Greece
EuropeGR December 17, 2025
Background
Greece won independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1830 and became a kingdom. 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 other anti-communist and communist rebels. The communists were defeated in 1949, and Greece joined NATO in 1952. In 1967, a military coup forced the king to flee the country. The ensuing military dictatorship collapsed in 1974, and Greece abolished the monarchy to become a parliamentary republic.
In 1981, Greece joined the EC (now the EU); it became the 12th member of the European Economic and Monetary Union in 2001. From 2009 until 2019, Greece suffered a severe economic crisis due to nearly a decade of chronic overspending and structural rigidities. Beginning in 2010, Greece entered three bailout agreements -- the first two with the European Commission, the European Central Bank, and the IMF; and the third in 2015 with the European Stability Mechanism -- worth in total about $300 billion. The Greek Government formally exited the third bailout in 2018, and Greece's economy has since improved significantly. In 2022, the country finalized its early repayment to the IMF and graduated on schedule from the EU's enhanced surveillance framework.
In 1981, Greece joined the EC (now the EU); it became the 12th member of the European Economic and Monetary Union in 2001. From 2009 until 2019, Greece suffered a severe economic crisis due to nearly a decade of chronic overspending and structural rigidities. Beginning in 2010, Greece entered three bailout agreements -- the first two with the European Commission, the European Central Bank, and the IMF; and the third in 2015 with the European Stability Mechanism -- worth in total about $300 billion. The Greek Government formally exited the third bailout in 2018, and Greece's economy has since improved significantly. In 2022, the country finalized its early repayment to the IMF and graduated on schedule from the EU's enhanced surveillance framework.
Geographic coordinates
39 00 N, 22 00 E
Natural hazards
severe earthquakes
Volcanism: Santorini (367 m) has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Methana and Nisyros in the Aegean are also classified as historically active
Volcanism: Santorini (367 m) has been deemed a Decade Volcano by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Methana and Nisyros in the Aegean are also classified as historically active
Area - comparative
slightly smaller than Alabama
Environmental issues
air pollution; air emissions from transport and electricity power stations; water pollution; degradation of coastal zones; loss of biodiversity; municipal and industrial waste disposal
International environmental agreements
Party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Tropical Timber 2006, Wetlands
Signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds
Signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Multi-effect Protocol, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds
Climate
temperate; mild, wet winters; hot, dry summers
Coastline
13,676 km
Land boundaries
Total: 1,110 km
Border countries (4): Albania 212 km; Bulgaria 472 km; North Macedonia 234 km; Turkey 192 km
Border countries (4): Albania 212 km; Bulgaria 472 km; North Macedonia 234 km; Turkey 192 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 41.7% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 14.4% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 8% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 19.2% (2023 est.)
Forest: 36.9% (2023 est.)
Other: 21.3% (2023 est.)
Arable land: 14.4% (2023 est.)
Permanent crops: 8% (2023 est.)
Permanent pasture: 19.2% (2023 est.)
Forest: 36.9% (2023 est.)
Other: 21.3% (2023 est.)
Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 6 nm
Continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
Natural resources
lignite, petroleum, iron ore, bauxite, lead, zinc, nickel, magnesite, marble, salt, hydropower potential
Geography - note
strategic location dominating the Aegean Sea and southern approach to Turkish Straits; a peninsular country, with an archipelago of about 2,000 islands
Terrain
mountainous with ranges extending into the sea as peninsulas or chains of islands
Location
Southern Europe, bordering the Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea, between Albania and Turkey
Map references
Europe
Irrigated land
12,191 sq km (2021)
Total renewable water resources
68 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Population distribution
one third of the population lives in and around metropolitan Athens; the remainder of the country has moderate population density mixed with sizeable urban clusters
Elevation
Highest point: Mount Olympus 2,917
Lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
Mean elevation: 498 m
Note: Mount Olympus actually has 52 peaks but its highest point, Mytikas (meaning "nose"), rises to 2,917 meters; in Greek mythology, Olympus' Mytikas peak was the home of the Greek gods
Lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
Mean elevation: 498 m
Note: Mount Olympus actually has 52 peaks but its highest point, Mytikas (meaning "nose"), rises to 2,917 meters; in Greek mythology, Olympus' Mytikas peak was the home of the Greek gods
Area
Total : 131,957 sq km
Land: 130,647 sq km
Water: 1,310 sq km
Land: 130,647 sq km
Water: 1,310 sq km
Age structure
0-14 years: 13.8% (male 742,131/female 699,079)
15-64 years: 62.6% (male 3,278,906/female 3,267,140)
65 years and over: 23.6% (2024 est.) (male 1,096,825/female 1,377,010)
15-64 years: 62.6% (male 3,278,906/female 3,267,140)
65 years and over: 23.6% (2024 est.) (male 1,096,825/female 1,377,010)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.96 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Greek(s)
Adjective: Greek
Adjective: Greek
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
Total: 21 years (2022 est.)
