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The Greek mainland and its approximately 1,500 islands have an area of 137,00 square kilometers.
About 100 of the islands have stable, year-round populations (Quick history lessons).
The population of Greece all tolled is 11,000,000.
Political System: Greece is a presidential democracy. The president of the Democracy is elected
by the parliament members. The prime minister is the second in the hierarchy but first in
responsibility. He and his cabinet are responsible for the internal and foreign policy that Greece
follows. The 300 members of the parliament are voted in by the Greeks every 4 years; the
president of the winning party usually is the prime minister.
Health System: Greece has a socialistic health-care system. Treatment at public hospitals is either
free of charge or costs very little. Health care is generally above average; however the public
hospitals don't offer the same services and facilities as private hospitals (which cost more).
Tourists are usually treated at minimum cost at public hospitals, particularly if an accident occurs.
Language Barrier: Most Greeks speak English, however, it's helpful for tourists to learn a few
basic words in Greek, such as please (pa-ra-ka-lo), thank you (ef-har-i-sto), hello and good-bye
(both yia-sas). On the larger islands, 90% of locals speak English, 40% speak French, 30%
speak Italian, and 20% speak German.
Criminality and Terrorism: Despite the negative press that Greece has suffered, all in all it is a
very safe place. There is some petty theft, particularly in Athens near tourist spots like the
Parthenon, and some political crimes against institutions, but not against individuals. The
biggest risk for foreigners in Greece is probably driving a vehicle -- Greeks are very aggressive
drivers who don't always obey the rules of the road! Foreigners visiting Greece must have an
international driver's license to rent a car or a motorbike (not advisable if one is not an
experienced motorbike driver) available in the U.S. at any AAA office for a small fee if a valid U.S.
license is presented.
Diving: Snorkeling is of course wonderful in the crystal-clear waters of the islands, but Greece is
not the tropics (no coral reefs!) so there are no tropical reef fish. Scuba diving is not permitted
unless you are part of a group with a licensed guide, as there are too many antiquities on the ocean
floor that could be taken out of the country. You must carry your diving license, and you can rent
equipment and join a group for scuba diving.
About 100 of the islands have stable, year-round populations (Quick history lessons).
The population of Greece all tolled is 11,000,000.
Political System: Greece is a presidential democracy. The president of the Democracy is elected
by the parliament members. The prime minister is the second in the hierarchy but first in
responsibility. He and his cabinet are responsible for the internal and foreign policy that Greece
follows. The 300 members of the parliament are voted in by the Greeks every 4 years; the
president of the winning party usually is the prime minister.
Health System: Greece has a socialistic health-care system. Treatment at public hospitals is either
free of charge or costs very little. Health care is generally above average; however the public
hospitals don't offer the same services and facilities as private hospitals (which cost more).
Tourists are usually treated at minimum cost at public hospitals, particularly if an accident occurs.
Language Barrier: Most Greeks speak English, however, it's helpful for tourists to learn a few
basic words in Greek, such as please (pa-ra-ka-lo), thank you (ef-har-i-sto), hello and good-bye
(both yia-sas). On the larger islands, 90% of locals speak English, 40% speak French, 30%
speak Italian, and 20% speak German.
Criminality and Terrorism: Despite the negative press that Greece has suffered, all in all it is a
very safe place. There is some petty theft, particularly in Athens near tourist spots like the
Parthenon, and some political crimes against institutions, but not against individuals. The
biggest risk for foreigners in Greece is probably driving a vehicle -- Greeks are very aggressive
drivers who don't always obey the rules of the road! Foreigners visiting Greece must have an
international driver's license to rent a car or a motorbike (not advisable if one is not an
experienced motorbike driver) available in the U.S. at any AAA office for a small fee if a valid U.S.
license is presented.
Diving: Snorkeling is of course wonderful in the crystal-clear waters of the islands, but Greece is
not the tropics (no coral reefs!) so there are no tropical reef fish. Scuba diving is not permitted
unless you are part of a group with a licensed guide, as there are too many antiquities on the ocean
floor that could be taken out of the country. You must carry your diving license, and you can rent
equipment and join a group for scuba diving.
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