediterranean climate, and its delicious cuisine. Greece is also the birthplace of democracy, the Olympic Games, and Western philosophy. Here are 10 facts about Greece.
1. The official name of Greece is the Hellenic Republic.
2. The capital of Greece is Athens, and its largest city is Thessaloniki.
3. The official language of Greece is Greek.
4. The currency of Greece is the Euro.
5. Greece has the 11th longest coastline in the world, measuring 13,676 km (8,498 mi).
6. The highest point in Greece is Mount Olympus at 2,917 m (9,570 ft).
7. Greece is a founding member of the United Nations and the European Union.
8. The national flag of Greece consists of nine equal horizontal stripes of blue and white.
9. The national flower of Greece is the rose.
10. Greece has the third-highest rate of internet access in the world.
50 Facts About Greece that Are Interesting
Want more Interesting facts about Greece is an ancient nation with a rich and fascinating history. It is the birthplace of democracy and has had a great influence on the development of Western civilization. Here are 50 facts about Greece:
Greece Gets 3,000 Hours of Sunshine a Year
Greece is one of the sunniest places on the planet. The country has over 300 sunny days each year, and over 3,000 hours of sunshine. That is a fact about Greece, that makes me want to pack my bags!
80% of Greece is Mountainous Terrain
Because it’s in the Mediterranean, you might think that Greece is all beaches.
A majority of the countries are the opposite, 80% of Greece is mountainous terrain.
Up until the 1990s, the sidewalks in downtown Athens were paved with marble.
The first female mayor of Athens, Dora Bakoyannis, made the change to the pavement because the sidewalks would get slippery after it rained.
The population of Greece is just over 10.5 million
That’s similar to the population of Sweden (Which we talk about in our post – What is Sweden Famous for?). But compared to many other countries in Europe Greece has a tiny population.
For example, Italy and Spain have a population of 60 and 50 million respectively. There are a lot of interesting facts about Spain.
Surprise Surprise, the official language of Greece is Greek
Greek has heavily influenced English. About 12% of English words have roots in the Greek language.
Mt Olympus is the highest mountain in Greece at just over 9,500 feet
It’s a relatively easy climb to the top.
It takes two days to reach the top. At a little over halfway there’s a rustic hotel where you can sleep, shower – in chilly mountain water; or talk with other climbers.
It’s an epic climb with sweeping views over the home of the gods. I know! It was one of the first things I did when backpacking Greece.
The Unibrow was Attractive
That’s a sentence I never expected to write in my life! But in ancient Greece, the Unibrow was a sign of beauty and intelligence.
Greece is located in Southern Europe
Greece lies in the southern part of Europe known as the Mediterranean, but far away from Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Its Mediterranean neighborhoods are Italy, Spain, and Portugal.
P.s.I highly recommenced backpacking Italy.
Greece is roughly the size of Alabama
Greece has just under 50,000 square miles making it similar in size to the state of Alabama. And a little bit smaller than Arkansas.
School Means Something Totally Different
The school doesn’t mean what you think. The word “school” comes from the Greek word that means “free time”. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think students fill like school is “free time”.
Greece Only Has 21 Small Rivers
Yep, the country has 21 small rivers, and none are navigable. It’s ironic that a country with this much water only has small rivers.
21 might sound like a lot, but let’s compare. Italy has 1,000 rivers. Spain 1,800. And the United States has 250,000. Yep, Greece is short on rivers.
Greece Has a Massive Coastline
Yes, the majority of the country is mountains. But Greece still has a lot of rocky coastlines. The coastal country has just under 10,000 miles of pristine coast.
The Greeks Invented the Yo-Yo
Did you know that the ancient Greeks invented the Yo-Yo?
It’s true. And after the doll, it is the second oldest toy in the world. I was obsessed with Yo-Yos growing up. (and there’s your interesting fact about me for the day!)
Greece and Sparta Fought a lot in the Peloponnesian war.
