Despite its recent political problems, Greece remains an attractive destination for vacationers. The country’s diverse geography, culture, economy, and political system make it a fascinating destination for a family vacation or a romantic getaway. Here, we’ll cover some of the country’s most important characteristics. To begin, let’s examine its Geography, Culture, Economy, and Political System.
Geography
The Geography of Greece is the study of the landscapes and climatic conditions of Greece. Its vast and varied landscapes give it a unique character. Greece has two main mountain ranges: the Pindos and the Taygetos. Both of these mountain ranges form the central region of the country and follow a general northwest-southeast trend. They sweep down from the Albanian and North Macedonian borders.
The highest point in Greece is Mount Olympus, the seventh highest peak in Europe. This mountain rises to 2,917 meters above sea level. The Rhodope Mountains, which form the border between Greece and Bulgaria, are covered in thick and vast forests. They are situated in central Macedonia and eastern Thessaly. The Peloponnese peninsula includes the cities of Thessaloniki, Larissa, and Serres.
The Geography of Greece has three main types of terrain: mountainous areas, coastal areas, and arid areas. The mountains begin in the north-west and extend southeast to the sea. In between, they occasionally break the surface to create thousands of islands. The mountains also divide the mainland into smaller valleys. This creates a diverse landscape with distinct seasons and climates.
Culture
The class system in Greece is fluid, with high mobility between the wealthy and poor. As a result, the social status of an individual is determined by the occupation, education, and degree of filotimo. Family farms are no longer common, and business ownership is seen as the ideal. Workers often work in small shops or the tourism industry. Education is highly valued in Greece, and thousands of students compete for a limited number of university places each year.
Traditionally, Greek society is male-dominated. Men are expected to work and support their families, while women are expected to stay home and care for children. Marriage is a highly respected institution in Greek society, particularly among Orthodox Christians. Parents rarely exert control over their children’s partners and many couples live together for many years before they tie the knot.
In addition to Christian and secular values, Greek culture is characterized by its celebration of freedom. Many traditional Greek holidays are held in honor of or in memory of Greek War of Independence heroes. The national flag depicts a sunlit sea and incorporates Orthodox Christian symbols and artistic motifs from antiquity.
Economy
Greece is a country in southeastern Europe with thousands of islands. It is often called the cradle of Western civilization. Its capital, Athens, is home to the Parthenon temple and Acropolis citadel, built in the 5th century B.C. The country is also known for its beaches, including the black beaches of Santorini and the party resorts of Mykonos.
Since the end of World War II, Greece’s economy has been recovering slowly. It has relied on industrialization and tourism to boost its economy. It has also used the euro currency since January 2002, replacing its drachma. In 2004, the country hosted the Olympic Games, which injected a significant boost into the Greek economy. However, in recent years, the country has faced severe economic troubles. It has been plagued by high unemployment, low development rates, and severe debt problems.
This book explores the current state of the Greek economy and its prospects for growth. It presents a novel theoretical framework for studying economic growth in Greece. It draws from neoclassical and behavioral economics. Its two parts introduce key concepts of normative analysis and show how theory can influence policymaking.
Political system
The Political system of Greece is a unitary parliamentary republic, a type of unitary state with a republican form of government. This system places political power in the hands of the parliamentary government, which is entrusted with confidence by the electorate. The Greek parliament is the highest authority in the country, and has the authority to pass laws.
The president is elected by a majority of the parliamentary members. The prime minister is appointed by the president. In Greece, elections are held every four years. In order to be re-elected, the president must win a majority of votes. Voting is compulsory for citizens over 18 years of age. In addition to the executive branch, the country has a judicial branch that is based on codified Roman law. There are civil and criminal courts.
The President of the Republic is the head of state. He has limited powers, as he is elected for a five-year term. However, he does represent the country in foreign affairs. The President also has the power to proclaim referendums. In the past, the President of the Republic was mainly responsible for reviewing the constitution, but now his role is more symbolic. Electorates, who are Greek citizens over the age of 18, vote in parliamentary elections.
National parks
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll want to visit one of Greece’s National Parks. They have unusually rich flora and fauna. Mount Olympus, for example, has over 1,700 species of plants. Parnassos, a former island, is now home to a national marine park where sea turtles lay their eggs each year. The Samaria Canyon is the longest in Europe, narrowing to only 2.5 km in some areas.
National parks in Greece are large natural areas that are protected by the national government. Their purpose is to preserve the natural environment, provide education and recreation, and serve as important scientific research sites. There are 24 national parks in Greece. The first one, the National Marine Park of Alonissos, is the largest marine park in Europe. It is located in the Northern Sporades and occupies approximately 2,260 square meters.
Parnassos National Park is the second largest park in Greece, covering 36,000 acres. This park is home to rare plants and animals, including the purple-flowered Daphne jasminea. Other wildlife that inhabit the park includes golden eagles, vultures, and harriers.
Customs
Customs in Greece revolve around family traditions. While many of these traditions are rooted in happy times, Greeks also have some traditions that stem from sad events. For example, when a loved one dies, the family grieves. The mourning period is generally one year long, and women wear black armbands and cone hats. Women also hand out oranges to the billy goats. The festival is then intensified in the village square and folk music instruments accompany the celebration.
The celebration of name days differs from country to country. In most European countries, naming is based on a Christian tradition. Traditionally, the firstborn in a family is named after his or her grandparents. However, in Greece, the firstborn is named after the mother and father’s side. In addition, the family will often celebrate the day by throwing a party for family and friends.
There are also certain precautions you should take when sending gifts to Greece. Depending on the item you send, it might not be allowed to cross Customs. You should avoid sending perishable items like alcohol, chocolate, electronics, and other foodstuffs. Also, bear in mind that shipping international gifts is expensive and you need to factor in customs taxes and risks.
Travel requirements
When planning a vacation to Greece, it is important to know about the entry requirements for the country. There are several different documents that must be presented in order to enter the country. You should also ensure that you have a valid passport for the country you’re visiting. Some countries have more stringent requirements than others.
In order to enter Greece, you must present a valid passport and a Schengen visa. The passport must be valid for three months beyond your intended departure date, be in good condition, and have at least two blank pages for the visa sticker. You must also fill out the Schengen visa application form completely, as inaccurate information can result in a visa denial. Always double check the details provided on the application form before sending it in.
Another requirement for entering Greece is to present proof of adequate funds. You should have at least EUR50 per day to cover your expenses while in Greece. If you’re visiting for a week or less, you should carry at least EUR300 with you. If you’re traveling as a family, you don’t need a visa.
