06/04/2024
21 Facts about Greece you didn't know:
1. Greece is considered the birthplace of democracy and Western civilization.
2. It is the sunniest country in Europe with over 250 days of sunshine per year or about 3,000 sunshine hours a year.
3. Hellas, Not Greece: The official name of Greece is actually the Hellenic Republic. "Greece" comes from the Roman term "Graecia."
4. More Tourists Than Locals: Greece attracts more tourists every year than its entire population!
5. The Greek language is one of the oldest recorded languages in the world.
6. Greece has thousands of islands, but only 227 are inhabited.
7. The Greek national anthem has 158 verses, making it one of the longest in the world.
8. The first-ever Olympic Games were held in Olympia, Greece in 776 BC.
9. Coffee Culture: Greeks are serious about their coffee! The small, strong "briki" coffee is a daily ritual for many.
10. Greece has more archaeological museums per capita than any other country in the world.
11. Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece, was believed by the ancient Greeks to be the home of the gods.
12. Greece boasts the largest percentage of olive tree coverage per land area in the world.
13. Mountain Marvel: Believe it or not, 80% of Greece is mountainous.
14. Always By the Sea: No matter where you are in Greece, you're never more than 135 kilometers from the coast.
15. The Vikos Gorge in the Pindus Mountains is one of the world's deepest, plunging over 1,100 meters.
16. Monarchy No More: Greece transitioned from a monarchy to a parliamentary republic in 1975.
17. The Greek island of Ikaria is one of the world’s Blue Zones, home to some of the longest-living people on Earth.
18. Greek cuisine is known for its healthy Mediterranean diet, including olives, feta cheese, and grilled seafood.
19. Many constellations we see today have names derived from Greek mythology.
20. Athens holds the title for the city with the most theaters in the world.
21. Greece boasts over 4,000 traditional dances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage.