The Peloponnesian War was a conflict that took place in Ancient Greece between 431 and 404 BC and saw the Greek civilization and the Athenian Empire pitted against western Greece and the Peloponnesian League led by Sparta. This war was a result of the rivalry between Athens, the pre-eminent naval power, and Sparta, the dominant land-based power, for control of the Greek world. The war lasted 27 years and was fought on land and sea, with major battles such as the Battle of Sphacteria and the Battle of Delium. It ultimately resulted in the defeat of Athens, which had to surrender its lands and naval power to Sparta, and the establishment of the Thirty Tyrants in Athens.
Greece is the 3rd Largest Producer of Olives in the World
Greece produces 2.2 million metric tons of olives every year. I’m guessing a eat around half a ton myself.
Greece Has More Archaeological Museums Than Any Other Country
Greece has 100 Archaeological museums, that’s more than any other country in the world. It goes to show the wealth of artifacts that have been preserved from the ancient world. This is one of the facts about Greece that has drawn a lot of tourism to the country.
100,000 Birds Migrate Through Greece Each Year
Tourists aren’t the only people who travel to the flock (no pun intended) to Greece A lesser-known, but one interesting fact about Greece is that each year thousands of birds stop in the wetlands of Greece on their way to Asia. Over 100,000 birds travel through Greece each year!
Our Theaters Today Are Based On the Ancient Greeks
Even the word theater is Greek and most modern theatres are based on their plans. Think about that. The way Greeks designed theaters 3,000 years ago is still in practice today!
Greece Was Home to the Worlds Most Famous Philosophers
Famous Philosophers Socrates, Thales, Plato, Democritus, and Protagoras. In fact stoicism started in Greece so we can thank the ancient Greeks for best stoicism quotes.
The Word Dinosaur Comes from Ancient Greek
Yep, even the word Dinosaur comes from the ancient Greeks and translates to; “terrible lizard.”
Fun Facts About Ancient Greece
The Age of Classical Greek Culture lasted hundreds of Years
The Classical Age of Greek culture was at its height between the 5th and 4th centuries BCE.
Ancient Greeks Loved Naps
The Greek Capital of Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world. And the city’s history has been traced back over 3,400 years.
Athens is the oldest capital of Europe
Just like many countries in the Mediterranean, the Ancient Greeks loved taking naps, or siestas in the middle of the day. This mainly happened in the dead heat of summer.
Athens has more theatrical stages than anywhere else in the world
The ancient Greeks loved theaters so much that they built them everywhere. In Athens alone, they have found 148 stages. (And I wonder how many still remain lost to time.)
The Greeks were the first to Theorize that Planets Revolved Around the Sun
Yep, the Greeks beat Nicolaus Copernicus and Galileo by almost 1800 years. The first theory that the sun was the center of the solar system and that the earth revolved around it was proposed by Aristarchus and Samos in the 3rd century BCE.
Ancient Greeks Had no Word for Religion
Yep, for how religious the Greeks were they had no word for Religion in ancient Greece.
Nafplio – not Athens – was the 1st Capital of Greece
The first capital of Greece was actually on the eastern side of the Peloponnese. The stunning port town of Nafplio was the first capital of Greece.
Nafplio was named after Poseidon’s son. To this day Nafplio’s one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
The Oracle of Delphi Would High Off Volcanic Fumes
For nearly 2,000 years – from 1,400 BCE to 400 AD – the Pythia would enter a trance at Delphi by breathing in volcanic fumes seeping out of the ground.
High on these fumes, she would make prophecies to the people.
Greeks Changed How Economies Were Run
During the height of classical Greece (the 5th and 4th centuries BCE), the Greeks had the most advanced economy
The Goddess Athena is the Patron Goddess of Athens
The warrior goddess is the patron of Athens.
The Parthenon was dedicated, to Athena. And had a huge statue of her, which was one of the most renowned statues in the ancient world.