Male: 21 years (2022 est.)
Female: 21 years (2022 est.)
Male: 21 years (2022 est.)
Female: 21 years (2022 est.)
Urbanization
Urban population: 80.7% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 0.11% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
3.154 million ATHENS (capital), 815,000 Thessaloniki (2023)
Physician density
6.58 physicians/1,000 population (2022)
Hospital bed density
4.2 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
30.7 years (2020 est.)
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 59.8 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 22 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 37.8 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 2.6 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 22 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 37.8 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 2.6 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
Greek 91.6%, Albanian 4.4%, other 4% (2011 est.)
Note: Data represent citizenship; Greece does not collect data on ethnicity
Note: Data represent citizenship; Greece does not collect data on ethnicity
Religions
Greek Orthodox 81-90%, Muslim 2%, other 3%, none 4-15%, unspecified 1% (2015 est.)
Languages
Greek (official) 99%, other (includes English and French) 1%
Major-language sample(s):
Το Παγκόσμιο Βιβλίο Δεδομένων, η απαραίτητη πηγή βασικών πληροφοριών. (Greek)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Major-language sample(s):
Το Παγκόσμιο Βιβλίο Δεδομένων, η απαραίτητη πηγή βασικών πληροφοριών. (Greek)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Health expenditure
9.2% of GDP (2021)
8.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
8.7% of national budget (2022 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.68 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
52.4% (2023 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 24.7% (2024 est.)
Male: 23.2% (2024 est.)
Female: 26.6% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 23.2% (2024 est.)
Female: 26.6% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
1.1 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 46.5 years (2024 est.)
Male: 44.6 years
Female: 48.3 years
Male: 44.6 years
Female: 48.3 years
Maternal mortality ratio
5 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
1.41 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 10,461,091 (2024 est.)
Male: 5,117,862
Female: 5,343,229
Male: 5,117,862
Female: 5,343,229
Infant mortality rate
Total: 3.4 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Male: 3.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 3 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 3.8 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 3 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 27.3% (2025 est.)
Male: 30.3% (2025 est.)
Female: 24.6% (2025 est.)
Male: 30.3% (2025 est.)
Female: 24.6% (2025 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
24.9% (2016)
Death rate
12 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
7.4 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 6.33 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 2.13 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 2.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 1.45 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.08 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 2.13 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 2.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 1.45 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 0.08 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 81.9 years (2024 est.)
Male: 79.4 years
Female: 84.6 years
Male: 79.4 years
Female: 84.6 years
Education expenditure
3.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
6.4% national budget (2022 est.)
6.4% national budget (2022 est.)
