Made an invaluable contribution to European culture. Literature, architecture, philosophy, history, other sciences, state system, laws, art and myths of ancient greece laid the foundation for modern European civilization. Greek gods known all over the world.

Greece today

Modern Greece little known to most of our compatriots. The country is located at the crossroads of West and East, connecting Europe, Asia and Africa. Length coastline is 15,000 km (including the islands)! Our map will help you find an original corner or island which has not yet been. We offer a daily feed news. In addition, for many years we have been collecting a photo and reviews.

Holidays in Greece

Correspondence acquaintance with the ancient Greeks will not only enrich you with the understanding that everything new is a well-forgotten old, but will also encourage you to go to the homeland of gods and heroes. Where, behind the ruins of temples and the ruins of history, our contemporaries live with the same joys and problems as their distant ancestors millennia ago. An unforgettable experience awaits you relaxation, thanks to the most modern infrastructure in the environment virgin nature. On the site you will find tours to Greece, resorts and hotels, weather. In addition, here you will find out how and where it is issued visa and find Consulate in your country or Greek Visa Center .

Property in Greece

The country is open to foreigners wishing to purchase real estate. Any foreigner has the right to do so. Only in border areas, non-EU citizens need to obtain a purchase permit. However, the search for lawful houses, villas, townhouses, apartments, the correct execution of the transaction, the subsequent maintenance is a difficult task that our team has been solving for many years.

Russian Greece

Topic immigration remains relevant not only for ethnic Greeks living outside their historical homeland. The forum for immigrants discusses how legal issues, and the problems of adaptation in the Greek world and, at the same time, the preservation and popularization of Russian culture. Russian Greece is heterogeneous and unites all immigrants who speak Russian. At the same time, in recent years, the country has not justified the economic expectations of immigrants from the countries of the former USSR, in connection with which we are seeing a reverse migration of peoples.

Greece (Ελλάδα) is a European country on the Balkan Peninsula, bordering Turkey, Bulgaria, Albania and Macedonia.

It is washed by the seas - Ionian, Aegean, Mediterranean, Cretan and Libyan.

The length of the coastline of Greece is - 13.676 km

Greece owns many islands - about 2500, of which 165 are inhabited. The largest of them is Crete, washed by the Cretan Sea on the north side (this is part of the Aegean Sea) and on the south - Libyan. In the Aegean Sea there are also numerous islands, the so-called Cyclades, the islands of the Dodecanese (southern Sporades), the eastern Sporades, Euboea. The main islands of the Ionian Sea are Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada and. The islands of the Saronic Gulf include Aegina, Salomina, Paros, Hydra and others.

The terrain in Greece is mostly mountainous and hilly, most of it is dry and rocky, 45% of the land is arable.

The most high mountain- Olympus 2918 m

The capital and largest city in Greece is Athens.

Greece has an area of ​​131958 km²

11.4 million people live in the country

The main population is Greeks, 98% Orthodox

Official language- Greek

Currency unit- euro

Phone code +30

Form of government - parliamentary republic

Political regime - democratic

President of the Republic - Prokopis Pavlopoulos (Προκόπης Παυλόπουλος)

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (Aλέξης Τσίπρας)

Despite the fact that Greece turned out to be the poorest Roman province, the Romans admired the wealth Greek culture and became her followers. When the Roman Empire was divided into two parts, western and eastern, Hellas ended up in the eastern part, which was later called the Byzantine Empire, with its capital in Constantinople. Later, the Roman and Hellenic cultures interacted in the culture of Byzantium, which existed for more than a thousand years and throughout the entire time remained the main world cultural center.

Starting in 1953, Byzantium was gradually conquered Ottoman Empire and for a long 400 years Greece was enslaved by the Turks.

Turkish domination continued until 1821, at which time the Greeks rebelled for independence, the armed struggle ended in 1828.

MODERN HISTORY OF GREECE

In 1830, the independence of the new Greek state was officially recognized (Protocol of London).
In 1833 a monarchy was established in Greece.
In 1940, Greece entered the Second world war, responding to an Italian attack, while repelling the Italians and winning a major victory. But with the intervention of Nazi Germany (1941-1944), Greece could not resist. Immediately after the end of the war, a civil war broke out, which lasted until 1949.

In 1952 Greece became a member of NATO.

In 1967, the army took power through a coup, in 1973 the junta abolished the monarchy, in 1974 the dictatorial regime ended (after the failure of the coup in Cyprus).