Greek Culture Influenced the Romans
It’s a fact about Italy. Romans were notorious for stealing ideas. So it’s easy to see that the Greek culture heavily influenced the Romans. Greek culture, through the Roman Empire, is the foundation of our modern-day western civilization.
Teenagers Were Mentored By The City’s Elders
If you were a wealthy teenager in Ancient Greece, an enormous part of your education was being mentored by an elder.
The Olympic Games started in Greece over 2,000 years ago
In 2004, the Olympic Games were once again held in Greece. This time in Athens.
Rhodes Held One of the Ancient Wonders of the World
The Colossus of Rhodes once stood nearly 100 feet tall as you entered the city’s harbor. It was a statue that depicted the god Helios. The statue was destroyed in 226 BCE after a massive earthquake shook the city.
The Greek Empire Was Massive
Their Empire stretched all over Europe. And even made it as far as France, Bulgaria, and Turkey. The ancient Greeks were conquerors. This is one of the facts about Greece I feel gets overlooked.
Slaves Made Up A Large part of the Population of Ancient Greece
It’s estimated that somewhere between 40% to 80% of the population of ancient Greece were captives, slaves, or children of slaves.
Slaves Were Bought With More Than Money
Slaves were often bought by ancient Greek and Romans with salt. This is how the phrase “not worth his salt” came into being. This fact about Greece makes me sad. But history isn’t always pleasant
Greece and Northern Macedonia Both Claim Alexander the Great
These two countries have had a rocky relationship throughout history. Even to this day, they argue over if Alexander The Great belongs to the Greeks or Northern Macedonians.
Ancient Greeks Invented Spiked Dog Colors
Spiked dog collars – or medium – were invented in Ancient Greece. And we’re used to protecting dogs from wolf bites.
Education Started at Age 7
If you lived in Athens, you would start school at age 7. If you were a Spartan this is the age you would be taken to the barracks to begin military training.
Greek is one of the oldest languages in Europe
The Greek language dates back 3,000 years. This makes it one of Europe’s oldest languages.
Ancient Greece Was Divided Up Into City-States
Greece was divided up into city-states like Athens, Sparta, and Thebes (Just one of the fun facts about Athens). Each city-state had its laws and government.
The City-States Were Connected By Religion and Language
City-states had their systems of government and currency. Strange for being a part of the same country! So what unified them? A shared language and religion.
At the Height of Its, Empire Greece Had 1,000 City-States
The most popular of these city-states include Athens, Sparta, Corinth, Thebes, and Rhodes.
Ancient Greeks Invented Democracy
The word democracy is Greek. And it’s translated as “government by the people.” This is perhaps the greatest legacy that the ancient Athenians left us.
The Ancient Greek Democracy Lasted Less Than 200 Years
One of the most well-known facts about Greece is that they are famous for democracy. but, the ancient Greek democracy lasted for only 185 years.
Shaking Hands Comes from Greece
Shaking hands with a person dates back to the Ancient Greeks.
Naked Workouts
It’s well known that Ancient Greeks worked out in the nude.
Ancient Greek Pioneered Ideas We Still Use Today
Ancient Greeks developed new ideas in science, philosophy, religion, art, and science. We use many of these same ideas today!
Most People in Ancient Greece were considered Idiots
In the modern age as well. The ancient Greek word “Idiot” referred to anyone that wasn’t a politician.
The Greeks Developed the First Alphabet With Vowels
The Greeks created the first alphabet with vowels. The name alphabet comes from the first two letters of the Greek alphabet – alpha and beta.
Ancient Greece Influenced Modern-Day Literature
Greeks pioneered story forms like epics, poetry, comedy, tragedy, and history. All of which are popular today!
I wonder if they have a teenage, vampire novel buried in ruins somewhere?
Spartan Men Could Live With Their Until After Military Service
Spartan Men were not allowed to live with their families until age 30 when their active military service was over.
