Greece: crisis or oasis of tranquility?

From early childhood, we realize that Greece represents one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The legends of its heroes make historical figures like Napoleon and Columbus seem almost modern in comparison.

The current situation in the country

If we look at the current events in this country, we can see worrying signs of economic crisis. Its scale is evident in the news, with hundreds of people taking to the streets to protest the situation instead of working. Sometimes it seems that the crisis is manifested where the decline in economic activity intersects with citizen unrest. However, the discourse on this topic remains elusive to us.

True Greek culture

In the crowded Greek tavernas, cozy cafes, and restaurants where the true values of culinary art overshadow the worries of labor, the situation is quite different. Here, it is clear that the crisis in such places does not serve as a catalyst for revolutionary changes.

• Tanned tourists assure that locations like Halkidiki and Peloponnese are true corners of tranquility.
• You may hear among realtors that real estate prices in popular regions remain at previous levels, because no economic disruption can turn blue waters into abandoned concrete masses and bright sunshine into gray shadows.

Choice of citizens

Thus, we have several options: to take in information from the television and worry as if our yet-to-be-purchased home is being dismantled into tiny pieces like the Parthenon, or to agree with the sellers who insist that Athens is just a small part of all of Greece. However, there is another way. We can embrace the idea that, although the carefree life of modern Greeks may not allow them to reclaim the title of the cradle of civilization, their ancestors did everything possible to ensure that their homeland remains a place where, even after thousands of years, one can find not only material wealth but also health and inspiration.

General information about Greece

According to the "Residence Guide - 2012," Greece, also known as the Hellenic Republic, is located in the southern part of Europe, right in the center of the Balkan Peninsula. To the north, it borders Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria, and to the northeast, it shares a border with Turkey. The capital of this country is the magnificent Athens.

Geography and climate

The terrain of Greece is mostly mountainous, with only minor plains found in the eastern part of the mainland and in the west of the Peloponnese. Greece is washed by three seas: the Aegean Sea to the east, the Ionian Sea to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The area of this amazing country is about 131,940 square kilometers.

The climate of the southern regions of the country is generally characterized asMediterraneanSoft and humid winters are replaced by hot and dry summers. For example, in July, the average temperature ranges from 27 to 32 degrees Celsius, while in January it is around 10 degrees. In the northeast of Greece, the climate is more moderate—winters are cold and wet, while summers are hot and dry. In the mountainous areas, there is a...alpine climatewith harsh winters and a short but hot summer.

Population of Greece

As of 2009, the population of Greece exceeded 11 million people (according to 2008 data). About 90% of the population are Greeks, while the other ethnic groups include 1% Turks, Albanians, Macedonians, Serbs, and representatives of other nations. The official language of the state is Greek.

Society and culture of Greece

In Greece, the vast majority of the population is Orthodox Christian, belonging to the Helladic cultural heritage. The most significant currency in the country is the euro, and the time difference with Moscow is one hour in summer and two hours in winter (UTC +2).

Architectural masterpieces and historical monuments

This country, nicknamed the "cradle of ancient civilization," attracts tourists with its numerous architectural masterpieces. Many of these historical monuments are concentrated in Athens, a city with a history spanning over six thousand years. The Acropolis, the famous symbol of the capital, is a 156-meter rocky hill that hosts magnificent structures.

• The grand Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena.
• The Olympian is the greatest temple in Greece, dedicated to Zeus.
• The Temple of Apollo, located in the central part of the country, attracts the attention of scholars.
• The ruins of the ancient city of Mycenae, once the center of Greek civilization.

Nature and islands

In the study of Greece, one cannot overlook the picturesque islands. Crete is the largest of them and is famous for its many attractions, among which the ancient palace of Knossos stands out. The architecture of this palace inspired legends about the Minotaur and the labyrinth.

• The island of Rhodes is famous for its Colossus, once one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
• The island of Ithaca, known as the homeland of Odysseus.

Resorts and relaxation

Greek resorts are famous for their magnificent beaches and natural beauty, especially in places like Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, and numerous islands. But we shouldn't forget about the ski resorts, which offer wonderful conditions for winter sports and breathtaking sea views.

Study of regions and the real estate market

For a more in-depth introduction to the regions of Greece, their cities and historical artifacts, it is useful to refer to the "Regions of Greece" section. For those interested inacquisition of real estateIn this country, it will be helpful to refer to the section dedicated to the "Market Overview."

Culinary features

What else makes Greece unique? Here, cheeses are not just a product, but a true cultural treasure. Each region takes pride in its exceptional recipes, and the total number of known varieties exceeds fifty. The most famous of them is feta.