After a referendum, on December 8, 1974, Greece is again proclaimed a Republic, on June 11, 1975 a new constitution was drawn up, which is still in force today, amended in 1986, 2001 and 2008.

Greece became a member European Union in 1981 and in 2002, the common currency of the European Union, the euro, was adopted.

TOURISM IN GREECE

An important factor in the Greek economy and development is tourism.

Greece is considered a popular destination in the world, mainly for summer holiday, the popularity of winter destinations is growing every year.

In 2016, Greece was visited by 27.5 million tourists, making it one of the top ten tourist destinations.

Travelers in Hellas are attracted by clean beaches and warm azure sea, good climate, historical sites, delicious and healthy cuisine, natural beauty, nightlife.

The most popular tourist destinations are Athens, Ancient Olympia, Delphi, Mycenae, Nafplio, Thessaloniki, Lesbos (Mytilini), Corfu and Zakynthos in the Ionian Islands, Mykonos, Santorini and Paros in the Cyclades, as well as Rhodes and Crete.

Popular resorts for winter holidays are Metsovo, Zagorohoria, Arakhova, Karpenisi, Kalavryta and the regions of Arcadia.

More than 80% of those who come to Greece are tourists from European countries, the flow of travelers from other countries of the world is increasing every year.

From the point of view of a tourist, Greece is love, a country that makes you fall in love at first sight and makes you come again and again. At the same time, the number of trips that a tourist makes does not matter - interest does not fade away. In Greece, you can discover something new every time, and this is not surprising. After all, the North of the country is strikingly different from the South, the mainland is completely different from the island, and the Greek islands of the Aegean Sea themselves are a whole constellation of worlds, the study of which you want to devote yourself without remainder. Separately, Crete is worth mentioning - it is a kind of "Greece in Greece", a luxurious, hospitable island that keeps the spirit of an ancient civilization.

Greece - good friend and reliable partner. In this country there is always something to offer the tourist, taking into account his interests and opportunities. In the North of Greece, interesting excursions are combined with good shopping opportunities and inexpensive holidays by the sea. And in Athens, contrary to popular belief, there are beautiful the cleanest beaches like the rest of Greece. The Peloponnese peninsula is not only a large number of sightseeing objects, such as Mycenae, Sparta, Patras, but also great vacation by the sea. The islands of the Aegean Sea and Crete will appeal to seekers of solitude and lovers beach holiday. When offering a tour to Greece, you always know in advance that a person will return rested and satisfied. How can you not love Greece for that?

Greece, officially the Hellenic Republic, is located in the southeastern part of Europe. It is bordered to the north by Albania, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Bulgaria, and to the east by Turkey. The country covers an area of ​​131,957 km2 and consists of a peninsula and more than 2,000 islands.

Despite the fact that Greece is a relatively small country, it has an amazing variety of landscapes - from the legendary mountains of Olympus, Pindus and Parnassus to coastlines stretching for kilometers. Indeed, due to the large number of islands, Greece has a particularly long coastline (15,021 km.), which is the longest compared to the rest of the Mediterranean countries.

Greece is a presidential republic with a unicameral vouli parliament. Prime Minister of Greece - Konstantinos Karamanlis, President - Konstantinos Stephanopoulos.

According to the 2001 census, Greece is inhabited by 11 million people. About 4 million Greeks live abroad. Many immigrants from neighboring Albania, Bulgaria, and also from the CIS countries live in Greece.

97.6% of the population profess the official religion of the country - Orthodox Christianity. Greeks are deeply religious people. Greece is full of ancient and modern churches, modest chapels and quiet monasteries. When visiting such places, the rules in the choice of clothes are not so strict as in the manner of behavior. So, you can appear in the temple in shorts, but there you should not laugh or talk loudly. It is in Greece that the Holy Mount Athos is located, where monks of all Orthodox countries of the world have lived for centuries in cells and monasteries.

The language of communication is the modern Greek language, a descendant of the same ancient Greek language in which Aristotle, Plato or John Chrysostom wrote. Most Greeks speak English well.

Greece has an excellent bus service. ticket you will have to buy a Periptero from the street stalls, and in order for the bus to stop, you will have to wave your hand to it, otherwise it will just pass by. You can order a taxi in the city, while paying attention to the fact that the taxi driver will turn on the meter as soon as he receives an order from the operator. Also, taxis can be found at special parking lots or caught on city streets. There is a railway connection between the cities. Greece has 5 international and 22 regional airports. From the Athens port of Piraeus, ferries depart daily for the Greek islands.