10 More Facts About Ancient Greece.
- Ancient Greece is credited with being the birthplace of democracy, with the first democratic government being established in Athens around 500 BCE.
- And Ancient Greece was comprised of city-states, such as Athens, Sparta, and Corinth, which were all independent.
- Ancient Greece was the first civilization to use an alphabet, which was developed by the Phoenicians and adopted by the Greeks around 800 BCE.
- We know Ancient Greece for its philosophers, including Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
- Ancient Greece was home to the Olympic Games, which began in 776 BCE and were held every four years to honor the gods.
- Ancient Greece was a major trading center, with goods and ideas being exchanged between the Mediterranean and European countries.
- And Ancient Greece was home to many great artists, including sculptors Phidias and Praxiteles, painters Apelles and Zeuxis, and dramatists Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.
- Ancient Greece was home to some of the greatest architectural feats of the ancient world, such as the Parthenon and the Colossus of Rhodes.
- Ancient Greece was a major seafaring civilization. The ancient Greeks were among the first to build ships and explore the Mediterranean Sea. They used these ships to trade goods, establish colonies, and conduct wars. They also used them for transportation, so that they could travel to distant lands.
- Famous figures such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle all lived and worked in Ancient Greece. These philosophers and scientists helped to form the foundations of modern science and culture. They developed theories on mathematics, physics, politics, and philosophy, which are still relevant today. Ancient Greece was also home to many famous poets, playwrights, and artists, who helped to shape Western civilization.
Greek Flag Facts
The design has been the flag of Greece since 1822
This is when Greece was fighting for independence. Greece was under the Ottoman rule but wished for religious freedom.
No one knows who designed the Flag
Where the current design comes from is a mystery but some think the design was inspired by Kallergis Family of Crete.
The Flag Stands for a Phrase
Each strip in the flag represents a word in the phrases “Ελευθερία ή Θάνατος”. Which translates “Freedom or Death”.
Freedom and Death Was a Chant Used During the Fight for Independence
The chant “Freedom or Death” was an important battle chant in the war for independence which ended with the Ottoman Empire leaving Greece.
The Greeks at Epidaurus officially adopted the flag in 1822
Up until that point the flag had only been used as a military ensign and state flag.
The Stripes and Shape Bear a Meaning
The Greek flag is a rectangular shape. It has nine stripes, 5 blue stripes, and 4 white. The flag has the blue and white cross which is meant to symbolize the wisdom of God.
The Flag Has a Nickname
The flag is sometimes referred to as the blue-white in Greek.
Facts About Greece: Culture
Greeks are famous for Hospitality
Greeks are friendly and take hospitality seriously. Especially on the islands, and at meals. It’s not uncommon to get a free glass of wine, ouzo, or dessert at the end of each meal. Just a small “thank you for visiting”… and perhaps an enticement to come back tomorrow.
Greeks Declared Love By Throwing Apples
In ancient Greece, you could declare love for someone by throwing an apple at them.
Tuesday (not Friday) the 13th is unlucky in Greece
Greeks don’t think Friday the 13th is unlucky! Instead, they believe that Tuesday the 13th is an unlucky day.
Greeks are Superstitious
Greek has a very superstitious culture. Even in light of their strong religious beliefs.
Superstitious Vary Greatly Depending on Where you Are in Greece
Speaking of superstitions, they differ by town and village. And change depending on where you are in the country.
Jinx, buy me a coke! Well, not in Greece
In Greece, if you say the same thing, at the same time it is considered a bad omen! If this happens Greeks must say “ piase kokkino” and touch something red. This will protect you from the omen.
Most Greeks are Named After Religious Figures
Religion is important in Greece. Because of this most Greeks are named after religious saints.
Greeks Celebrate Name Days More Than Birthdays
Greeks celebrate name days or “ onomastiki eorti” rather than birthdays. Name days are closely associated with the Greek Orthodox Church.
