Travel Guide Greece - Country Information

Coordinates: 39 00 N, 22 00 E
Population: 10,688,058 (July 2006 est.)
Religions: Greek Orthodox 98%, Muslim 1.3%, other 0.7%
Languages: Greek 99% (official), English, French
Climate: temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers
Elevation: lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m / highest point: Mount Olympus 2,917 m
Hazards: severe earthquakes
Background Greece: Greece achieved independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829. During the second half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, it gradually added neighboring islands and territories, most with Greek-speaking populations. In World War II, Greece was first invaded by Italy (1940) and subsequently occupied by Germany (1941-44); fighting endured in a protracted civil war between supporters of the king and Communist rebels. Following the latter's defeat in 1949, Greece joined NATO in 1952. A military dictatorship, which in 1967 suspended many political liberties and forced the king to flee the country, lasted seven years. The 1974 democratic elections and a referendum created a parliamentary republic and abolished the monarchy. In 1981 Greece joined the EC (now the EU); it became the 12th member of the euro zone in 2001.

Summary of recommendations:No special immunizations or medications are necessary for most trips to Greece