The national anthem and cities

The national anthem of Greece consists of 158 verses, but usually only the first four are performed. The country has two main metropolitan areas — Athens and Thessaloniki. Most Greeks live in small towns and villages. Apartment buildings are generally low-rise structures, often no more than five stories high, along with many private homes.

If you see a building above this development, it is most likely a hotel.

Rhodes Island

Located in the Aegean Sea, the island of Rhodes attracts over a million tourists each year, which is ten times the number of its residents. The capital of this island, also called Rhodes, is known for housing one of the most impressive statues of antiquity —Colossus of RhodesThis grand sculpture depicted the sun god Helios and was so large that few could grasp its thumb with both hands. However, after a strong earthquake, this majestic statue was destroyed and no longer exists.

Athos: A Monastic State

On the Chalkidiki Peninsula, you can find a unique religious site —Athoswhich is a unique monastic Orthodox state. This amazing place includes twenty monasteries, among which are several Russian ones. Mount Athos is directly governed byEcumenical PatriarchHowever, in order to visit this UNESCO cultural heritage site, men need a special visa, while women are completely prohibited from entering.

Archaeological finds in Athens

The fascinating history of the Greeks is also reflected in their metro system, where archaeologists were actively involved during construction. Greek lands are rich in historical finds, and during the subway excavations, artifacts such as were often discovered:

• columns
• jugs
• skeletons of people who lived during the time of Socrates

All these finds were left under glass, which madeAthens metronot just an important transport hub, but also a real museum.

Coffee culture

The Greeks have a true passion for coffee, which they prefer strong and served in small cups with a glass of water.CafeThey play a key role in the lives of Greeks — here they socialize, read newspapers, and discuss current events, taking their time to leave the establishment.

Greek cuisine

One of the distinctive features of Greek cuisine is the abundance of olive oil and the use of various seasonings. In large restaurants, the menu is often presented in several languages, while in smaller establishments, guests are given the opportunity to peek into the kitchen and choose dishes that are currently being prepared.

The beaches of Skiathos

On the islandSkiathoslocated in the Aegean Sea is recognized as the best nudist beach in the world —Little BananaThis honorary title was awarded to him by analysts from the TripAdvisor portal based on surveys of experienced travelers from all corners of the world.

Transport connections with Greece

As for ways to get to Greece, this sunny country is accessible to travelers in various ways: by plane, by land transport, or by water. However, air travel is the fastest and most comfortable option. Greece has more than 50 airports, with the largest located in:

• Athens
• Thessaloniki
• on famous islands like Rhodes and Corfu

The flight from Moscow to Athens takes about three and a half hours.

A trip to Greece

If you wish, you can travel to Greece using land transportation routes, including trains. For example, there is a route from Moscow to Belgrade with a connection in Thessaloniki, which takes approximately 63 hours. However, it should be noted that this train runs exclusively during the vacation season. In addition, you can consider traveling by bus or by your own car, as the distance from Moscow to Athens is about 3180 km. To visit Greece, you need to apply for a Schengen visa. Details on this issue can be found in the articles on Schengen visa and visa regime, as well as obtaining a residence permit in this country.

The political structure of Greece

The political system of Greece is organized as a parliamentary republic. The president, who serves as the head of state, is elected for a five-year term. The executive power is managed by a cabinet of ministers, headed by the prime minister. Legislative power is concentrated in a unicameral parliament, whose members are elected for a four-year term.

International organizations

Greece actively participates in numerous international alliances and organizations, including:

• NATO - since 1952;
• OECD - since 1961;
• European Union - since 1981;
• UN - since 1992;
• WTO - since 1995.

In the administrative division of the country there are 13 districts, which in turn are divided into 54 municipalities.

The economy of Greece

The economic structure of Greece has a mixed industrial-agricultural character. The most developed sectors are the light and food industries. In addition, there are high performance indicators in:

• metallurgy;
• machine engineering, especially in the field of shipbuilding;
• petrochemical industry;
• production of building materials.

Fishing plays an important role in the economy. Agriculture is mainly focused on the cultivation of crops such as:

• cotton;
• tobacco;
• olives;
• wheat;
• corn;
• sugar beet;
• citrus fruits.

Tourism accounts for about15%from the country's overall gross domestic product.

Largest companies

Among the leading companies in Greece, it is worth noting:

• Attica Holdings (shipping industry);
• Chipita;
• Vivartia (food production);
• Intracom Telecom (telecommunications operator);
• Hellenic Fabrics S.A. (clothing);
• Chambre Hellas S.A. and Flax (cosmetic products).

For those looking to start their own business in Greece, it will be helpful to familiarize themselves with the section dedicated to business in this country.