Greeks Celebrate Ohi Day
October 28th is Ohi Day in Greece. This holiday celebrates when Metaxas, the dictator of Greece, was refused entry to the country by the Italians.
50 More Interesting Facts About Greece
Greece has 18 UNESCO Sites
Out of Greece’s 18 UNESCO sites, 16 of them are marked as cultural sites.
And the other two, Meteora and Mount Athos, are marked as both cultural and natural sites.
Mt Olympus was the home of the Greek Gods
From here, Zeus watched over the Greeks. The Greek gods loved to interfere (and not always for the better) in the lives of humans.
Ancient Artist Painted on Wooden Boards
Evidence shows that ancient artists and painters painted on wooden boards and walls.
The Titans Lived in Greece Before the Gods
Before the gods, there were the Titans. They were the first gods of Greece. There were 12 titans who were more powerful!
The twelve Olympian gods lived on Mount Olympus
Zeus was the Leader: Zeus was the most powerful of the Olympians. He was the god of sky and lightning.
Prometheus Defied Zeus and Gave the Humans Fire
Zeus didn’t want humans to have fire because it would make them more powerful! The gods always wanted to keep the humans in check.
Greece Has a Shortage of Fresh Water
For all the large amounts of water in the country, the vast majority of it is the ocean. Greece has very little freshwater. In fact, conversing water is an important part of life in Greece.
Greek stems from the Indo-European Languages
And Around 15 million people around the world speak Greek.
Greek Wine Dates Back over 6000 Years
The first evidence of wine in Greece dates back to 6,500 years ago.
Romans Loved Greek Wine
Speaking of wine, Romans loved Greek wine. It was widely sought after, and a popular trade item.
The Word Music Derives from a Greek Goddess
Even our word “music” can be traced back to Greece. The word derives from the Greek word Muses. Muses was the Greek goddess of art.
Zeus’ wife was Hera (His Sister)
Hera was the queen of the gods. She is the goddess of family and marriage. His symbols are the lion, cow, pomegranate, and peacock.
Poseidon’s More Than Just God of The Sea
Everyone knows Poseidon as the god of the ocean. He’s also the god of horses and earthquakes. He is the brother of Zeus and Hades. His symbol is a trident.
Greek Islands Facts
The Greek Islands are Deserted in the Off-Season
The Greek Islands are a popular tourist attraction in the summer. But in the winter and fall they rarely get any visitors. Many locals even leave the islands when the tourists aren’t around. This is a interesting fact about Greece for travelers looking to escape the tourist crowds.
7% of the World’s Marble Came the Greek Islands
In the ancient world the Greek Islands, especially Naxos, were known for their marble production.
Greece has 6,000 Islands
Greece has over thousands of islands.That means if you visited one island for a day it would take you sixteen and a half years to visit every island. Although the only 227 are populated.
Naxos is the largest of the Cycladic Islands in Greece
The island is massive! And is easily spotted on a map!
The Islands Have to Boat in Freshwater
Because there’s no little freshwater, some islands have water brought to them by tanker.
Naxos Plays an Important Role in Mythology
Zeus was partly raised in Naxos. The island also has temples to Demeter, Apollo, and Artemis.
Delos was the Islands Version of Delphi:
The tiny island of Delos, off the coast of Mykonos, was the most sacred place on the islands. It was the equivalent of Delphi on the mainland. It’s also the birthplace of the Greek god Apollo.
Santorini Facts
Santorini Has More Wine than Water
The idyllic islands of Santorini get such a little amount of rain that the island has more wine than water. That’s a Santorini fact that makes me want to pack my bag!
Santorini Grape Vines Were Spared From the Great French Wine Blight
In the 1850s a blight, known as phylloxera, wiped out almost all the older grapevines in western Europe. The only grapevines that were unaffected in this area were the vines on Santorini.
Meaning if you want to taste wine from the oldest grapevines in western Europe it has to be Santorini wine.
