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Location of the country
Greece is located in Europe, in the southern part of the Balkan Peninsula. It borders with Albania, northern Macedonia and Bulgaria to the north, Turkey to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, the Ionian Sea to the west, and the Aegean and Cretan Seas between the mainland and some of the islands. Its area is 131,475 km².
Type of government
Greece is a parliamentary republic. The constitution adopted in 1975 is a guarantee of respect for the rights and freedoms of Greek citizens. According to her, the head of the Greek state is an indirectly elected president. He is elected for a term of 5 years by Parliament.
President of Greece - Catherine Sakelaropoulou
A capital city
Athens is located in the central valley of Attica, Athens is surrounded by 4 mountains - Egaleo to the west, Parnita to the north, Penteli to the northeast and Himetus to the east. Athens is home of 148 theaters, more than any other city in the world, including the ancient Herodes Atticus Theater, which hosts the Athens Festival from May to October each year. Numerous music and theater festivals are held in Athens. The Athens Planetarium is one of the best equipped digital planetariums in the world. The ruins around and on the Acropolis attract over 10 million visitors a year.
The most interesting places in the country
1. The Parthenon
The Parthenon is a must-see destination for any tourist. The temple is dedicated to the patron saint of the city of Athens. In its centuries-old history, the Parthenon has served as an ancient Greek temple, fortress and church.
2. Santorini
One of the world famous places in Greece is the island of Santorini. It is famous for its fantastic views, amazing sunsets and white buildings that contrast with the blue of the sea. Santorini is a tourist center and offers everything you need - beaches, hotels of all categories, shops, cafes.
3. Metéora Monasteries
One of the most unusual things to see in Greece has to be the Thessaly Plain, where bizarre rocky outcrops are capped by the centuries-old monasteries of Metéora. On the UNESCO World Heritage list, six of the monasteries are open to the public. You need to climb up several flights of stone steps carved into the rocks to reach each monastery, and inside, you'll find flickering candles, religious icons and Byzantine frescoes. To see all six monasteries, you need to spend at least one day in the area.
4. The theater in Delphi
On the Greek mainland, Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built on the lower slopes of Mount Parnassus, overlooking a dramatic ravine, the site was sacred to the ancients, who came here on pilgrimages to worship Apollo and to ask advice from the mythical Oracle. It is made up of the crumbling ruins of numerous temples, a theater, and stadium.
5. The island of Mykonos
Greece's most glamorous island destination is Mykonos. After-dark activities center on Mykonos Town, noted for its chic boutique hotels, classy seafood restaurants, and live music venues.
International social customs and traditions
Greeks are known for their hospitality and laid-back attitude, two elements which are crucial in order to understand their etiquette and customs. When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to either allow someone to introduce you or state your name. Shaking hands is the most appropriate greeting during a first meeting. Good friends and people may also embrace and kiss each other on both cheeks. In general, Greeks will often intrude on your personal space or ask questions that might be considered too personal in other cultures.
National Food
In Greece, the national dishes are gyros, moussaka, souvlaki, magiritsa, kokoretsi and fasolada, tzatziki, Tomatokeftedes (Santorini Tomato Fritters), Dolmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves). Some of the national Greek drinks are frappe and Ellinikos (Greek Coffee). The Greeks also have very good seafood. All of the dishes are made differently, depending on the region or island in Greece. A very popular plant in Greece is the olive tree.
Greek culture
The history of the art of music has deep roots in Greece. Music is based on the principle of harmony as it was first developed in Pythagorean theories, which are therefore considered the basis for the development of European music. Greek folk culture still exists throughout the country as the Greek's try to preserve their country's old and rich culture and history. Art is a very important part of the Greek history as well. Some Greek literature is centuries old, but continues to be studied all around the world. Greek music is a little more modern as it combines some eastern and western influences.
The sound of the Greek language
Currency - Euro
Prepared by: Kaloian Stoianov and Stefan Batinkov - 7g class
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