As in any European country, sales are organized in Greece in September-October, January-February and April-May in large cities. This is a nice opportunity to make bargains. In any tourist area, you will find jewelry and fur shops, where Russian-speaking sellers often work. Usually tourists bring from Greece products of local artisans. These can be antique-style ceramic vessels, small copies of famous ancient sculptures, embroidery and lace napkins by village craftswomen. We recommend purchasing the symbol of Greece - olive oil and olives. A good gift for loved ones will be Greek wine (inexpensive, but good quality). For spirits, don't forget the traditional ouzo (aniseed vodka), crayfish and the Greek cognac Metaxa.

Restaurants, cafes and taverns in Greece at every turn. Not a single place is empty by the evening. If there are many Greeks among its visitors, be sure that the food here is excellent. home story line Greek cuisine is olive, oregano (oregano) and lemon. Prepare any dish by including this trinity, and feel free to consider that you have cooked it "in Greek".

The climate is mostly dry and temperate, although it often snows in the mountains and in the north. North Macedonia and northern Epirus are similar in climate to the Balkans with their cold winter and hot, humid summers, while Attica, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Crete and the central and eastern Peloponnese have a more Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and milder winters.

Greece is traditionally divided into the following geographical regions:

Attica region

capital (Athens)
A fairly large part of the Greek population lives on the Attic plain (3,756,607 - 2001 census data). Athens is also located in the Attic region, being the capital of the country and its main administrative center. The ministries, the supreme courts, the main offices of most banks, insurance companies and other enterprises are located here, and in addition, most of the Greek industry is concentrated within the capital. Athens attracts tourists from many countries of the world who come to visit the Acropolis," trademark» cities and countries, the National Archaeological Museum, as well as other archaeological sites.

Central Greece

(excluding metropolitan area)
In this region, in the heart of Greece, lies Delphi, the site of the oracle of antiquity. Through Central Greece stretches the steep mountain range of Pinda, with a peak of 2.637 m (Mount Smolikas).

Peloponnese

The Peloponnese is the southernmost part of continental Greece. There were many large cities in this region. ancient world such as Mycenae, Sparta and Olympia, the birthplace Olympic Games. This region is characterized by fertile soil and a temperate climate, and is therefore ideal for the cultivation of olives and vineyards.

Epirus

Epirus is a northwestern region of mainland Greece and is bordered to the north by Albania and to the south by Central Greece. The region is almost entirely mountainous, and the high Pindus forms the eastern border of the region, separating it from Macedonia and Thessaly. The main attraction is located in the northern part of the region. This is the Vikos National Park, rich in waterfalls, gorges, rivers, picturesque villages and dense forests.

Thessaly

Thessaly is located in the middle part of continental Greece. Its territory also includes the Northern Sporades archipelago. And its main geographical feature is the plain of Thessaly, surrounded by mountains, the most famous of which is Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece (2.91 7 m).

Macedonia

Macedonia is the largest of the ten geographical regions of Greece. It is bordered by the Aegean Sea to the south and Thessaly, to the east by western Thrace, to the west by Epirus, and to the north by Bulgaria, Albania and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). It includes the self-governing monastic republic of Athos and Thessaloniki, the northern capital of Greece. Its landscape is quite varied, as western and eastern Macedonia are generally mountainous except for a few large fertile valleys, while central Macedonia includes the Thessaloniki plain, the second largest in Greece.

Thrace

This region occupies the northeastern part of continental Greece. The river Nestos in the west separates it from Macedonia, and the river Evros from Turkey (Eastern Thrace) in the east and northeast, in the north the Rhodope mountain range separates it from Bulgaria, and in the south it is washed by the sea. The climate of this region can be characterized as an "intermediate link" between the Mediterranean and Central European types. The Delta of Euros, where many rare species of animals find refuge due to favorable environmental conditions, is the main attraction of this region.

aegean islands

The archipelago of the Aegean Sea consists of hundreds of islands and islets. All the islands are mountainous or semi-mountainous and have a warm climate. In terms of rainfall, the climate of this region is the driest in Greece, but on the eastern islands of the Aegean and the Dodecanese, on the contrary, the most humid.