Population growth rate
-0.35% (2024 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 1.687 billion cubic meters (2022)
Industrial: 279.8 million cubic meters (2022)
Agricultural: 8.107 billion cubic meters (2022)
Industrial: 279.8 million cubic meters (2022)
Agricultural: 8.107 billion cubic meters (2022)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 5.615 million tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 22.4% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 22.4% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
14.6 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
62.06 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 10.794 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 44.649 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 6.617 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From coal and metallurgical coke: 10.794 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 44.649 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From consumed natural gas: 6.617 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
92.693 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Kimberly Ann GUILFOYLE (since 4 November 2025)
Embassy: 91 Vasillisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens
Mailing address: 7100 Athens Place, Washington DC 20521-7100
Telephone: [30] (210) 721-2951
FAX: [30] (210) 724-5313
Email address and website:
Athensamericancitizenservices@state.gov
https://gr.usembassy.gov/
Consulate(s) general: Thessaloniki
Embassy: 91 Vasillisis Sophias Avenue, 10160 Athens
Mailing address: 7100 Athens Place, Washington DC 20521-7100
Telephone: [30] (210) 721-2951
FAX: [30] (210) 724-5313
Email address and website:
Athensamericancitizenservices@state.gov
https://gr.usembassy.gov/
Consulate(s) general: Thessaloniki
Administrative divisions
13 regions (perifereies, singular - perifereia) and 1 autonomous monastic state* (aftonomi monastiki politeia); Agion Oros* (Mount Athos), Anatoliki Makedonia kai Thraki (East Macedonia and Thrace), Attiki (Attica), Dytiki Ellada (West Greece), Dytiki Makedonia (West Macedonia), Ionia Nisia (Ionian Islands), Ipeiros (Epirus), Kentriki Makedonia (Central Macedonia), Kriti (Crete), Notio Aigaio (South Aegean), Peloponnisos (Peloponnese), Sterea Ellada (Central Greece), Thessalia (Thessaly), Voreio Aigaio (North Aegean)
Capital
Name: Athens
Geographic coordinates: 37 59 N, 23 44 E
Time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Etymology: The origin of the name is uncertain; according to tradition, the city is named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, but the name is probably pre-Hellenic
Geographic coordinates: 37 59 N, 23 44 E
Time difference: UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Etymology: The origin of the name is uncertain; according to tradition, the city is named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, but the name is probably pre-Hellenic
Constitution
History: Many previous; latest entered into force 11 June 1975
Amendment process: Proposed by at least 50 members of Parliament and agreed by three-fifths majority vote in two separate ballots at least 30 days apart; passage requires absolute majority vote by the next elected Parliament; entry into force finalized through a "special parliamentary resolution"; articles on human rights and freedoms and the form of government cannot be amended
Amendment process: Proposed by at least 50 members of Parliament and agreed by three-fifths majority vote in two separate ballots at least 30 days apart; passage requires absolute majority vote by the next elected Parliament; entry into force finalized through a "special parliamentary resolution"; articles on human rights and freedoms and the form of government cannot be amended
Executive branch
Chief of state: President Konstantinos TASOULAS (since 13 March 2025)
Head of government: Prime Minister Kyriakos MITSOTAKIS (since 26 June 2023)
Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister
Election/appointment process: President elected by Hellenic Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); president appoints as prime minister the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Hellenic Parliament
Most recent election date: 12 February 2025
Election results:
2025: Konstantinos TASOULAS (ND) elected president by Parliament - 160 of 300 votes
2020: Katerina SAKELLAROPOULOU (independent) elected president by Parliament - 261 of 300 votes
Expected date of next election: 2030
Head of government: Prime Minister Kyriakos MITSOTAKIS (since 26 June 2023)
Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation of the prime minister
Election/appointment process: President elected by Hellenic Parliament for a 5-year term (eligible for a second term); president appoints as prime minister the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Hellenic Parliament
Most recent election date: 12 February 2025
Election results:
2025: Konstantinos TASOULAS (ND) elected president by Parliament - 160 of 300 votes
2020: Katerina SAKELLAROPOULOU (independent) elected president by Parliament - 261 of 300 votes
Expected date of next election: 2030
Flag
Description: Nine equal horizontal stripes of blue alternating with white; a blue square with a white cross is in the upper-left corner
Meaning: The cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established religion; there is no set meaning for the stripes and colors