Public holidays

In Greece, there are certain national holidays that are days off for citizens:

• January 1— New Year's Day;
• January 6— Theophany;
• March 25— Independence Day of Greece;
• one day in betweenApril 4andMay 8— Easter;
• May 1st— Labor Day;
• August 15— The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary;
• October 28— "Ohi Day," dedicated to the resistance against the Italian occupation during World War II;
• December 25— Christmas.

The history of Greece

The history of Greece dates back to ancient times. Archaeologists have discovered the remains of the most ancient people in Greece, whose age is about360 thousand yearsthat confirms the facts of human life in these lands from the earliest stages of existence.

The history of the Aegean civilization

Three thousand years ago, the existence of the ancient Greek civilization, referred to as Aegean, began. This culture is divided into several historical stages, the most significant of which are associated with the late Minoan period on Crete and the Mycenaean period on the Greek mainland. Both of these stages ended in the 12th century BC and were marked by the emergence of the first organized states, the active development of navigation and written language, as well as the establishment of commercial and diplomatic relations with Eastern nations.

Policy formation

Starting from the 8th century BC, city-states, or poleis, began to develop in Greece. Among the most significant are Athens and Sparta. Athens, as a diverse and trading city, became a powerful maritime power and a center of cultural activity. It was here that the foundations of democracy were laid:

• Public discussions:All important decisions were made through open discussions.
• Voting Rights:Only free citizens had this right, which excluded the participation of women and foreigners.

In contrast, Sparta sought to strengthen its position in the struggle against Athens, possessing a much more powerful army that outnumbered and tactically surpassed the Athenians. There were also other city-states, such as Corinth, Thebes, Megara, and Argos, which, lacking such strong military forces, pooled their resources to defend their independence.

Archaic period (800-500 BC)

The period from 800 to 500 BC is referred to as the "Archaic" period. It is marked by the creation of significant sculptures, characterized by the distinctive "Archaic smile" of that time. The first Olympic Games took place in 776 BC, becoming a symbol of unity among the Greek city-states.

Classical period (500-323 BC)

From 500 to 323 BC, this period is considered classical in the history of Ancient Greece and is marked by the peak of city-state development, the strengthening of democracy, and the flourishing of culture. During this era, remarkable figures such as:

• Pericles:a famous general and orator.
• Socrates:one of the greatest philosophers.
• Plato:A student of Socrates and the founder of the Academy.
• Aristotle:A student of Plato who influenced many fields of knowledge.

Dramatists such as Euripides, Sophocles, and Aristophanes also made significant contributions to cultural heritage. Ancient Greek civilization became the foundation of Western culture, having a considerable impact on language, politics, education, philosophy, art, and architecture.

Wars and internal conflicts

From 500 to 449 BC, fierce wars took place between the Greek city-states and the powerful Persian Empire, during which Greece managed to maintain its independence. However, from 431 to 404 BC, the country was shaken by internal disagreements that escalated into a power struggle between Sparta and Athens, known as the Peloponnesian War.

Rivalry with Macedonia

Over time, the city-states of Greece came under the control of the Macedonian king Philip II, who ruled in the ancient state in northern Greece. This era marked the end of the independent existence of the poleis and began a new chapter in the history of the region, opening up new opportunities and challenges for Greek culture and society.

Conclusion

The conclusion of this article draws a line under all the diversity and paradoxes that we can observe in modern Greece. At first glance, the crisis that has struck the country affects many areas of life, but as practice shows, the spirit of the people remains unaffected by external circumstances.

On one hand, we see protests, unemployed people, and stable real estate prices. On the other hand, life is bustling, filled with tourists, warmth, and the sea — clear symbols of Greek identity.

The contradiction of reality

It may seem that all of Greece is mired in economic difficulties and discontent, but delving deeper into this corner of the world reveals a contradictory reality. It is not just a country with high mountains and magnificent beaches — it is a place where traditions and culture are preserved, and, equally important, a desire for life filled with genuine joy and a sense of unity.

Culture and life

In the summer, sunny Greece fills up with travelers who come to see the Colosseum, ancient temples, and the vast seas. And despite all the challenges, the locals live, work, rejoice, prepare unique food, and cherish each day. Thus, we, as spectators of this world, can either allow ourselves to get stuck in negative thoughts about the crisis or open our eyes and see the strength and resilience of the Greek spirit behind these difficulties.

The uniqueness of Greek culture

The comparison with centuries ago highlights the uniqueness and longevity of Greek culture. Even in difficult times, one can find sources of inspiration and well-being that permeate their way of life. I believe that everyone who comes here will be able to find something for themselves:

• Beautiful architecture
• Unique dishes
• Sunny days at the beach

Greece is not just a country; it is a state of soul that maintains its uniqueness despite turbulent times. It is truly an oasis where one can not only recharge but also find harmony with the surrounding world.