The island of Crete

Crete is the largest island in Greece. In terms of landscape, the island clearly lacks picturesque plains, since its terrain is mostly mountainous. It should be noted that the southern coastline of Crete is the warmest area in Greece.

ionian islands

This region is the smallest geographical area of ​​Greece and consists of seven main islands that stretch along the western coast of Greece. The islands have a temperate and relatively humid climate, and the precipitation rate here is quite high. As a result, the vegetation is very abundant and combines tropical species with forests reminiscent of Northern Europe. These islands differ from other archipelagos not only in climate, but also in that they are influenced by Mediterranean Europe.

The official name is the Hellenic Republic (Elliniki Dhimokratia, Hellenic Republic). Located in the southeastern part of Europe. The area is 131.957 thousand km2, the population is 10.9 million people. (2001). The official language is Greek. The capital is Athens (741 thousand people, 2002). Public holiday - Independence Day March 25 (since 1821). The monetary unit is the euro (until 2002 - the drachma).

Member of international organizations: UN (since 1945), Council of Europe (since 1949), NATO (since 1952), EU (since 1981).

Sights of Greece

Geography of Greece

It is located between 22° East longitude and 39° North latitude. It is washed by the seas: Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean. Greece is located on the Balkan Peninsula with a heavily indented coastline. The largest peninsula is the Peloponnese. The total length of the coastline is 13.676 km due to the large number of islands - St. 2000. Most major islands- Crete, Euboea, Rhodes, Lesvos.

It borders in the north with Albania (282 km), Macedonia (246 km) and Bulgaria (494 km), in the east with Turkey (206 km).

The landscape is predominantly mountainous (4/5 of the total area) with medium-altitude mountain ranges protruding into the sea as peninsulas or chains (archipelagos) of islands. The entire territory from the northwest to the southeast is crossed by two mountain systems. Western: the mountains of Pindus, the massif of the Peloponnese peninsula, the mountains of the islands of Crete and Rhodes. Eastern: Gramos mountains, Otris and Parnassus massifs, the islands of Euboea and the Cyclades. Medium-altitude massifs prevail (1200 - 1800 m). Mount Olympus (2917 m) is the highest point, the second peak is Smolikas (2637 m). The mountains are distinguished by sharp erosional dissection and wide development of karst. In the north-east of the country there are spurs of the Pirin and Rhodope mountains. Small plains are located along the coast of the Aegean Sea: Thessaly, Thessaloniki, etc.

Rivers: Vardar, Maritsa, Strymon, Nestos (Mesta), etc. Mountain rivers predominate. Lakes: Prespa, Trichonis, Vegoritis.

Soils in coastal and low-mountain areas under shrubs and dry forests are brown and brown-brown; above - brown mountain-forest. On the carbonate rocks of eastern Thessaly, Peloponnese, on the Sporades - mountain red soils.

vegetable and animal world has considerable diversity. Recorded approx. 5500 plant species. The most extensive forests are found in northern Greece and on the northern and eastern islands of the Aegean and Ionian Seas- mostly pine, as well as deciduous (more than 200 varieties of trees and large shrubs). Under forest and shrubbery ca. 44% of the territory. National parks: Vikos-Aoos, Mikra-Presna, Eta and others.

On the territory of Greece, there are many animals listed in the Red Book, among them: the Mediterranean sea ​​turtle, monk seal. The northern forests are inhabited by brown bear, marten, roe deer, less often - wolf, wild boar, fox, wild forest cat. In the south - jackal, wild goat, porcupine. Many migratory birds winter in Greece.

Among the minerals, rich deposits of bauxite stand out, reserves of St. 650 million tons. Deposits of lignite, magnesite, oil, marble, high-quality iron ores.

The climate is transitional from temperate to Mediterranean, with mild and wet winters and dry and hot summers. Average temperatures in January are 4-12°С, in July 25-27°С. The amount of precipitation per year is 400-700 mm in the plains, 1500 mm in the mountains.

Greece population

Population growth over the past 10-20 years has averaged 0.5-1% per year. The birth rate is 9.8‰, the death rate is 9.6‰. Infant mortality 6.25 pers. per 1000 newborns. Sex and age structure of the population: men - 49.49%, women - 50.51%. Under the age of 14 - 14.12%, from 15 to 64 years - 67.36%, 65 years and older - 18.52%. Average life expectancy is 78.74 years, incl. women - 81.48 and men - 76.17.

Urban population - 62.5% (1990). Literacy is 97% of the population: 98.5% male and 95% female. Ethnic composition: 98% - Greeks. The official language is Greek (99% of the population). Religious composition: 98% - Orthodox, 1.3% - Muslims, 0.7% - other.

History of Greece

The first states on the territory of Greece appeared in the 2nd millennium BC. In the 8th-6th centuries. BC. policies (city-states) were formed. In 338 BC Greece is subject to Macedonia. 3rd-2nd centuries - the era of military alliances of policies (Achaean Union). In 146 BC conquered by Rome. From the 4th c. - the main part of Byzantium. All R. 15th c. captured by the Ottoman Empire. It is customary to begin the history of modern Greece from this period. As a result of the Greek War of Independence (1821-30), an independent Greek state was formed, occupying only part of the territory of modern Greece. The new state included only the Peloponnese, Central Greece, the Cyclades and the Sporades.

The first leader of the country is Y. Kapodistria. Reformer, killed in 1831 by reactionaries. As a result of the intervention of the great powers to restore order, the London Agreement of 1832 established an absolute monarchy. King Otto, son of the King of Bavaria, was placed on the throne. In 1843, a conservative Constitution was adopted (in fact, it was not observed). In 1862 King Otto was forced to abdicate.

In 1864 a new Constitution was adopted, which established the system of a constitutional monarchy. The king remained head of state, subject to the work of a unicameral parliament. George I of the Danish House of Glaxburgh was enthroned. In the same year, the Ionian Islands were annexed, in 1881 Thessaly and part of Epirus were annexed.

In 1875, the principle of parliamentarism was established: the head of the Greek state was obliged to ask the leader of a political party with a parliamentary majority to form a government. In the last decades of the 19th century the country was led by Charilaos Trikoupis, whose reign was marked by radical reforms in the administration, justice, military and educational structures. In the beginning. 20th century Prime Minister (1910-15, 1917-20, 1928-32) Eleftherios Venizelos continued the policy of institutional modernization and reform. As a result of the Balkan Wars (1912-13) and the 1st World War, Macedonia, Epirus, Western Thrace, the island of Crete and the northern Aegean Islands were included in the new state. After the Greco-Turkish War (1919-22) and after the Lausanne Agreement (1923) there was a significant population migration between the two countries, ca. 1.4 million Greeks left Turkey, and 350 thousand Muslims left Greece.

In 1924 Greece was proclaimed a republic. As a result of a rigged plebiscite (1935), the monarchy was restored in Greece, and a military dictatorship was established in 1936. In October 1940, Italian troops invaded Greece (in November 1940 they were expelled from the country). In April 1941, Greece was attacked by Germany, which soon completely occupied it. King George II fled the country. In September 1941, the Greek National Liberation Front (EAM) was created, in December - the People's Liberation Army (ELAS), led by the Communists. By the end of October 1944, the entire mainland of Greece was liberated. The "Government of National Unity" set up in May 1944 called British troops to Greece, which began military operations against ELAS in December 1944. In September 1946, after a plebiscite, the king returned to the throne. In April 1967, the reactionary military carried out a coup d'état and established a military dictatorship. In July 1974, the regime was overthrown and a civilian government came to power. As a result of a referendum (December 8, 1974), the monarchy was abolished in Greece.

State structure and political system of Greece

Greece is a democratic constitutional state with a republican form of government. The Constitution adopted on June 11, 1975 is in force.

The highest body of legislative power is the unicameral parliament, consisting of 300 seats. Parliamentary elections are held once every 4 years, they are direct and secret. Voting rights are given to citizens over 18 years of age. The parliamentary majority gets the right to form a government headed by the prime minister. Parliament elects the head of state - the president, for a term of 5 years. Executive power is exercised by the president and the government. Since 1995, the President of the Republic is Konstantinos Stephanopoulos (second term). The powers of the president are limited, he does not take a direct and active part in politics. The government consists of a cabinet that includes the prime minister, ministers, and ministers without portfolio. Since 1996, as prime minister, Costas Simitis, leader of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK).

Prominent politicians: Andreas Papandreou (1919-96), Konstantinos Karamanlis (1907-98), Charilaos Trikoupis (1832-96), Eleftherios Venizelos (1864-1936).