Note: Greek legislation states that the flag colors are cyan and white, but cyan can mean "blue" in Greek, so the exact shade of blue has never been set and has varied from a light to a dark blue over time; the blue is now usually an azure
Meaning: The cross symbolizes Greek Orthodoxy, the established religion; there is no set meaning for the stripes and colors
Note: Greek legislation states that the flag colors are cyan and white, but cyan can mean "blue" in Greek, so the exact shade of blue has never been set and has varied from a light to a dark blue over time; the blue is now usually an azure
Independence
3 February 1830 (from the Ottoman Empire)
Note: The national revolt against the Ottomans began on 25 March 1821; the London Protocol recognizing Greek independence was signed on 3 February 1830 by Great Britain, France, and Russia
Note: The national revolt against the Ottomans began on 25 March 1821; the London Protocol recognizing Greek independence was signed on 3 February 1830 by Great Britain, France, and Russia
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Supreme Civil and Criminal Court or Areios Pagos (consists of 56 judges, including the court presidents); Council of State (supreme administrative court) consists of the president, 7 vice presidents, 42 privy councilors, 48 associate councilors and 50 reporting judges, organized into six 5- and 7-member chambers; Court of Audit (government audit and enforcement) consists of the president, 5 vice presidents, 20 councilors, and 90 associate and reporting judges
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by presidential decree on the advice of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), which includes the president of the Supreme Court, other judges, and the prosecutor of the Supreme Court; judges appointed for life after a 2-year probationary period; Council of State president appointed by the Greek Cabinet to serve a 4-year term; other judge appointments and tenure NA; Court of Audit president appointed by decree of the president of the republic on the advice of the SJC; court president serves a 4-year term or until age 67; tenure of vice presidents, councilors, and judges NA
Subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal and Courts of First Instance (district courts)
Judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court judges appointed by presidential decree on the advice of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), which includes the president of the Supreme Court, other judges, and the prosecutor of the Supreme Court; judges appointed for life after a 2-year probationary period; Council of State president appointed by the Greek Cabinet to serve a 4-year term; other judge appointments and tenure NA; Court of Audit president appointed by decree of the president of the republic on the advice of the SJC; court president serves a 4-year term or until age 67; tenure of vice presidents, councilors, and judges NA
Subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal and Courts of First Instance (district courts)
Legal system
civil legal system based on Roman law
Legislative branch
Legislature name: Hellenic Parliament (Vouli Ton Ellinon)
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 300 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 6/25/2023
Parties elected and seats per party: New Democracy (ND) (158); Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) (47); Panhellenic Socialist Movement - Movement for Change (PASOK-KINAL) (32); Communist Party (KKE) (21); Other (42)
Percentage of women in chamber: 22.9%
Expected date of next election: June 2027
Note: Only parties surpassing a 3% vote threshold are entitled to parliamentary seats; parties need 10 seats to become formal parliamentary groups but can retain that status if the party participated in the last election and received the minimum 3% threshold
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 300 (all directly elected)
Electoral system: Proportional representation
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 4 years
Most recent election date: 6/25/2023
Parties elected and seats per party: New Democracy (ND) (158); Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) (47); Panhellenic Socialist Movement - Movement for Change (PASOK-KINAL) (32); Communist Party (KKE) (21); Other (42)
Percentage of women in chamber: 22.9%
Expected date of next election: June 2027
Note: Only parties surpassing a 3% vote threshold are entitled to parliamentary seats; parties need 10 seats to become formal parliamentary groups but can retain that status if the party participated in the last election and received the minimum 3% threshold
International organization participation
Australia Group, BIS, BSEC, CD, CE, CERN, EAPC, EBRD, ECB, EIB, EMU, ESA, EU, FAO, FATF, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IEA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IGAD (partners), IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NATO, NEA, NSG, OAS (observer), OECD, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, PCA, Schengen Convention, SELEC, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNIFIL, UNWTO, UPU, Wassenaar Arrangement, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO, ZC
National holiday
Independence Day, 25 March (1821)
Political parties
Coalition of the Radical Left-Progressive Alliance or SYRIZA-PS
Communist Party of Greece or KKE
Course of Freedom
Democratic Patriotic Movement-Victory or NIKI
Greek Solution
New Democracy or ND
PASOK - Movement for Change or PASOK-KINAL
Spartans
Communist Party of Greece or KKE
Course of Freedom
