Greece, formally known as the Hellenic Republic, holds a strategic position at the southeastern tip of Europe, sharing borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. The Greek mainland is situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, surrounded by the Aegean Sea to the east, the Ionian Sea to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. With an extensive archipelago, Greece boasts the longest coastline in the Mediterranean and is predominantly mountainous, with a diverse range of landscapes.
Topography
The country’s topography is largely defined by a mountainous mainland and thousands of islands. Its territory spans across 131,957 square kilometers, with a water percentage of 1.51%. The mainland comprises several regions, each with its unique physical characteristics. The mountainous terrain includes the renowned Mount Olympus, the mythical home of the ancient Greek gods, and reaches up to 2,918 meters at its peak. Greece’s natural terrain is also marked by an array of lakes, valleys, and coastal plains, contributing to its rich biodiversity.
Population Statistics
According to a 2021 census, Greece’s population is estimated at 10,482,487, making it the 89th most populated country globally. The population density stands at 79.1 people per square kilometer. The demographic trend in Greece mirrors the broader European pattern of an aging populace coupled with a declining birth rate.
The Greek population has experienced a significant shift with increasing life expectancy and a dropping birth rate, currently noted at 1.41 children per woman. This figure is below the replacement rate and signifies one of the lowest globally, a stark contrast to the high fertility rates of the early 20th century. Greece’s median age is now at approximately 44 years, reflecting the aging dynamic of its society.
Greece is predominantly composed of ethnic Greeks and a small yet diverse set of minority populations, including Muslims, Slavic-speaking groups in the north, and others, reflecting its complex historical migrations and settlement patterns. The country’s official religion is Greek Orthodoxy, which plays a crucial role in cultural and social life.
Administrative Structure
The Hellenic Republic is a unitary parliamentary republic, with Athens as its capital and the largest city, followed by other important urban centers such as Thessaloniki and Patras. The country’s administration is decentralized into several regions, each with its own governance under the umbrella of the central government.