The parliamentary republic of Greece lies at the South Eastern tip of Europe and has a population of 11.1 million.
It has a total area of 132.000 square kilometers and can be geographically divided into the Greek mainland, lying at the southern end of the Balkans, the peninsula Peolponnes and about 9.840 islands in the Eastern Mediteranean Sea. The islands constitute about one quarter of the total area. Even though most of Greece is of maritime character, 78% of the land mass are mountainous, so that Greece is clasified as a mountainous country.

98% of the population belong to the Greek orthodox church, which also has a big influence on the education system in Greece. The biggest imigrant group is made up of Albanians.

The 70?ies in Greece saw the beginning of the country?s transformation from a mostly agricultural state to a modern, service oriantated industrial nation, which has been experiencing an economic upswing since the middle of the 90?ies. The most important sectors are tourism, trade, shipping and financial services. In 1981, Greece became part of the European Union.

(Source: wikipedia.de)