Democratic Patriotic Movement-Victory or NIKI
Greek Solution
New Democracy or ND
PASOK - Movement for Change or PASOK-KINAL
Spartans
Suffrage
17 years of age; universal and compulsory
Government type
parliamentary republic
Country name
Conventional long form: Hellenic Republic
Conventional short form: Greece
Local long form: Elliniki Dimokratia
Local short form: Ellas or Ellada
Former: Hellenic State, Kingdom of Greece
Etymology: The English name derives from the Roman (Latin) designation Graecia, meaning "Land of the Greeks"; the Greeks call their country Ellas or Ellada, which is probably derived from Hellas, the name of the mythical son of Deucalian
Conventional short form: Greece
Local long form: Elliniki Dimokratia
Local short form: Ellas or Ellada
Former: Hellenic State, Kingdom of Greece
Etymology: The English name derives from the Roman (Latin) designation Graecia, meaning "Land of the Greeks"; the Greeks call their country Ellas or Ellada, which is probably derived from Hellas, the name of the mythical son of Deucalian
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Ekaterini NASSIKA (since 27 February 2024)
Chancery: 2217 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 939-1300
FAX: [1] (202) 939-1324
Email address and website:
Gremb.was@mfa.gr
https://www.mfa.gr/usa/en/the-embassy/
Consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Tampa (FL), San Francisco
Consulate(s): Atlanta, Houston
Chancery: 2217 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone: [1] (202) 939-1300
FAX: [1] (202) 939-1324
Email address and website:
Gremb.was@mfa.gr
https://www.mfa.gr/usa/en/the-embassy/
Consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Tampa (FL), San Francisco
Consulate(s): Atlanta, Houston
National anthem(s)
Title: "Ymnos eis tin Eleftherian" (Hymn to Freedom)
Lyrics/music: Dionysios SOLOMOS/Nikolaos MANTZAROS
History: Adopted 1864; the anthem is based on a 158-stanza poem by the same name, which was inspired by the Greek Revolution of 1821 against the Ottomans (only the first two stanzas are used); Cyprus also uses "Hymn to Freedom" as its anthem
Lyrics/music: Dionysios SOLOMOS/Nikolaos MANTZAROS
History: Adopted 1864; the anthem is based on a 158-stanza poem by the same name, which was inspired by the Greek Revolution of 1821 against the Ottomans (only the first two stanzas are used); Cyprus also uses "Hymn to Freedom" as its anthem
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)
Greek cross (white cross on a blue field)
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: No
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of Greece
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes
Residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Citizenship by descent only: At least one parent must be a citizen of Greece
Dual citizenship recognized: Yes
Residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 20 (18 cultural, 2 mixed)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Acropolis, Athens (c); Archaeological site of Delphi (c); Meteora (m); Medieval City of Rhodes (c); Archaeological site of Olympia (c); Archaeological site of Mycenae and Tiryns (c); Old Town of Corfu (c); Mount Athos (m); Delos (c); Archaeological Site of Philippi (c); Minoan Palatial Centres (c)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Acropolis, Athens (c); Archaeological site of Delphi (c); Meteora (m); Medieval City of Rhodes (c); Archaeological site of Olympia (c); Archaeological site of Mycenae and Tiryns (c); Old Town of Corfu (c); Mount Athos (m); Delos (c); Archaeological Site of Philippi (c); Minoan Palatial Centres (c)
National color(s)
blue, white
Population below poverty line
18.8% (2021 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 2.7% (2022 est.)
Highest 10%: 25.7% (2022 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 25.7% (2022 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, packaged medicine, aluminum, olive oil, tobacco (2023)
Note: Top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Note: Top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
Italy 12%, Germany 6%, Cyprus 6%, Bulgaria 4%, USA 4% (2023)
Note: Top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Note: Top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
maize, wheat, sheep milk, oranges, tomatoes, milk, peaches/nectarines, grapes, watermelons, barley (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $111.938 billion (2023 est.)
Expenditures: $114.497 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Expenditures: $114.497 billion (2023 est.)
note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, natural gas, cars, packaged medicine (2023)
Note: Top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Note: Top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
0.924 (2024 est.)
0.925 (2023 est.)
0.95 (2022 est.)
0.845 (2021 est.)
0.876 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates:
0.924 (2024 est.)
0.925 (2023 est.)
0.95 (2022 est.)
0.845 (2021 est.)
0.876 (2020 est.)
Industries
tourism, food and tobacco processing, textiles, chemicals, metal products; mining, petroleum
Economic overview
High-income EU and eurozone economy; growth above euro average, supported by private consumption and EU fund investments; structural reforms strengthening public finances and enhancing resilience within banking system; declining unemployment but low labor productivity and skill shortages
GDP (official exchange rate)
$257.145 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 66.9% (2023 est.)
