Essential Greece Facts You Need to Know

Geographic Overview of Greece

The official geographic coordinates of Greece (latitude and longitude) are 39 00 N, 22 00 E. Greece is regarded as part of Southern Europe while also being categorized as a Western European nation as well as part of the Baltics. This country has served as an important crossroads between various cultures for thousands of years.

Size and Coastline

Greece encompasses a total area of 131,940 square kilometers, which is roughly equivalent to 50,502 square miles. Despite including 1,140 square kilometers of water, the vast majority, 130,800 square kilometers, is land.

The Greek coastline, including its numerous islands, is officially documented as 13,676 kilometers or approximately 8,498 miles. Nonetheless, other calculations suggest it could be as much as 15,147 kilometers or about 9,411 miles.

Population Statistics

The statistics listed are sourced from the General Secretariat of the National Statistical Service of Greece, which houses numerous interesting statistics on Greece.

• Population Census 2011: 9,904,286
• Resident Population 2011: 10,816,286 (a decrease from 10,934,097 in 2001)
• Mid-year population estimate of 11,237,068 in 2008.

For comprehensive data, see the documentation from the 2011 census of Greece.

National Flag of Greece

The Greek flag features blue and white stripes with an equal-armed cross in the upper corner, symbolizing significant national traditions.

For further details, view this picture of the Greek Flag along with information regarding the lyrics of the Greek National Anthem.

Life Expectancy in Greece

On average, Greeks enjoy a long life expectancy, ranking between 19th and 20th among approximately 190 countries. The islands of Ikaria and Crete boast a significant number of active, elderly residents; Crete, in particular, has been studied for its unique “Mediterranean Diet,” often considered one of the healthiest diets worldwide. However, the high smoking rate in Greece can considerably lower the potential life expectancy.

• Total population life expectancy: 78.89 years
• Male life expectancy: 76.32 years
• Female life expectancy: 81.65 years (as of 2003 estimate)

Official Name and Local Terms

The country is officially referred to as:

• Conventional long form: Hellenic Republic
• Conventional short form: Greece
• Local short forms: Ellas or Ellada
• Local long form in Greek: Ελλάς or Ελλάδα
• Former name: Kingdom of Greece
• Local long form: Elliniki Dhimokratia (also spelled Dimokratia)

Currency Used in Greece

The Euro has been the official currency of Greece since 2002, replacing the drachma.

Government System

Greece operates under a parliamentary republic system, where the Prime Minister wields the highest power, while the President holds a more ceremonial position. Historically, the two dominant political parties are PASOK and New Democracy (ND). More recently, SYRIZA, also known as Coalition of the Left, has emerged as a significant competitor to New Democracy, which secured victory in the June elections. Additionally, the far-right Golden Dawn party has gained a significant presence, currently ranking as the third-largest political party in Greece.

European Union Membership

Greece joined the European Economic Community, the forerunner to the EU, in 1981. Subsequently, Greece became a full member of the European Union in January 1999 and met the criteria to participate in the European Monetary Union by adopting the Euro in 2001. The Euro officially entered circulation in Greece in 2002, consequently replacing the drachma.

Greek Islands Overview

The number of Greek islands varies significantly based on the criteria used for counting. There are approximately 140 inhabited islands; however, when accounting for every rocky outcropping, this number can soar to approximately 3,000.

Largest Greek Island

Crete holds the title as the largest Greek island, followed by the lesser-known Evvia (Euboia). A comprehensive list of the 20 largest islands in Greece with their sizes in square kilometers can provide valuable insights into these stunning locations.

Administrative Regions of Greece

Greece’s administrative divisions consist of thirteen official regions, which are:

• Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
• Central Macedonia
• Western Macedonia
• Epirus
• Thessaly
• Western Greece
• The Ionian Islands
• Central Greece
• Attica (which includes Athens)
• The Peloponnese peninsula
• The Northern Aegean Islands
• The Southern Aegean Islands
• Crete

It is important to note that these regions do not necessarily align with the groupings tourists will encounter when exploring Greece. Additional groups of islands, such as the Dodecanese, Cycladic, and Sporades islands, further enrich this captivating destination.

Highest Point in Greece

Mount Olympus, at an elevation of 2,917 meters (approximately 9,570 feet), is recognized as the highest point in Greece. This mountain is steeped in legend, believed to be the home of Zeus and the other Olympian deities. The highest point on any Greek island is Mount Ida (Psiloritis) located on Crete, standing at 2,456 meters (8,058 feet).

Plan Your Own Trip to Greece

Discover the beauty of Greece and its islands while visiting top attractions and historic sites throughout the region.