Fact 1: Greece is home to a vast number of islands
The country of Greece is renowned for its breathtaking islands. However, you may be surprised to know that it has approximately 6,000 islands, although only 227 of them are inhabited. These magnificent islands with their picture-perfect landscapes averaging from tiny strips of land in the Aegean Sea to significantly larger lands like Crete, draw tourists from all over the world.
Fact 2: The Greeks' gift to the world: the Olympics
Greece gifted the world something that is anticipated and loved by millions globally - the Olympic Games. The first recorded Olympics took place in Olympia, Greece, in 776 BC, mainly featuring athletic but also combat and chariot racing events. The modern-day Olympics still incorporate elements of the ancient games, honoring the Greek's legacy every four years.
Fact 3: Greece is the birthplace of democracy
Democracy, a system of government now adopted by nations around the globe, had its roots in Athens, Greece starting around 508 BC. The name 'democracy' itself is derived from the ancient Greek words 'demos', (people), and 'kratos' (rule). This was a revolutionary system, as it allowed the Greeks to have a say in their laws and decisions.
Fact 4: Greece has an impressive literacy rate
Greece ranks among the top countries globally in terms of its literacy rate. An impressive 98% of Greek adults are literate, according to UNESCO data, illustrating the importance placed upon education in this vibrant country. This high literacy rate contributes significantly to Greece's economic and social growth.
Fact 5: Greeks voted a tree into Parliament
In a humorous example of Greek democracy in action, in 1929, the people elected a ficus tree into Parliament. This oddity occurred in the region of Thessaloniki, where the tree effectively "represented" the locals in the city square.
Fact 6: An abundance of antique theaters
Greece is home to more than 90% of all the antique theaters worldwide. These structures, including the renowned Theatre of Dionysus in Athens, form integral aspects of Greece's ancient culture. They once served as venues for plays penned by famous Greek playwrights such as Euripides, Sophocles, and Aeschylus.
Fact 7: A treasure trove of archaeological sites
Greece houses over 100 archaeological museums, a testament to its rich historical and cultural ancestry. These museums host innumerable artifacts from various periods of Greek history, providing insight into Greece's ancient civilizations.
Fact 8: A country steeped in mythology
Greece is widely recognized as the birthplace of Western mythology. The tales of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures like the Minotaur and Medusa, originate from Ancient Greece. These captivating stories continue to influence modern literature and film.
Fact 9: Greece: A pioneer of medicine
Hippocrates, known as the "Father of Medicine," was born on the Greek island of Kos around 460 BC. He established medicine as a profession distinct from philosophy and religion, and introduced the Hippocratic Oath — a set of ethical rules that remain relevant to the medical profession today.
Fact 10: It’s all Greek to me – literally!
The Greek language dates back to around 1500 BC, making it one of the world’s oldest known languages still in use. It has a rich history and has significantly influenced other languages, particularly in scientific and academic vocabulary.
Fact 11: Greeks celebrate 'Name Days'
Greeks often celebrate 'Name Days' more than birthdays. In Greek Orthodox tradition, most days are dedicated to a Saint or Martyr. If you are named after a Saint, your Name Day will fall on their feast day, and it's likely you'll receive gifts and congratulations from family and friends.
Fact 12: Greece gave us the marathon
The legend of the marathon comes from Ancient Greece. The story tells of a Greek soldier named Pheidippides who, in 490 BC, ran the roughly 26.2 miles from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to announce the Greeks' victory over the Persians. Today, athletes all over the world run marathons in honor of Pheidippides' legendary feat.
Fact 13: Lighter laws for lighter meals
True to the Greek tradition of healthy eating, the country passed a law in 2011 requiring all restaurants to serve a lighter menu option. This rule aims to promote healthier eating habits among the Greeks.
Fact 14: Greece boasts a rich tradition of dance
Greece has a long history of traditional dance, with more than 4,000 traditional dances that are a major part of Greek culture. From the Tsamiko to the Zeibekiko and the famous Sirtaki, dance is deeply rooted in Greek life and social interaction.
Fact 15: First in olive oil production
You may associate olive oil more with Italy, but Greece is the world's largest producer of extra virgin olive oil. This valuable commodity is a staple in Greek cuisine and is symbolic of Greek culture and tradition.
Fact 16: Naval superiority for over 5000 years
Greece has been a formidable naval power for over 5,000 years. Its maritime industry remains one of the most important sectors in the country. Greece boasts the largest merchant navy in the world, composing over 15% of the world's total deadweight tonnage.
Fact 17: Home to 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
From the archaeological sites in Athens to the medieval city of Rhodes, Greece is host to 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These locations bear witness to Greece's long and rich history, and they attract tourists from around the world.
Fact 18: Sharing the tavli passion
Tavli, similar to backgammon, is a popular game in Greece. You'll find Greeks playing Tavli in cafes and parks around the country. With a history dating back to the Byzantine Empire, it is more than a cultural fixture—it's a beloved pastime.
Fact 19: The largest Eastern Orthodox Church is in Greece
Greece is the home of the largest Eastern Orthodox Church in the world. Greek Orthodoxy remains a significant element of Greek identity, with roughly 98% of Greek residents identifying as Greek Orthodox.
Fact 20: Greeks do not wave with an open hand
In many cultures, waving with an open hand is seen as a friendly gesture. However, in Greece, it is considered an insult. To avoid offending someone, always wave with your palm closed. This unique cultural quirk demonstrates that even familiar gestures can mean very different things in different countries.