Government consumption: 19.3% (2023 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 15.2% (2023 est.)
Investment in inventories: 1.5% (2023 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 43.7% (2023 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -48.4% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 19.3% (2023 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 15.2% (2023 est.)
Investment in inventories: 1.5% (2023 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 43.7% (2023 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -48.4% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
Germany 10%, China 10%, Italy 8%, Iraq 7%, Netherlands 6% (2023)
Note: Top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Note: Top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Average household expenditures
On food: 16.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 4.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
On alcohol and tobacco: 4.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
0.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
0.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.3% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
4.655 million (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$15.222 billion (2024 est.)
$13.608 billion (2023 est.)
$12.061 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$13.608 billion (2023 est.)
$12.061 billion (2022 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Public debt
190.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Unemployment rate
10.2% (2024 est.)
11.1% (2023 est.)
12.5% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
11.1% (2023 est.)
12.5% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Taxes and other revenues
26.6% (of GDP) (2023 est.)
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$392.205 billion (2024 est.)
$383.493 billion (2023 est.)
$374.753 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$383.493 billion (2023 est.)
$374.753 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
2.7% (2024 est.)
3.5% (2023 est.)
9.6% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
3.5% (2023 est.)
9.6% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$16.399 billion (2024 est.)
-$15.008 billion (2023 est.)
-$22.623 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$15.008 billion (2023 est.)
-$22.623 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$37,800 (2024 est.)
$36,900 (2023 est.)
$35,900 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$36,900 (2023 est.)
$35,900 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$122.408 billion (2024 est.)
$119.234 billion (2023 est.)
$127.82 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$119.234 billion (2023 est.)
$127.82 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$108.424 billion (2024 est.)
$107.218 billion (2023 est.)
$106.189 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$107.218 billion (2023 est.)
$106.189 billion (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
2.3% (2024 est.)
2.3% (2023 est.)
5.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
2.3% (2023 est.)
5.7% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
6.1% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 3.3% (2024 est.)
Industry: 15.4% (2024 est.)
Services: 68% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 15.4% (2024 est.)
Services: 68% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Coal
Production: 10.469 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Consumption: 10.091 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Exports: 5 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 49,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 2.876 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Consumption: 10.091 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Exports: 5 metric tons (2023 est.)
Imports: 49,000 metric tons (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 2.876 billion metric tons (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 48.9% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 17.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 23.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 9.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 17.5% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 23.3% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Hydroelectricity: 9.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Biomass and waste: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Natural gas
Production: 1.323 million cubic meters (2023 est.)
Consumption: 3.344 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Exports: 8.362 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 11.619 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 991.09 million cubic meters (2021 est.)
Consumption: 3.344 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Exports: 8.362 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Imports: 11.619 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
Proven reserves: 991.09 million cubic meters (2021 est.)
Petroleum
Total petroleum production: 5,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 308,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
Crude oil estimated reserves: 10 million barrels (2021 est.)
Refined petroleum consumption: 308,000 bbl/day (2024 est.)
Crude oil estimated reserves: 10 million barrels (2021 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 24.169 million kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 46.929 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 3.24 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 8.152 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 5.346 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 46.929 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Exports: 3.24 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Imports: 8.152 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 5.346 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 85% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.gr
Broadcast media
broadcast media dominated by the private sector; roughly 150 private TV channels, about 10 of which broadcast nationwide; 1 state-owned terrestrial TV channel with national coverage; 3 privately owned satellite channels; multi-channel satellite and cable TV services available; over 1,500 radio stations, all privately owned; state-owned broadcaster has 2 national radio stations
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 11.3 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 109 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 109 (2022 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 4.48 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 44 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 44 (2023 est.)
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 4.962 million (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 48 (2023 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 48 (2023 est.)