Volcanic Ash Protected the Santorini Vines from the Blight
This isn’t so much one of the fun facts about Greece, but it is heavily speculated that the vines were protected from the blights because they grow in volcanic ashy ground (Like the Volcanoes we talk about in our fun facts of Mexico).
Santorini’s One of the Most Visited Islands in Greece
Out of the entire wealth of the Greek Islands, two names stand out as tourism powerhouses. That’s the islands of Santorini and Mykonos.
Celebrities Flock to Santorini In the Summer
Famous personalities like Kurt Russel, Dwayne Wade, Julianne Hough, and more have been seen in Santorini. The Greek islands are a magnet for the rich and famous.
Santorini Might Be Atlantis
Ok, this is another theory, but it is said that Santorini, called Thera, at the time is a possible location of Atlantis.
Much of the island was lost and devastated in a volcanic eruption almost 4,000 years ago. This is only a legend. But hey it’s still fun to imagine the possibility. Just another reason this is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Santorini Gets 100X More Visitors Each Year Than Residents
Santorini’s one of the best islands in Greece, and the sun sets there to embody the best quotes about the sunset. Its popularity draws over 1.5 million visitors each year. And only 15,000 people live on the island.
Santorini Has Colorful Beaches
The beaches in Santorini come in uncommon colors. There’s the black pebble beach. White sandy beaches, pale red beaches, and of course, normal beaches.
Facts About Crete
The Largest Greek Island in Crete
Crete’s the largest of the Greek Islands. Crete is massive. Not only is it the biggest island in Greece, but it’s the 5th largest island in the Mediterranean.
Crete has over 160 Miles of Beaches
Continuing with the sheer size of Crete did you know that the beaches in Crete Stretch for over 160 miles? These beaches also differ in color. Two of the beaches on Crete are pink. It’s hard to find the words to describe all the beauty of Crete.
Crete is the Home of the Minotaur
The ancient city of Knossos, on Crete, was home to the fabled beast the Minotaur. The Minotaur was kept in the labyrinth underneath the city.
Zeus Was Born on the Greek Islands
The thunder god grew was hidden from his father (who wanted to eat him) in a cave on Crete. Here he grew up until he eventually killed his father. What an interesting fact about Crete, and a great point to start Greek mythology.
Athenian Democracy Dates Back to the 6th Century B.C.
Athenian democracy developed in the 6th century B.C. And all free male citizens who were 18 and over were allowed to vote. This spread to a lot of the Greek cities.
Wrestling and Chariot Racing were Popular Sports
So was sprinting and long jumping. And only men were allowed to compete.
The Greeks Weren’t The First People in Greece
The Minoans and the Mycenaeans were the two earliest civilizations that developed in Greece.
The Mycenaeans who lived on the mainland were the first civilization we have evidence of in Greece.
The Minoans came soon after and lived mostly on Crete.
The God Apollo Left a Big Mark on the Greeks
Apollo’s the Greek god of music, light, and archery.
He was one of the most popular gods of the ancient Greek world. They have found more temples dedicated to Apollo than any other god or goddess.
His symbols are the sun, bow and arrow, and lyre.
The Greeks Had a God for Parties
The Greeks loved celebrating so much that they had a god who was the lord of wine and celebrations. Dionysus, son of Zeus was the youngest god, and his symbol is the grapevine. And he’s the god dedicated to shindigs!
Facts About Modern Greece
Greece gets a lot of Tourists
On average Greece gets 16.5 million visitors a year. I’ve been to Greece a few times. And I have a few visits left in me, both to mainland Greece and the islands. That is a lot of tourist flooding Greek cities.
Fun Facts About Greece: The Country joined the EU in 1981
The country was the 12th member to join the European Union and switched its currency to the Euro in 2001.
Around 60% of Greece’s population lives in Urban Areas and Cities
Meaning there’s a lot of free land in Greece. However, Greece is mountainous and therefore hard to live on.
