Guide to Greece

Name: Greece

Location: Southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, between Albania and Turkey. Also borders Bulgaria and Macedonia.

Comprises: 1400 islands. Crete is the largest island.

Population: 11 million (UN, 2005)

Capital: Athens

Area: 131,957 sq km (50,949 sq miles)

Major language: Greek

Major religion: Christianity

Life expectancy: 76 years (men), 81 years (women) (UN)

Monetary unit: 1 Euro = 100 cents

Main exports: Textiles and clothing, food, oil products

GNI per capita: US $13,720 (World Bank, 2003)

Internet domain: .gr

International dialling code:

Time Zone: GMT +2

Climate: Summers are long and hot - average 32C (87F) - so it's best to go then. During the mild but wet winters (15C /59F), many tourist facilities shut, especially on the islands.

Tipping: Service is included in restaurants but it is not compulsory for this to be paid to the waiter/ess. Adding 8-10% is the rule of thumb. In taxis, round up the far to the nearest euro. 

13 February 2008