Railways
Total: 2,345 km (2020) 731 km electrified
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
SX
Airports
82 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 1,215 (2023)
By type: Bulk carrier 132, container ship 4, general cargo 79, oil tanker 299, other 701
By type: Bulk carrier 132, container ship 4, general cargo 79, oil tanker 299, other 701
Heliports
59 (2025)
Military service age and obligation
19-45 years of age for compulsory military service for men; 12-month obligation for all services (note - as an exception, the duration of the full military service is 9 instead of 12 months if conscripts, after the initial training, serve the entire remaining time in certain areas of the eastern borders, in Cyprus, or in certain military units); 18 years of age for voluntary military service for men and women (2023)
Note 1: Compulsory service applies to any individual whom the Greek authorities consider to be Greek, regardless of whether the individual considers himself Greek, has a foreign citizenship and passport, or was born or lives outside of Greece; Greek citizens living permanently outside of Greece have the right to postpone their conscription; they are permanently exempted from their military obligations when they reach the age of 45 years old
Note 2: As of 2023, women comprised nearly 17% of the military's full-time personnel
Note 1: Compulsory service applies to any individual whom the Greek authorities consider to be Greek, regardless of whether the individual considers himself Greek, has a foreign citizenship and passport, or was born or lives outside of Greece; Greek citizens living permanently outside of Greece have the right to postpone their conscription; they are permanently exempted from their military obligations when they reach the age of 45 years old
Note 2: As of 2023, women comprised nearly 17% of the military's full-time personnel
Military expenditures
2.9% of GDP (2025 est.)
2.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
2.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
3.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
3.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
2.7% of GDP (2024 est.)
2.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
3.9% of GDP (2022 est.)
3.7% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military and security forces
Hellenic Armed Forces (HAF; Ellinikes Enoples Dynamis, EED): Hellenic Army (Ellinikos Stratos, ES; includes National Guard), Hellenic Navy (Elliniko Polemiko Navtiko, EPN), Hellenic Air Force (Elliniki Polemiki Aeroporia, EPA; includes air defense) (2025)
Note 1: The police (under the Ministry of Citizen Protection) and the armed forces (Ministry of National Defense) share law enforcement duties in certain border areas; the Greek Coast Guard is under the Ministry of Shipping Affairs and Island Policy
Note 2: The National Guard was established in 1982 as an official part of the Army to help protect Greece and provide reinforcements and support to the Army in peacetime and in times of mobilization and war
Note 1: The police (under the Ministry of Citizen Protection) and the armed forces (Ministry of National Defense) share law enforcement duties in certain border areas; the Greek Coast Guard is under the Ministry of Shipping Affairs and Island Policy
Note 2: The National Guard was established in 1982 as an official part of the Army to help protect Greece and provide reinforcements and support to the Army in peacetime and in times of mobilization and war
Military - note
the Hellenic Armed Forces (HAF) are responsible for protecting Greece’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity; the HAF also maintains a presence on Cyprus (the Hellenic Force in Cyprus or ELDYK) to assist and support the Cypriot National Guard; as a member of the EU, NATO, and other international organizations, the HAF participates in multinational peacekeeping and other security missions abroad, taking a particular interest in missions occurring in the near regions, such as the Balkans, the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, the Middle East, and North Africa; areas of focus for the HAF include instability in the Balkans, territorial disputes with Turkey, and support to European security through the EU and NATO
Greece’s NATO membership is a key component of its security; it became a NATO member in 1952 and occupies a strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean on NATO’s southern flank; Greece is host to several NATO facilities, including the Deployable Corps Greece (NDC-GR) headquarters in Thessaloniki, the Combined Air Operations Center in Larissa, the Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Center in Kilkis, the Multinational Sealift Coordination Center in Athens, and the Naval Base, Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre, and NATO Missile Firing Installation at Souda, Crete (2025)
Greece’s NATO membership is a key component of its security; it became a NATO member in 1952 and occupies a strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean on NATO’s southern flank; Greece is host to several NATO facilities, including the Deployable Corps Greece (NDC-GR) headquarters in Thessaloniki, the Combined Air Operations Center in Larissa, the Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Center in Kilkis, the Multinational Sealift Coordination Center in Athens, and the Naval Base, Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre, and NATO Missile Firing Installation at Souda, Crete (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
approximately 112,000 active-duty military personnel (2025)
Military deployments
approximately 1,000 Cyprus; 120 Kosovo (NATO); 130 Lebanon (UNIFIL) (2025)
Note: Greece also has air and naval units deployed in support of NATO missions
Note: Greece also has air and naval units deployed in support of NATO missions
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory consists of a mix of domestically produced and imported weapons and equipment from Europe and the US; in recent years, France, Germany, the UK, and the US have been major suppliers of weapons systems; Greece's defense industry is capable of producing a range of military hardware, including naval vessels and associated subsystems (2025)
Note: Greece is in the midst of a military modernization program which includes acquisitions of fighter aircraft and naval ships from France and armored vehicles and tanks from Germany; it has also boosted purchases of US equipment, including fighter aircraft upgrades, helicopters, and naval patrol craft
Note: Greece is in the midst of a military modernization program which includes acquisitions of fighter aircraft and naval ships from France and armored vehicles and tanks from Germany; it has also boosted purchases of US equipment, including fighter aircraft upgrades, helicopters, and naval patrol craft
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 144,694 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 3,743 (2024 est.)