Greece’s Real Name is the Hellenic Republic
Yep, Greece’s name isn’t Greece. The official name is the Hellenic Republic. And I’m guessing if you did a street poll 100% of people wouldn’t know this fact about Greece.
Thousands of English Words Stem from Greek
Thousands of words in English have their roots in the Greek language. Even the word alphabet stems from Greece.
Greek Landscape is Unlike Anywhere Else in the World
The Greek countryside is also renowned for its lush olive and citrus groves, vineyards, and rolling hills. And Greece produces a lot of olive oil for the world.
Athens was the first Capital named the European Capital of Culture
The idea for the title came from Melina Mercouri, a famous Greek actress.
Athens has grown a lot in the 20th Century
In the late 20th century Athens saw a massive boom in growth. And the trend for this Greek City has continued from the 20th century to the 21st century.
The Greek Climate is Wild
The climate of Greece is Mediterranean, characterized by dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures in the summertime average around 26-29°C (79-84°F) on the coast and in the islands, while inland temperatures can reach over 40°C (104°F).
70 Years Ago Less Than Half of the Greek Adults Could Read and Write
In the 1950s only 30% of adults in Greece could read and write. Today it’s in the upper 90’s. That’s a great turnaround in a short time.
Greek Eat Healthy
Mediterranean-style diet is based on the principles of eating fresh and natural ingredients. This type of diet emphasizes the use of olive oil, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, as well as seafood.
Today Greece has a Literacy rate of 97%
Things have improved since the 1950s as today Greece has a literacy rate of 97%. Tied with 4 other countries for the 4th place for the highest literary rates in the world.
Greece’s government is a Unitary Parliamentary Republic
And everyone over 18 is required to vote. It’s a law.
Greece Might Have Played A Role in the Republic of Macedonia Changing its name
Greece Played A Part in the Country of Macedonia Changing its name. Because Greece has a region called Macedonia, they didn’t like that it’s northern bore the country name of “The Republic of Macedonia”.
In 2018 the country of Macedonia changed its name to Northern Macedonia. When I was in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, many locals told me that Greece was blocking them from entering the EU until they changed their name. Which are not-so-nice Greece facts.
44% of Greeks Live in Athens
Athens is booming. A little over a hundred years ago the city’s population was 10,000. Today it’s over 3.1 million. It is the largest Greek City.
Many of the Locals Hop Between The Mainland and the Islands for Work
A majority of the locals that live on the islands flee to the mainland during the low tourist season. They move to Athens for work. Then head back to the islands when the tourists start to arrive.
I don’t know about you! But if I lived on one of the best islands in Greece, I would never leave.
Compulsory Military Service
It’s required for Greek men to serve 18 months in any branch of the armed forces.
Around 6% Of the Greek budget goes toward funding the military
That might seem like a lot but pales in comparison to the United States, which spends around 54 percent of its budget on the military.
Hundreds of Ancient Theaters and Temples
Ancient Greeks loved theaters and temples. They built hundreds of them during the golden age of Greece.
Greece has a lot of Archaeological Museums
There is so much history in Greece. Which is why there are over 170 archaeological museums in the country.
Modern-day archaeologists have found hundreds. (There are over a hundred theaters in Athens alone). Just imagine how many haven’t been discovered yet.
Greece is Sunny
Greece gets 85% of sunshine a year, an equivalent of 300 days of sunshine per year.
Greek Ships Make Up a Large part of the EU’s merchant fleet
70 percent of the Merchant Fleet in fact.
Greece is home to 10 National Parks
And the first national park was Mount Olympus.
10 Facts About Central Greece.
Central Greece is a captivating region located in the heart of Greece. It is a place full of beauty, culture, and history. Here are 10 facts about Central Greece:
1. Central Greece is home to the ancient city of Delphi (One of the best cities in Greece). Where the Oracle of Apollo was located.