Administrative division: 13 administrative regions - Attica, Western Macedonia, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Central Macedonia, Epirus, Thessaly, Ionian Islands, Central Greece, Western Greece, Peloponnese, Aegean North, Aegean South, Crete. The regions are subdivided into 51 prefectures (nome): Achaea, Aetolia kai Acarnania, Argolis, Arcadia, Arta, Attica, Halkidiki, Chanion, Chios, Dodecanese, Drama, Evros, Evrytania, Evoia, Florina, Phokis, Phthiotis, Grevena, Ileia, Imathia , Ioannia, Herakleion, Karditsa, Kastoria, Kavala, Kefalonia, Kerkyra, Kilkis, Corinthia, Kozani, Cyclades, Laconia, Larisa, Lasithi, Lefkada, Lesbos, Magnisia, Messinia, Pela, Pieria, Preveza, Refinnis, Rodopi, Samos, Serrai , Thesprotia, Thessaloniki, Trikala, Boeotia, Xanthi, Zakynthos and one autonomous region, Mount Athos.

The largest cities: Athens, Thessaloniki (358 thousand people), Piraeus (178 thousand people).

The system of authorities is multilevel, based on the principle of decentralization. There are local authorities of the first and second levels and the regional administration.

The first level of local authorities consists of municipalities and communities, which are responsible for solving local issues. The total number of communities and municipalities is less than 1,000. The second level of local government is 51 prefectures, headed by prefectural councils and prefects, who are directly elected by citizens (since 1994). Local authorities of the second level deal with more general issues.

Thirteen regions are governed by general secretaries who are appointed by the government. The secretaries general are the representatives of the government. They support central government functions and services and assist the government in formulating regional development policies.

The political arena in modern Greece is essentially dominated by two big parties, namely PASOK (founded by Andreas Papandreou in 1974, chaired by Kostandinos Simitis) and New Democracy (founded by Konstantinos Karamanlis in 1974, chaired by Kostas Karamanlis), which is the main right party. The other parties represented in the Greek Parliament are the KKE (Communist Party of Greece, chaired by Aleka Papariga) and Siaspismos (Coalition of the Left, chaired by Nikolaos Konstandopoulos).

In foreign policy Greece adheres to the principle of adherence to the standards of international legality and respect for international law. Greece is trying to pursue a peaceful and good neighborly policy aimed at establishing peace and stability in the southeastern Mediterranean. A constructive dialogue has begun with Turkey, aimed at defusing tensions in relations between the two countries that have arisen over the issue of the territorial belonging of the islands in the Aegean Sea.

Greece is actively involved in the UN efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem caused by the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of the northern part of Cyprus.

Greece participates in the work of various international organizations, has been a member of the UN, the Council of Europe, and the OSCE since their foundation. Greece joined the EU (then the European Economic Community) in 1981 after a long period of association (since 1961). Greece actively supports the future enlargement of the EU, especially the accession of Cyprus as a task of strategic importance for Europe and the Middle East in the context of strengthening stability in the region.

A feature of the foreign and domestic policy of Greece is the existence of an extensive Greek diaspora abroad: St. 4 million people Most of them are located in the USA (more than 2 million), where the Greek lobby is considered quite influential. In addition, the Greek diaspora exists in Australia (about 700 thousand), in Canada (350 thousand), in Europe (over 500 thousand). The World Council of Hellenes Abroad (1995) coordinates the interaction of regional organizations.

The Greek Armed Forces are based on a combination of a professional army and conscription for men (duration of conscription from 16 to 23 months). Defense spending is 4.5% of GDP - the most high rate in NATO. The armed forces consist of the Greek army, navy, air force, police and national guard. The total number of armed forces of Georgia (including in reserve) - 2.6 million people. Greek military personnel participated as part of the UN peacekeeping force in peacekeeping operations in Somalia and in other missions in Albania, Kuwait and the former Yugoslavia.

Greece has diplomatic relations with Russian Federation(installed with the USSR in 1924).