Stateless persons: 3,743 (2024 est.)
Terrorist group(s)
Terrorist group(s): Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS); Revolutionary Struggle (RS); Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C)
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Note: Details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
Space program overview
focuses on building and operating satellites for communications and remote sensing (RS); researches and develops space-related technologies in a variety of sectors, including agriculture, defense, environmental studies, RS, and telecommunications; contributes to and participates in ESA capabilities and programs; also participates in EU space programs and cooperates bilaterally with European and US space agencies and commercial space sectors; has a commercial space sector that researches, develops, and produces a variety of space technologies and capabilities (2025)
Space agency/agencies
Hellenic Space Center (HSC; aka Hellenic Space Agency; established 2018) (2025)
Geoparks
Total global geoparks and regional networks: 9 (2024)
Global geoparks and regional networks: Chelmos Vouraikos; Grevena - Kozani; Kefalonia-Ithaca; Lavreotiki; Lesvos Island; Meteora Pyli; Psiloritis; Sitia; Vikos - Aoos (2024)
Global geoparks and regional networks: Chelmos Vouraikos; Grevena - Kozani; Kefalonia-Ithaca; Lavreotiki; Lesvos Island; Meteora Pyli; Psiloritis; Sitia; Vikos - Aoos (2024)
Ports
Total ports: 57 (2024)
Large: 1
Medium: 7
Small: 7
Very small: 42
Ports with oil terminals: 13
Key ports: Alexandroupoli, Iraklion, Kerkira, Ormos Aliveriou, Piraievs, Soudha, Thessaloniki, Volos
Large: 1
Medium: 7
Small: 7
Very small: 42
Ports with oil terminals: 13
Key ports: Alexandroupoli, Iraklion, Kerkira, Ormos Aliveriou, Piraievs, Soudha, Thessaloniki, Volos
National coat of arms
the coat of arms was designed by Greek artist Kostas Grammatopoulos and has been in use since 1975; depicted in the national colors of blue and white; the white cross represents the country’s primary religion, Greek Orthodoxy, and the laurel branches symbolize victory
Key space-program milestones
1994 - signed first cooperation agreement with the ESA
2005 - first satellite (Hellas-Sat) for a domestic telecommunications satellite network launched by US; joined ESA (became member state in 2011)
2017 - first domestically manufactured communications satellite (UPSat) released from International Space Station
2019 - began participating in ESA’s quantum communications infrastructure (EuroQCI or “fiber in the sky”) and the US Gateway Lunar orbital/landing programs
2021 - launched ESA-assisted national program to develop, manufacture, launch, and operate small satellites
2024 - signed US-led Artemis Accords for space and Moon exploration
2025 - launched demonstrator/experimental RS cube satellite (DUTHSat-2) under ESA-assisted national small satellite program
2005 - first satellite (Hellas-Sat) for a domestic telecommunications satellite network launched by US; joined ESA (became member state in 2011)
2017 - first domestically manufactured communications satellite (UPSat) released from International Space Station
2019 - began participating in ESA’s quantum communications infrastructure (EuroQCI or “fiber in the sky”) and the US Gateway Lunar orbital/landing programs
2021 - launched ESA-assisted national program to develop, manufacture, launch, and operate small satellites
2024 - signed US-led Artemis Accords for space and Moon exploration
2025 - launched demonstrator/experimental RS cube satellite (DUTHSat-2) under ESA-assisted national small satellite program
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
33.4 (2022 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality