Greece

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Greece is a country located in Southeastern Europe, bordered by Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey, and the Aegean Sea. It has a population of around 10.7 million people and a rich history and culture. Here are some key facts about Greece:

Capital: Athens

Currency: Euro (€)

Language: Official language is Greek, but many people also speak English

Government: Parliamentary republic

Economy: Strong tourism industry, with a growing economy and high standard of living

History:

Ancient Greece was the cradle of Western civilization
The country was a major power in the ancient world, producing famous philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle
Invaded by the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century and remained under Ottoman rule until the Greek War of Independence in 1821
Became an independent kingdom in 1832 and a republic in 1975

Geography:

Land area: 131,957 km² (50,949 sq mi)
Islands: Over 2,000 islands, with Crete being the largest
Mountains: Olympus is the highest mountain at 2,917 meters (9,570 ft)
Major rivers: Aliakmonas, Axios, and Vardar

Cuisine:

Mediterranean diet is famous for its olive oil, feta cheese, and grilled meats
Popular dishes include moussaka, souvlaki, and gyro
Fresh seafood is a staple in coastal regions
Traditional desserts like baklava and galaktoboureko are popular

Festivals:

Patras Carnival: A colorful carnival with floats and parades
Athens Festival: A summer festival featuring music, dance, and theater performances
Thessaloniki International Film Festival: A major film festival in the second-largest city
Epiphany: Celebrates the baptism of Jesus Christ with a blessing of the sea

Tourist attractions:

Acropolis of Athens: The iconic Parthenon temple on top of a hill
Ancient Agora of Athens: A historic marketplace and site of ancient ruins
Delphi: An ancient sanctuary dedicated to Apollo and home to the famous Oracle of Delphi
Santorini: A picturesque island with whitewashed houses and stunning sunsets
Meteora Monasteries: A group of six monasteries built atop towering rock formations

Education:

Education is compulsory for children between ages 5 and 15
The University of Athens is one of the oldest universities in Europe

Sports:

Football (soccer) is popular in Greece
The national team has won several international tournaments
Other popular sports include basketball, volleyball, and water sports like sailing and swimming

Fun facts:

Greece has over 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites
The country has a rich tradition of music and dance, with many traditional instruments like the bouzouki
Greece has a long history of philosophy, producing famous philosophers like Aristotle and Plato