Economy of Greece

The Greek economy is a market economy with a large share of the public sector. Since the 1970s Greece was notable for rather weak economic development, cumbersome labor legislation, low level in terms of GNP per capita, high domestic debt. From Ser. 1990s Greece's economy has noticeably stabilized due to the fact that the government has tightened economic measures to bring the economic performance of Greece to the criteria of the Maastricht agreement for the introduction in 2001 of a single European currency. In particular, Greece reduced its budget deficit to 0.8% in 2000, and in 2001 for the first time achieved a surplus of 0.1%. The tightening of the monetary policy allowed inflation to be reduced to 4% by the end. 1998, and in 2001 - up to 3.4% (the lowest figure in the last 29 years). In 2001, the GDP was 44,446 billion drachmas. GDP growth 6.3%. The country maintains a high unemployment rate of 9.6% (2002). GNP per capita approx. 3.8 million drachmas (2000). Further restructuring of the economy and the reduction of unemployment are the main tasks of today's Greece.

Greece has traditionally been an agro-industrial country, but recently the importance of the service sector has greatly increased. Sectoral structure of the economy: industry - 22% of GDP, 21% of employees; agriculture - approx. 8% of GDP, 20% of employees; service sector - 70% of GDP and St. 59% employed.

Main industries: food, tobacco, textile, chemical, metalworking, mining, oil refining.

Mining in 1999 amounted to 1.87 million tons of bauxite, 61.8 million tons of lignite, 1.1 million tons of magnesite.

Agriculture continues to play an important role. Export of agricultural products - approximately 22% of total exports. Cultivated: wheat, corn, barley, sugar beets, olives, tomatoes, grapes (for wine production), tobacco, potatoes, beef cattle, dairy products are produced. Subtropical fruit growing and viticulture are developed. Sea fishing is one of the fastest growing industries. For 15 years, fishing has expanded and amounted to approx. 60% of EU products sea ​​bass and sea bream, two of the most popular Mediterranean game fish species.

In the service sector, the largest specific gravity have tourism and maritime transportation.

Tourism is the largest sector of the Greek economy (15th in the world tourism classification). In 2000, St. 13.5 million tourists. The main part (over 90%) are tourists from Europe. Tourism accounts for approx. 15% of GDP.

An important branch of the economy is sea freight: 1946 ships with a tonnage of St. 1000 register tons. The tonnage of the sea merchant fleet is 49.45 million dwt (2002). The Greek merchant fleet is in 1st place among the EU member states, amounting to approx. 50% of the total EU fleet, and 5th internationally.

Total length railways 2571 km, incl. 1565 km of standard gauge, 983 km of narrow gauge and 23 km of combined. Roads: total 117,000 km, 107,406 km paved (including 470 km high-speed highways), 9,594 km unpaved.

The inland waterway system (total length - 80 km) consists of three rivers and three coastal channels, including the Corinth Canal (6 km). Pipeline transport: oil pipeline 26 km, product pipeline - 547 km.

Main seaports: Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Elefsis, Alexandropolis. 79 airports, incl. 6 large.

Telephone communication covers the entire territory of the country. Total telephone subscribers - 5.431 million Internet users 1.4 million (2001), providers - 27.

The modern economic policy of Greece is determined by the need to maintain the norms of the eurozone. The government is taking measures to improve tax collection and tighten financial discipline: a more efficient tax collection system is being introduced, the number of tax incentives is being reduced, and additional taxes have appeared. Budget spending grows slowly due to low growth rates wages state employees. The improvement in the financial situation made it possible to reduce indirect taxes on fuel to reduce inflation.

It is noteworthy that the reduction of the budget deficit in Greece was achieved without resorting to cuts in social programs. However, increased social security spending and public hospital debts are forcing the government to launch social reforms against union resistance. The government also plans to privatize some of the leading state-owned enterprises.

The problem continues to be high public debt, although there is a clear trend towards its reduction: 108.2% of GDP in 1997, 103.8% in 1999 and 99.7% in 2001.

All R. 1990s banking sector was liberalized. Controlling stakes in almost all banks previously controlled by the state were put up for sale, which caused a wave of consolidation. Leading Greek banks have strong regional influence.

Important Reforms recent years- complete liberalization of the telecommunications market, transformation of the Public Energy Corporation into a joint-stock company for subsequent privatization, liberalization of the energy sector.

Greece receives financial assistance from the EU in the amount of approx. 4% of GDP annually. The funds are mainly directed to the development of transport infrastructure.

Greece's foreign trade balance is negative. It is offset by a developed service sector: sea freight, tourism. Export: agricultural products, garments and textiles, cement, minerals. Main export partners (million drachmas, 2000): Germany (480), Italy (357), Great Britain (249), USA (211), Turkey (198). The EU countries account for up to 51.6% of all exports. In 2000, total exports (including services) amounted to 25% of GDP.