2. The region is known for its beautiful mountain ranges and fertile valleys.
3. It is home to the largest lake in Greece, Lake Trichonida.
4. Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in Central Greece.
5. Central Greece is the birthplace of many famous Greek figures such as Socrates and Aristotle.
6. The region is home to many archaeological sites, including the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae and the Ancient Theatre of Dodoni.
7. It is also home to the city of Thebes, the birthplace of the legendary Oedipus.
8. Central Greece is the birthplace of the Olympic Games and has hosted the Olympic Torch Relay many times.
9. The region is known for its traditional foods, including gyros and souvlaki.
10. Central Greece is a popular tourist destination, featuring stunning landscapes, historical sites, and delicious cuisine.
10 Facts About Greece Beaches
1. Greece is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With over 14,000 km of coastline, the country is a paradise for beach lovers.
2. The beaches of Greece are known for their crystal-clear waters and stunning sunsets.
3. The most popular beaches are located on the islands of Mykonos and Santorini.
4. Other popular beaches in Greece include Elafonisi beach in Crete, Perivolos beach in Santorini, and Navagio Beach in Zakynthos.
5. Some of the most unique beaches in Greece are the “Red Beach” and the “White Beach” in Santorini.
6. Most of the beaches in Greece are public, so anyone can enjoy them. And they are a great way to take in the Aegean sea.
7. The beaches in Greece are known for their shallow waters, making them ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
8. Many of the beaches in Greece are located close to attractions like ancient ruins, making them even more interesting.
9. Greece has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, but the country has over 6,000 islands and islets, so beach lovers can always find the perfect spot.
10. Greece is also known for its amazing cuisine, so beachgoers can always enjoy a delicious meal after a day in the sun.
10 Facts About greek architecture
Greek architecture has a long and impressive history. It is considered to be among the most important and influential architectural styles in the world. Here are 10 facts about Greek architecture:
1. Greek architecture is largely divided into three main styles: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.
2. Greek Civilization is known for its use of columns, which are used to support the weight of the building.
3. Greek architecture is often characterized by its simplicity, symmetry, and balance.
4. Built in Ancient Times the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena, is considered one of the most iconic examples of Greek architecture. But this is a Greece fact that everyone knows. But did you know that even have an acropolis museum?
5. Greek temples were typically built with a combination of limestone and marble, though some were made entirely of marble.
6. The Greeks developed the Corinthian order, a type of column with a decorative capital made of acanthus leaves.
7. The Greeks were among the first to use the arch in their architecture, which was used to span larger spaces.
8. Greek architecture was often decorated with sculptures, reliefs, and other forms of art.
9. Greek architecture was often built on a raised platform, which gave it a sense of grandeur and importance.
10. Greek architecture has had a lasting influence on many other architectural styles, including Roman and Renaissance architecture.
A Few Fun Facts About Greek Economy
The Greek economy is one of the most vibrant and varied in the world. It is known for its strong agricultural sector, its rich cultural heritage, and its impressive tourism industry. It is also a major center for shipping and finance, and the country is home to some of the world’s most iconic monuments. Here are a few fun facts about the Greek economy that you may not be aware of:
1. Greece is the world’s fifth largest producer of olives, producing nearly 300,000 tons of olives each year.
2. Greece is the largest producer of tangerines in Europe and the third largest in the world.
3. Greece is the most popular tourist destination in the Mediterranean and one of the most visited countries in Europe.
4. Greece has the highest rate of growth in the EU and is the fifth-largest economy in the Eurozone.
5. Greece is home to the most ancient Olympic Games in the world.
Greek history is amazing. And has continued to surprise us. From ancient Egypt to the wars with Sparta in western Greece.
And there we go! 100+ facts about Greece! These are great for helping you with school projects. (History assignment or project at School isn’t easy). Or just helping you learn more Greece facts to improve your knowledge of Western Europe.
What did you think of the post? Which fact was your favorite?
Very nice blog post.