Imports: engineering products, vehicles, fuels, chemicals. The main suppliers of imported products are EU countries 61% (including Italy 16%, Germany 16%, France 8%, Great Britain 7%), USA 11%.

Science and culture of Greece

The education system consists of three levels: compulsory elementary school, high school(divided into lyceums and technical schools), as well as special and higher education. There are 18 higher education institutions in the country. The largest of them: the University of Athens (1837), the universities of Thessaloniki (1925) and Patras (1966), the Polytechnic Institute in Athens (1836). In 2000/2001 academic year in higher educational institutions Greece was taught by St. 148 thousand students.

Greek culture has its roots in the 3rd millennium BC. It is customary to distinguish three main periods of ancient Greek culture: preclassical (before the 6th century BC), classical (5th-4th centuries BC) and Hellenistic (2nd half of the 4th - middle of the 1st century BC AD). In the preclassical era, the Aegean, or Cretan-Mycenaean, culture (3-2 thousand BC), the Homeric non-literate period (11-9 centuries BC) and the archaic period (8-6 centuries BC) stand out. BC), coinciding with the Greek colonization of the coasts of the Mediterranean, Black and Marmara seas. The era of the classics is the peak of the heyday of ancient Greek culture. In the preservation of the Greek cultural heritage Roman culture played an important role. During the Byzantine period, architecture and art, as well as literature, which was predominantly religious in nature.

Modern Greek literature originated during the War of Independence. The exploits of the people are sung by A. Kalvos (1792-1869), A. Sutsos (1803-63), A. Valaoritis (1824-79). A special place is occupied by the prose of Yannis Makriyannis (1797-1864), a general of the national liberation movement, who learned to write at the age of 32. The spirit of romanticism with elements of realism distinguishes the work of Dionyssios Solomos (1798-1857) - the head of the Ionian school, committed to folk traditions and language. Freedom-loving moods are also characteristic of the work of the poets of the 1st Athenian school, which was oriented towards antiquity. Folk language and national themes are approved by the founder of the 2nd Athens school Kostis Palamas (1859-1943). Realism in prose was developed by Emmanuel Roidis (1836-1904). "Athenian literary school» for the first time raised the question of choosing a modern literary language: close to ancient Greek (kafarevus) or spoken language (dimotic). I. Psykharis (1854-1929) led the movement for the establishment of the spoken language of Dimotics in art. In prose, prose writer and playwright G. Xenopoulos (1867-1951), A. Papadiamandis (1851-1911) affirm realism with elements of everyday life.

Pessimism is a feature of the poetry of Konstantinos Cavafy (1863-1933), the most famous poet of modern Greek literature. The poetry of Cavafy is in complete contrast to the work of Angelos Sikelyanos (1884-1951), a bright and profound poet who brought the Delphic Celebrations back to life (1927), the author of long poetic compositions, theatrical plays and literary essays. Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957), the most famous and translated Greek writer. After Cavafy. His literary works include many theatrical plays, travel notes, translations.

Greek literature enters modernism with the so-called. generation of the 1930s: Georgios Seferis (1900-71), Andreas Embirikos (1901-75), Odysseus Elytis (1911-96), Yannis Ritsos (1909-90).

The international recognition of Greek literature manifested itself in the appropriation Nobel Prize poets Georgios Seferis (1963) and Odysseus Elytis (1979).

The fine arts of Greece developed in line with various European schools: German in the 19th century. and French modernism in the 20th century. so-called. the Munich School is the most important circle of artists: Nikolaos Gizis (1842-1901) and Nikiforos Litras (1832-1904). By the 1920s artists absorb the experience of the latest trends European art People: painter Konstantinos Parthenis (1878-1967), sculptors Yannoulis Khalepas (1851-1938) and Dimitrios Filipotis (1839-1920). K ser. 20th century in the art of Greece, various directions are defined: following the traditions of the 19th century. (A. Georgiadis), using the experience of realistic European painting of the 20th century. (Yannis Moralis, born 1914), based on medieval patterns (fresco master Fotios Kontoglu, 1895-1965), as well as a trend inspired by the motifs of ancient classics. 1960s were marked by a marked turn towards abstract art(painted by Yiannis Spyropoulos, 1912-90). Panagiotis Tsetsis, Vlasis Kaniaris, Nikos Kessanlis, Kostas Tsoklis are some of the most famous names in contemporary Greek art.